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July 2, 2015
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Volume 21, Issue 3
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Produce
Veggies this week:
Broccoli, lettuce, radishes, spinach, pac choi (full shares), Carlton greens (half shares), Hakurei salad turnips, and Chinese cabbage (just full shares this week - more to come for everyone)
Veggies on the Way:
The kohlrabi are sizing up nicely, the zucchini are developing and the peas are flowering too! Next week we'll have scapes from Plum Creek Garlic!
Bread of the Week:
Cracked Wheat
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A Note from the Production Manager
Kate Ritger Hello friends!
Happy 4th of July! Distribution will take place as usual this Thursday (4-6 p.m. at the garden and 5-6 p.m. in St. Cloud), but due to the holiday the barn will be closed on Friday and the Farmer's Market will also be closed. If you miss Thursday pick-up the barn will be open again on Monday from 8 a.m. -7 p.m. Remember, it is always an option to send a friend, neighbor or family member to pick up your share. And never fear, the vegetables never go to waste ... we make weekly donations to the St. Joe Food Shelf and monastery kitchen, and the gardeners eat well too. We had a great time at the Garden Blessing and potluck! One of the gardeners led us in several beautiful prayers (see below), the rhubarb crisp and summer salads were delicious, and the kids had fun with the tents and campfire (to be honest, everyone enjoyed the S'mores ). We'll leave the benches and a picnic table out throughout the season so pack a lunch or dinner, bring a book or sketch pad, and come enjoy time at the garden -- we think we have the best "office" around. Zucchini blossoms Excerpt from our garden blessing ... "Bless the gardens of the world, the soil and rain and sunshine, And the work of all who sow and reap. Give abundant harvests, and teach us to share them with justice. God of grace, hear our prayer. Bless the gardens of our community, the shelter of families, the fragrance of friendship. In all our care for one another, make us grow in wisdom and love, in gentleness, kindness and truth. God of grace, hear our prayer. See you soon, Kate
Meet Savanna Goelz!
Hi! My name is Savanna and I'll be a senior nutrition/dietetics major here. I'm from the quaint little town of Maple Lake, Minn., and have lived on an organic dairy farm all my life. This is one of the huge reasons I was looking forward to working in the garden all summer. My five siblings and I have all worked on our farm since we were little--after we transitioned organic, I became more interested in the sustainability side of smaller scale agriculture and local foods. When I'm not in the garden, I enjoy reading, running and discovering new ways to cook up this wonderful produce. Nothing "beets" fresh veggies! Have a wonderful summer everyone!
Meet Brianna Miller!
Hello everyone! My name is Brianna Miller, and I am a peace studies major here at Saint Ben's. When I'm not gardening, you might find me singing with the CSB/SJU Chamber Choir, painting, swimming in Lake Sag or riding my bike around St. Joe. I grew up in a town about an hour and a half away from here called St. Bonifacius, with my parents, two sisters, fish, two dogs, bunny and 50 birds. My mom has always been into gardening, and she sparked my interest in growing fruits and vegetables. Working at Common Ground Garden has not only further grown my knowledge and love of fresh fruits and vegetables, but it has also opened my eyes to how CSA farms and the local food movement engage and strengthen communities.
Chromium
By Kari Sholing, RDN, who is a subscriber and our garden registered dietician. She will be contributing regular articles to the newsletter and is happy to answer specific questions.
Contact her at: karijean999@gmail.com
We don't often hear much about chromium. It's not one of the "big" minerals like calcium and magnesium. Needing less of it in our diet, however, does not make it less important. Chromium's most well-known function is its role in blood sugar control. It binds right next to the cell wall where insulin is working to allow glucose into the cell for energy production. Essentially, it strengthens the insulin signal to the cell allowing a more rapid glucose entry. Chromium is also known to help prevent elevated cholesterol and depression. Deficiency in chromium is rare, as many foods from all food groups contain at least small amounts of this mineral. One of the best sources is broccoli! Other vegetables from Common Ground that have good amounts of chromium are green beans and tomatoes. Vitamin C, also abundant in broccoli and tomatoes, helps our bodies absorb more chromium.
Monday Evening Volunteer Time
The weeds love the warm weather! Join us on Monday evenings for garden work, 5-7 p.m. All are welcome (any age or physical ability).
Girls in the Garden
Calling all Girl Scout troops! We had such a fun time last year that we are expanding to seven sessions for girls to work on their badges. Call Kendra to register your troop for fun at the garden: (320)-250-5668. $5 per participant, free for chaperones. A minimum of seven participants is needed for a program. 6-7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 6, Junior Badge: "Gardener"
Monday, July 13, Brownie Badge: "Bugs"
Monday, July 20, Junior Badge: "Animal Habitats"
Monday, July 27, Brownie Badge: "Snacks"
Monday, August 3, Junior Badge: "Flowers"
Monday, August 10, Brownie Badge: "Painting"
Monday, August 18, Junior Badge: "Digital Photography." Girls need to bring their own digital camera
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Contact information
Kate Ritger, Production Manager: 262-339-7737
Distribution takes place every Thursday afternoon, unless otherwise noted.
