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Field Notes
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Farmer Dave's Notes
Being a farmer has its advantages. There is so much great tasting food within arm's reach that there is absolutely no reason to ever be overweight. I can eat like a rabbit all day, every day and never get any pudge. The only overweight rabbits I ever see are those in the pet store - who are often eating processed grass. While I as away working with greenhouse vegetables in the Republic of Georgia this winter, I put on a lot of weight as a result of attending so many feasts (or "supras," as they call them there). While everything was cooked from scratch and tasted absolutely amazing, it was very heavy and laden with oil and fats. So, it was no surprise when my doctor, in my annual physical, told me I was healthy, but should really lose 20 pounds (15 of which had been added over the winter.). So, I put myself on my own Farmer Dave's diet. Ninety percent of what I ate in May had come from my own fields and greenhouses. Most of that Georgia chub is now gone.
I had thought that by eating too much of my own food, I could actually put on weight. But, a friend of mine pointed out how few calories there are in most of what we harvest - even the sweet strawberries - so I will continue with my rabbit-like ways and enjoy my vegetables (no dressing needed either).
Field Notes
Out in the fields, this week's sun should grow us some wonderful food. Last week we had nearly an inch of rain, so the plants' feet are happy with water. The plants will stretch out for sun, like someone sunning themselves on a beach. As the plants stretch out, they will slowly shade the ground around them, hoping to slow our nemesis, the weeds. As the crops grow, they will shade the late-emerging weeds. Some crops we plant a little closer together in an effort to shade out the weeds more quickly. In June, we are busy weeding the fields. In July, when we get very busy harvesting, I ask the plants to battle the weeds more themselves - by shading. Healthy soils make for strong plants that can better fend for themselves, and as a result are more flavorful and denser in nutrients.
To healthy eating,
Farmer Dave
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In Your Share - Week 2
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The following items will most likely make an appearance in your share this week (and as always, the contents of your share is ultimately determined by Mother Nature's harvest conditions):- Lettuce
- Hakurei Turnips OR Beets
- Broccoli Raab or Tatsoi
- Bok Choy
- Arugula
- Peas
- Cucumbers OR Tomatoes (if we're lucky!)
- Cilantro or Dill
- Garlic Scapes
- And possibly more, depending on harvest conditions!
The first weeks tend to be more greens-heavy, and as the weather heats up, the variety of crops will increase accordingly.
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CSA Q & A: Fruit Shares
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Q: When do the fruit shares begin? A: The fruit shares are scheduled to last "at least 13 weeks." We say "at least," because if the weather cooperates and the crops ripen early, we'll start the fruit share early. In past seasons, we've begun the fruit share a week or two early when the weather has allowed. That's the good news. The bad news? We won't know until mid-July if that will be the case this year!So, plan to see the first fruit shares any time between late July and early August. Either way, there will be at least 13 weeks of delicious fruit!Q: I didn't sign up for a fruit share. Can I still sign up? A: Yes....and, the earlier you sign up, the more likely it is that we will be able to squeeze you in for the first week. You can sign up for a fruit share here.
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Fourth of July Pick-ups
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With Independence Day nearing closer and closer, some of you have already asked how the holiday will affect your pick-up schedule. In order to account for location closings (and family picnics!), we've made a few changes to our pick-up schedule, and we wanted to send it out early so you can make plans. Some notes: - If your normal pick-up day is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, your pick-up will take place at the regular day and time. If you will be around on your normal pick-up day, you don't need to read any further! We'll see you there =).
- If your normal pick-up or delivery day is Wednesday, we'll be sending you an e-mail with the schedule changes. Depending on where you pick up, there will either be a change to your pick-up day or your pick-up time for that week.
- If you cannot come to your pick-up:
- If you'd like to switch pick-up locations for the week of July 2 - July 6, please e-mail us no later than Wednesday, June 27 to let us know! As long as we have this advance notice from you, you can switch to any other pick-up location you'd like for that week.
- If you'd prefer to have us donate your share to a hunger relief organization, there's no need to contact us in advance - we'll do it automatically if you don't come and pick up!
- As always, if you forget to reschedule your pick-up, or to pick up your share at the designated time, we cannot hold your shares past the designated time, and your share will be donated to a hunger relief organization.
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CSA Q & A: What Happens if I Can't Pick Up My Share?
