Lettuce Turnip the Veg

08/10/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 10
This week marks the halfway point in the season, and there is so much left to grow and harvest!
Just a reminder, if you need to pay for the 2nd half of the season or have a remaining balance, please make arrangements with me. CSA’s are a great way for farmers to maintain financial security throughout the season with the bond they have with their members. They dedicate the season’s bounty, their time, efforts and resources in return for the committed support of the members. Its a wonderful dynamic.

This week’s box:
Lettuce Mix
Shish*to Peppers (mild to medium spice)
Tomatillos
Carrots
Cherry Tomatoes
Basil
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Strawberries

Recipe ideas
Tomatillo Dressing https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Tomatillo-Dressing-430471?prm-v1
Stuffed Shish*to Peppers https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Stuffed-Shish*to-Peppers-9310753?prm-v1
Summer Squash salad https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Summer-squash-salad-345493?prm-v1

08/04/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 9
Summer is in full force on the farm, all the delicious summer goodies are ripening and ready to go. Cucumbers and tomatoes in the next boxes, as well as melons and more strawberries. Again we have delicious apricots in abundance, if anyone is wanting more for canning- let me know.
As with all the extremes of this year, bugs are no exception.. And the power of row cover as a deterrent is amazing. And that is visible in this week’s arugula harvest. The wind had blown the cover off the entire row, uncovering lettuce, basil, and arugula. And the picky little buggers went straight for the arugula and left everything else… Theres many times that harvests get scrapped because of their appearance. That would be the case with the arugula, but in fact there is nothing wrong with it. I still throw it in salads, but arugula is great in smoothies, and made into pesto or wilted. So I’m including some of those recipes. Have a great week!
This week’s box:
Lettuce Mix
Arugula
Beets
Dill
Chard
Green Onions
Shish*to Peppers (mild to medium spice)
Eggplant
Apricots!! (thanks to one of the CSA members for these delicious sweet treats)

Recipe ideas
Arugula Pesto- https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/arugula-pesto-51116200
Grilled Eggplant- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/grilled-eggplant-with-marinated-feta-8744005
Sautéed Shish*to Peppers- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sauteed-shish*to-peppers-7601681
Arugula Smoothies- https://vibranthappyhealthy.com/arugula-smoothie-recipes

We Have Gathered 10 Delicious Arugula Smoothie Recipes, as Well as 7 Arugula Smoothie Benefits.

07/28/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 8
My first experience farming came from an apprenticeship at Canvas Ranch. My blueprint, my inspiration and my aspirations all point back to that farm. When asked where the name came from, she explained that when she bought the place it was a blank canvas and it was hers to create. That resonated with me on so many levels, and it’s the motto I try and live by. I’m happiest when I’m creating something, and that applies to every aspect of my life. The farm is one of those outlets that allows me to express myself. Each season the canvas looks a little different, and where it’s rewarding to be able to till it all in and wipe it clean and start with a fresh canvas, there’s also reward in establishing deeper roots, forcing the canvas to evolve with a more long lasting direction. Much of this year has been focused on establishing parts of the farm that will shape the canvas in years to come. That reward isn’t always seen right away, and takes a lot of patience. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that, this season is very focused on building the farm for years to come
This week’s box:
Garlic Scapes (last of what was harvested)
Kale
Carrots
Summer Squash
Cilantro
Basil
Green Onions
Green Beans
Apricots!! (thanks to one of the CSA members who let me pick these delicious sweet treats)

Recipe ideas
Lemon Parmesan Green Beans - https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Lemon-Parmesan-Green-Beans-2257846?prm-v1
Infused Oil With Fresh Scapes: To infuse your olive oil, place 1/2 to 2/3 cup of fresh chopped scapes into a one cup mason jar. Fill the jar with extra-virgin olive oil and place the jar in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. Strain and refrigerate the oil. Be sure to use within a few days.
Summer Squash Salad https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Summer-squash-salad-345493?prm-v1

07/11/2023

https://m.facebook.com/groups/225554572775091/permalink/608250877838790/?mibextid=SDPelY

06/30/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 5

** Important- I had planned on taking the week of July 6th off, skipping that week with veggies and resuming the following week, but my daughter has a week long tournament in California the week of July 20th, so I will be taking that week off from harvests instead.
If you have reached out about weeks that you will be out of town, I will be coordinating with you directly to work around that if it conflicts. This will be week 8. The new date for week 8 will be July 27th. If you are on the every other week schedule and would like to keep it as scheduled I will reach out about that, as then you would switch to the even numbered weeks, versus the odd numbered weeks. Regardless I will be checking in about it.
I hope you all have a. Very happy 4th of July weekend!