- 4-6 p.m. at the Common Ground Garden. Enter at the college entrance from Minnesota Street near 3rd Ave NW. Make a right at the stop sign and follow the gravel road out to the barn.
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5 - 6 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in St. Cloud. For a link on Google maps, click here.
- If you are unable to pick up during the scheduled time, come to the garden on Friday or Monday -- the barn is open both days from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Follow the instructions in the barn for self-service. A friend or family member can also pick up for you. Call Kate if you need to make other arrangements.
Bring Your Own Bag Don't forget to bring your own bag to pick up your veggies--canvas bags are great. We are also happy to receive your extra brown paper bags, plastic grocery bags, gallon ice cream pails and canvas bags. Too Many Food Scraps! We are no longer accepting compost at the garden. Please encourage your home city or municipality to expand their composting to food scraps, or start your own home bin. |
St. Joseph's Farmers' Market
Find us on We've been posting photos and more about the garden. Would you like to learn more about other happenings at Saint Benedict's Monastery? Sign up for our e-newsletter, Monastery Musings, and find out more about the Sisters, special events and offerings that go on here year-round. Just send Sister Karen Rose your e-mail address at krose@csbsju.edu and we'll add you to our e-newsletter list! |
Every week we will send several recipes that make use of the produce you are receiving in your bag. We also have a significant collection of recipes. Please send us your own recipes, too--either favorites from your cookbooks or your own concoctions.
Note on storing salad greens: Try to keep as much air in your bags as possible. This will keep your greens fresher longer and prevent wilting.
Chinese cabbage:The flavor is sweet, tangy, juicy and delicious. Eat them cooked or raw.
Pac choi: try it on the grill, lightly steamed, in soup or in a stir fry.
Radishes: The tops are edible too! Sautéing them will take away the bristles.
Butter-braised Radishes and Radish Greens with Farro
From The CSA Cookbook
If you prefer flavors on the "mild" side, swap the sriracha out and use various spices or herbs: cumin is very nice on roast broccoli, or take out the soy and sesame and try thyme, parsley, sage or rosemary for a more Italian flavor.
Brown rice, spelt, or barley would be nice replacements if you don't have farro on hand.
1 cup uncooked whole-grain farro, rinsed 1 pound radishes with greens 2 Tbsp butter ¾ cup chicken broth (or veggie broth) 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 to 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the farro and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until the faro is tender but still pleasantly chewy. Drain the farro, cover and keep warm.
Meanwhile, trim the greens from the radishes and coarsely chop the greens. Cut the radishes into quarters or eighths (depending on how large they are) and set the radishes and greens aside separately.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the radishes in a single layer, with most of the cut sides down, and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottoms start to brown and carmelize. Give a stir, then add the broth, vinegar, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until the radishes are tender. Stir in the radish greens and cook for about 3 minutes until wilted. Turn off the heat, add the farro and toss to combine. Serve warm with a sprinkle of feta and parsley on top.
Shaved Turnip Salad with Arugula and Prosciutto
From www.cooking.nytimes.com/recipes
Shave some radishes too, or use spicy mix, kale or lettuce. Smoked turkey would be nice or finely grated Parmesan.
4 tsp red wine vinegar ¼ tsp fine salt 2 tsp honey ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Pepper 4 small turnips, about 5 ounces 8 cups arugula 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into bite-size pieces
In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and salt until the salt dissolves. Whisk in the honey, oil and pepper. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the turnips into paper-thin rounds. In a large bowl, combine turnips, arugula and prosciutto. Toss with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage
Fromwww.chinese.food.com
Add other veggies to this stir fry ... carrots, radishes, kale, zucchini. The oils are a nice base for any stir-fry. Serve over rice, soba noodles or alongside grilled chicken.
2 Tbsp peanut oil ½ tsp red pepper flakes 1 head Chinese cabbage, shredded 1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 Tbsp rice wine 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp minced ginger root 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Stir together rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger root in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat the oil in a wok/pan over medium-high heat.
Add red pepper flakes and minced garlic, and stir-fry until it becomes aromatic but not scorched.
Add shredded cabbage and stir-fry until limp, but not mushy.
Add contents of seasoning bowl and cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes more, until liquid is almost absorbed.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve.
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 Common Ground Garden is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm, where members purchase a share of vegetables and each week during the farm season receive a bountiful box of fresh produce. We pride ourselves on producing fresh, clean, healthful food picked at the peak of flavor and nutrition. As much as we are able, we grow our vegetables without the use of any chemical herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers. We use cover crops, rotations, compost and ingenuity to produce your food in a way that's healthy for you and for the community. When necessary for pest control or to combat disease, we use only products approved for organic gardening.
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Common Ground Garden is the ministry of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict.
104 Chapel Lane St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374
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