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Even though we printed this information in last week's newsletter, we received a lot of questions about what happens if you can't pick up your share. So in case you missed it, here it is (and for more FAQs, you can visit our website):Q: What happens if I can't pick up my share? A: If you won't be able to pick up your share at your regular pick-up location (vacation? long weekend? appointment?), you can switch to a different location for that week, as long as we have enough notice from you and enough truck capacity at that pick-up location. Want to make a one-time pick-up location switch? Here's what you need to do: - Notify us by e-mail at least 3 business days before your regular pick-up day, or 3 business days before the pick-up day you'd like to switch to, whichever is earlier. Let us know the primary shareholder's name, and the date and pick-up location where you'd like to pick up.
- We will respond to your e-mail, letting you know if we have space at that pick-up location on that day.
- Once we let you know that your pick-up switch is arranged, just show up at the new pick-up location during the designated time, and give your name to the pick-up staff. They will orient you to the new location and answer any questions you may have.
If you are unable to pick up your CSA share on your pick-up day, you may have a friend or family member pick up your share; just have them say that they are picking it up for you. If you are unable to get someone else to pick up your share, we cannot keep the shares past the distribution time, and will donate the produce to one of our hunger relief partners. All members agree to these terms when signing up for the CSA (either on the registration form or as part of the online check-out process). Home/office delivery is available within Somerville, Cambridge, and parts of Boston. Contact csa@metropedalpower.com to arrange home/office delivery - sometimes, they can arrange this on short notice!
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CSA Member Tip of the Week
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This week's tip comes from Erika, who picks up her share in Tewksbury:
"This is a fun tip, especially for those of you with tech-savvy and foodie kids. We have 3 aspiring young chef/techies in the house, and are going to be involving them with menu planning and our CSA share. We're planning to put them in charge of identifying the vegetables we receive in weekly share, and then searching for good recipes with them. Of course, we're going to have to taste test all the greens and then rate the final recipes. They'll be "Top Chef" as long as Mommy doesn't get "Chopped"! "
Thanks, Erika! Got a tip to share? Send it on over!
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Storage Notes
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Some tips for storing your share this week:
- Greens do best when in the fridge and kept cold. If you find your greens are not lasting as long as you would like, try turning your refrigerator a degree or two colder - it makes a big difference!
- If you run out of space in your crisper drawers, try using some large tupperware-like containers. You'll find your veggies last a long time in those!
- If you're looking to wash your lettuce ahead of time and eat it over a few days, check out this video to learn how to store your washed lettuce.
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CSA Q & A: What Kind of Peas Do I Have?
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You may be receiving the first of the season's peas this week, depending on our harvest conditions. How to tell if you have shelling peas, or edible pod peas (such as sugar snap or snow)? Ask your pick-up staff; they'll be happy to help out!
Already got your share home? A simple way to tell - take a bite out of one of the pods and chew. If it is tough and fibrous, simply spit it out and shell the rest of your peas!
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Strawberries for Sale?
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Even though the fruit shares do not begin until late July or early August, we may have some strawberries for harvest this week. This means that while we probably will not have enough berries to include in everyone's shares, we may have some pints available for sale! If you are interested in purchasing strawberries, make sure to bring exact change ($4/pint) to your pick-up location, as we are unable to accept credit cards at the pick-ups.
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| Recipe of the Week | Fresh Pasta with Garlic Scapes and Broccoli Raab
From City Share
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of broccoli raab, sliced in 1 inch wide strips
- 1 bunch garlic scapes, finely chopped
- 4 T butter
- 1 lb fresh pasta
- grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Steam the broccoli raab and set aside. Cook the pasta and drain. Melt the butter over medium heat and add the scapes. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the pasta and broccoli raab to the pan and toss to combine. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Chickpeas with Broccoli Raab and Bacon
Adapted by Farmer Dave's from Cooking Light
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli raab, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 6 garlic scapes, thinly sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Directions:
1. Cook broccoli raab in a large pot of boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add bacon; sauté 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in onion, oregano, and red pepper; sauté 4 minutes or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chickpeas; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broccoli raab, salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, tossing to combine. Place about 1 1/2 cups chickpea mixture on each of 4 plates; shave 1/2 ounce cheese evenly over each serving.
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 Groundwork Share-A-Share™ Update
|  Thanks to generous donations by you (CSA members) to the Groundwork Share-A-Share™ fund, we were able to subsidize the cost of shares in 2011 for over twenty individuals and families, as well as shares for local food pantries.
For 2012, we'd like to continue to offer subsidies to those in need. We still have some individuals and families on a waiting list. Please consider helping us in our efforts to make the CSA accessible to more families by donating to Groundwork Share-A-Share.
To learn more about the program, click here. Thank you all for helping us keep this program going in 2012! |
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Contact us:
Farmer Dave's
437 Parker Road
Dracut, MA 01826
(978) 349-1952
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