Vegetable Highlights at Outer Aisle

Hot weather and ripening fruit! We are excited to get the first of the nectarines, Arctic Star, as well as the first of the Patterson apricots. Unfortunately hail in the early part of the year damaged the first crop of apricots beyond recognition. Sadly this year's Bing cherry crop was a "no go", they experienced the same weather related problems, this time splitting from too much rain. Fortunately, the Smit's had the foresight to plant many varieties and although the Bings will be missed we look forward to the heart shaped variety we'll be getting this week. Just to make your mouth water even more: Red Beaut plums and Gold Dust peaches, blackberries and blueberries! 

Summer squashes are in abundance and at their peak of harvest for the next couple of weeks. Six different varieties including our favorite Costata Romanesco a light green ribbed squash, originally from Italy, that has the flavor of seafood! Try slicing lengthwise and grilling (check out recipe below).

Basil time of year! Lime, Thai and Sweet basil.

Green beans, peas, carrots and broccoli from the coast are in, so are sweet red onions, fresh garlic, swiss chard and the list goes on.  

Producer's Profile:  

Tyson Hill Farm, Waterford (Est. 1951)

(Located near the banks of the Tuolumne River)

We are possessively excited (in the best possible way) to have a close relationship with the Tyson family and their amazing parade of luscious fruit that comes to us on a weekly basis 9 months of the year. Their commitment to organic agriculture spans multi-generations and they as a family continue to work the orchards, harvest and sell their product through farmers markets and in the last few years to us.  

Influenced early on by the work of organic proponent and pioneer J L Rodale in the 1930's, the Tyson family for over 60 years have grown fruit without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Not only is their fruit "clean" the quality is exceptional and in many cases the varieties, like the fabled Faye Alberta peach (coming), are old varieties that you'll only find at farmers' market or markets like ours. Their slogan says it all: "Bringing you the best of old favorites and new".

Stove Top Summer Squash Gratin

6 medium squash, sliced diagonally 1/4 inch

2 cloves garlic

1 bulb of shallot minced

1 bunch lime/thai basil

1/4 cup of Parmesan Reggianno or other hard cheese

1/2 tsp Truffle salt

Balsamic vinegar

Fry squash in olive oil on both sides until browned, reduce heat (medium heat) and add garlic, shallot and 3/4 of chopped lime or thai basil. Add ground black pepper, truffle salt and cheese. Cover until cheese is melted and squash is cooked through. Garnish with remainder of basil and dash of balsamic vinegar.

We just pulled up our onions (some of them as large as softballs) and they are in the barn drying down. That's a great feeling! Garlic varieties are slow to come out of the ground this year, but the first variety is hanging with several more to go.

The last week for summer veggie seedlings. We'll have fall plants in September! Compost is available through Brice Station between Murphys and Avery. You must call ahead: Stuart Mast 768-7262.  

Plenty of irrigation supplies at the store and check out the amazing gopher traps that are revolutionizing our operation. Eric will be available on Thursdays to answer your questions.