Ninthth CSA - Week of August 4th
Hey CSA members!
Full share members got: Lettuce Head, Dark Red Norland Potatoes, Broccolini, Yellow Onion, Golden Beets, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Parsley
Half share members got: Lettuce Head, New Potatoes, Broccolini, Yellow Onion, Golden Beets, Summer Squash, Tomatoes
Our one and only Alex Fox wrote our newsletter this week. Read this heartwarming story about him:
I have been a crew member here at Gallatin Valley Botanical since the beginning of February. I grew up on a 200 acre cow and barley farm just outside of Billings Montana. From a young age agriculture was engraved into my soul. Some of my earliest memories are sitting in the combine or swather with my uncle going up and down fields of alfalfa and barley to the rhythmic buzzing of the cutter-bar. Being outside all day as a child gave me an ever expanding appreciation for the outdoors so naturally my path in life is to become a steward for the environment. I was lucky enough to be hired and become the first full time seasonal employee of 2020. I have seen most of the plants here go from the seeds we sowed to the linear swathes of green in the fields today. Waiting for winter to end and dreaming of what this beautiful nook of Montana would look like once it was in full production was no match for the real thing. This place is special and being surrounded by people who care and contribute their lives to the same cause, while being led by two of the most charismatic and genuine people I have ever met creates awe filled days, everyday. I have never once questioned why I was here because I have a purpose so apparent, it makes those long and hot days in the sun fly by. The stark contrast between the kinds of agriculture I grew up with, and what I do for “work” now is undeniable. Matt and Jacy are contributing to the fight against the most unprecedented threat to our society by regeneratively growing organic food for our local community. Thanks to our CSA members, they can continue to do what’s unquestionably the right thing to do. Our CSA members are ensuring their own health and the health of our community all while eating the most delicious veg I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
With the arrival of August, we are starting to see things mature in the fields at a rapid rate. Summer squash, potatoes, tomatoes and onions are all coming into the pack shed at full force. On these hot summer evenings I have been enjoying a fresh salad tossed in my dressing of choice, topped with some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and some freshly cracked pepper nearly every day! It is so refreshing to go home after a long day of work and quickly whip something up that’s simple, yet so delicious. Having such flavorful and bright vegetables really brings out the beauty in easy meals. Keeping simplicity as a theme for cooking is important for me because most nights after work I am exhausted and don’t feel like making the kitchen a mess with pots and pans. If I were lucky enough to receive a CSA box this week, I would make a stir fry with the summer squash, golden beets, yellow onions, and broccolini.
Cover the bottom of a skillet or pan in a thin layer of oil and heat until shimmering. Cut squash, in half length wise and sprinkle cut side with salt. Thinly slice onion and beets. Gently set squash cut side down in hot oil, along with beets and onion. Let the squash sit for roughly 5 minutes, or until golden brown to flip, continuously move onions and beets to soften and caramelize. Lower heat and cover pan with a lid to continue to cook down until golden and tender. I prefer to make large meals so I can have leftovers! While heating up the oil I would boil 4 cups of water to make 2 cups of rinsed rice. Once rice is soft fluff with a spoon and let rest for 5 minutes off of heat. For sauce be creative and try something new! I typically use whatever I have in my pantry and lazy susan that sounds like it will meld together well. If you want to follow a more strict recipe, I found this one that looks like it would work beautifully with all of the ingredients in this weeks CSA box!
Cheers from the farm,
Alley and Alex