*I keep forgetting to mention the page, I try to post the newsletter each week, along with pictures. So if you’re not already following, its Lettuce Turnip the Veg.
*Tips for herbs- if you have more herbs than you know what to do with (or garlic greens), chop them up and place small amounts in ice cube trays and fill with your favorite olive oil, and freeze. This is a time saver and great for pasta and veggie dishes on the go.

This week’s box:
Traveling Green Garlic (with garlic scapes)
Pac Choi
Toscano Kale, baby
Lettuce mix
Carrots
Cherries
Dill
Basil (small bunches from first pruning)
Sugar snap peas

Recipe ideas
Garlic Scape Butter! - https://www.binkysculinarycarnival.com/garlic-scape-herb-compound-butter/
Kale Salad - https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015707-lemon-garlic-kale-salad

Here's a snappy, fresh side dish or a light supper: a lemony green salad, rich with tang and crunch The dressing is nothing more than lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt Its simplicity makes it perfect.

06/22/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 4

Its officially summer! Can it please start to feel like summer… This year keeps making waves in all its extremes. From the torrential downpours, to the extreme winds and severe dips in nighttime temps- this is one for the books. We got close to a freeze Sunday night, but luckily it didn’t dip down that far. Summer crops are still on track for the coming weeks.
The strong winds were enough to disrupt the farms norm, and took the protective row cover off of several of the Asian green crops, and broke some brackets on the hoophouse. As you’ll be able to tell with the Pac Choi- without the row cover, they become bug eaten, as the cover suffices for the best bug protection, instead of insecticides. They are still just as good though.
*I keep forgetting to mention the page, I try to post the newsletter each week, along with pictures. So if you’re not already following, its Lettuce Turnip the Veg.
*Tips for herbs- if you have more herbs than you know what to do with (or garlic greens), chop them up and place small amounts in ice cube trays and fill with your favorite olive oil, and freeze. This is a time saver and great for pasta and veggie dishes on the go.

This week’s box:
Radish bunches
Salad turnip bunches
Traveling Green Garlic (with garlic scapes)
Pac Choi
Chard
Lettuce
Carrots
Strawberries
Dill

Recipe ideas
Garlic Scape Pasta! https://umamigirl.com/garlic-scape-pasta/
Chard : https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238314/bacon-and-potato-frittata-with-greens/
Dill Sauce : https://www.thekitchn.com/baked-salmon-dill-sauce-recipe-23153131

A fast and fancy dinner made for any night of the week.

06/22/2023

I'm a week behind 🙃
Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 3

And then it was summer vacation… It seems like we were just mid-snow storms and a cold, gloomy winter, and now the alarm clock for school mornings has been turned off. It seems like time keeps going by faster and faster, and there always seems to be more added to the list. I welcome the routine changes for summer break, and find my early mornings better spent on the farm, catching up on what need to be done. The rainstorms have been glorious for veggie growth, but the weeds seem to grow at triple the pace. This weekend’s project is to get a handle on them, and to finish planting the summer crops. The break in the rainstorms has given the field enough time to dry out, so the tractor can get back to work and the harvests aren’t quite as muddy.
*Tips for keeping produce crisp. As I mentioned before, after I harvest I just run them through a farm rinse. Its a quick wash, more to keep the greens from wilting and fresher longer. But it is a good idea at home to do a cold water soak, ~10 min or so in cold water, before patting dry and storing. This will keep the root veggies firmer and the greens crisper. If yours has wilted, this will rehydrate as well.
*Tips for herbs- if you have more herbs than you know what to do with (or garlic greens), chop them up and place small amounts in ice cube trays and fill with your favorite olive oil, and freeze. This is a time saver and great for pasta and veggie dishes on the go.
This week’s box:
Radishes (small bunches)
Traveling Green Garlic (a spring garlic, the greens are just are great for cooking with, as well as the small bulb. Different from storage garlic)
Pac Choi
Kale
Lettuce
Sugar snap pea
Spring Onions

Recipe ideas
Kale Pesto Pasta - https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-pesto-with-whole-wheat-pasta
Spicy Bok Choy - https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/167331/spicy-bok-choy-in-garlic-sauce/

This garlic bok choy is ready in minutes after a quick stir-fry. A sweet, gingery sauce with pepper flakes adds umami goodness to this subtle vegetable.

