September 4 - Whole Farm/Summer CSA

Full Share: Cabbage, Snow Leopard Melon, Broccoli, Onion, Tomatillos, Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Lettuce Head, Cilantro

Half Share: Snow Leopard Melon, Broccoli, Onion, Tomatillos, Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Cilantro


Hi and happy September!

It’s wild to think that the fall season is already quickly approaching! Over on the Rocky Creek side of the farm, we are making preparations in our flower fields for the first frost of the season, which we usually plan for around September 10th. Preparing for that first frost in flower farmer world means that we are harvesting loads of flowers and grasses in bulk right now so that we can preserve them as dried flowers. Some flowers, such as statice or snap dragons, thrive in the cold weather, while others, such as zinnias and strawflower, are more delicate and will see the end of their season when the frost hits. We are currently prioritizing harvesting bulk amounts of these types of flowers. When we harvest flowers for drieds, we pick them in medium-sized bunches, get rid of any excess foliage, and then hang them upside-down in the attic of our barn. After a bit of time passes, the flowers dry with some of their shape and color preserved. We then use them for dried bouquets and holiday wreaths throughout the winter season! You can be on the lookout for a dried bouquet at the end of September as your final flower arrangement for the summer CSA season :)

The beginning of the fall season also means that Farm School will be starting up again next week! I am beyond excited for another season of teaching Farm School here at GVB, and we still have a few spots left in both of our age groups! The 4-6 year-old group meets on Thursdays, and the 1st-5th grade group meets on Fridays. Students in our farm school program participate in a more immersive farm experience, and get to help with and learn about all the exciting things happening here during the fall season. You can sign your kiddo up on our website if you are still interested - we’d love to have you!


This week’s CSA box is a special one because it contains some produce that we haven’t had in our boxes yet this season! The theme of this week’s box is intended for salsa making (cilantro, peppers, tomatillos, etc.), so of course it had to include the first of this season’s heirloom tomatoes! You can be on the lookout for more of the larger varieties of heirlooms in your upcoming boxes, as the big ones are almost ready to be harvested and enjoyed. Another new item in your CSA boxes this week is the Snow Leopard Melon. This melon has a sweet, honey-like taste, and is perfect as a refreshing treat as the last few days of summer come to an end. You’ll know this melon is ripe to eat when you smell a strong, sweet sent at the end of the melon.


Recipes:

Lime-Cardamom Snow Leopard Melon Sorbet: https://chefdrmike.com/recipes/desserts/melon-sorbet/

Summer Melon Salad with Mint and Prosciutto: https://www.centralcoop.coop/entry.php?BID=58

Dumpling Tomato Salad with Chili Crisp Vinaigrette: (see recipe below, only takes 15 minutes to make!)

Ingredients:

For the salad…

  • 2.5 pounds heirloom tomatoes cut into 1-2 inch pieces

  • 1 garlic clove, grated

  • 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn

  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 pound frozen potsticker dumplings

For the chili crisp vinaigrette…

  • 3 tablespoons chili crisp (or chili oil)

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

  • Mix the salad ingredients together in a bowl and cook your potstickers according to package directions.

  • Mix the dressing in a separate bowl and drizzle over the salad mixture.

  • Mix everything well and enjoy!


Hope you have a lovely rest of your week!

Lucy

Jacy Rothschiller