06/15/2023

Follow these steps to grow an endless supply of garlic indoors:
https://gardeningsoul.com/stop-buying-garlic-heres-how-to-grow-an-endless-supply-of-garlic-right-at-home/

06/09/2023

06/08/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 2

Busy, busy, busy… Busy seems to be the theme lately. The long winter put many things on pause, and now we’re off and running. Trying to find the balance of playing catch up, staying ahead, and being present in the moment and grabbing opportunity as it presents itself.
I’m throwing plants in the ground as quick as I can, to make the most of the summer and the growing months. As always, farming truly mirrors my day to day life at home and off the farm. We’re rolling into summer vacation, it will be the last summer break my daughter has before her high school years are over.. I’m trying to find that balance this year if not letting the busy, busy , busy take the place of what’s important, and making the most of this season. I’m finding peaceful mornings and quiet nights my most productive time on the farm, and the best way to start the day .
*all parts of the veggies are edible.. radish greens to the stems and flowers on the tatsoi (they are a beautiful garnish to salads or veggie dishes)

This week’s box:
Radishes (small bunches)
Traveling Green Garlic (a spring garlic, the greens are just are great for cooking with, as well as the small bulb. Different from storage garlic)
Baby Spinach
Kale
Lettuce
Sugar snap pea
Leeks (loose)
Tatsoi

Recipe ideas
Tatsoi Salad : https://iheartumami.com/tatsoi-recipe-salad/
Sautéed sugar snap peas : https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sauteed-sugar-snap-peas-recipe-1925182
Kale Quinoa Salad : https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Kale-Quinoa-Salad-1982502?prm-v1

06/02/2023

First harvest of the season 🌱❤️

06/01/2023

Spanish Spring Greens
2023 CSA Week 1

Happy first harvest week of the year!! I am so happy to have some new families to grow for, as well as many familiar ones. Just like the farm, many staples that hold strong season after season, and some new approaches, crops and experiments. Its been quite a start to 2023, the weather has been quite a ride. But June 1st, we have sunny skies, beautiful harvest and a lot to look forward to as summer approaches. This year is looking great for an abundance from the fruit trees, (apples, pluots, and peaches), and the strawberries are coming in strong. As many years as I have been doing this, the early months of the year have had the most obstacles for getting out to the farm. Big dreams for the season had the first harvest date at the beginning of May, well- that was not meant to be. But I am optimistic for this season, everything is growing very well despite the late start.
Theres been quite a lot of activity on the farm these last few months, as I could sneak it in between storms. The permanent fence at the back of the property was finished, which led way to planting fruit trees and bulbs for cut flowers along the back. This will also be an area that I focus on bringing in plants that will attract honey bees and beneficial insects to help the crops. We added 16 baby hens that will start laying eggs in September, and another baby goat, Nessy, who we will eventually breed and milk.
I am so looking forward to this season and growing your food. Thank you for supporting a local farmer.
*Produce is farm rinsed - it won’t be completely free from dirt or debris, its intended to help keep it crisp and hydrated.
*All sustainable practices used, and grown organically.
This week’s box:
French Breakfast Radishes (small bunches)
Traveling Green Garlic (a spring garlic, the greens are just are great for cooking with, as well as the small bulb. Different from storage garlic)
Arugula
Chard
Lettuce Mix
Dill
Spring Onions (again the greens are edible)
Pac Choi

Recipe ideas
Chard - chard frittata - www.cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/10343-chard-frittata
Arugula - Lemon and Arugula Pasta -www.sipandfeast.com/lemon-arugula-pasta/
Pac Choi - Perfect Pac Choi - https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/a33542260/perfect-pak-choi/

We keep it simple so the greens can really shine.