Wild Hare Weekly, Summer #3/18: Escarole, Chard, Sweet Cherries & Serious Romaine →

The crew is gearing up to harvest Farmer Mark’s favorite thing to grow AND his self-professed favorite vegetable. If you haven’t noticed, Mark loves growing lettuce in a BIG way, and the Romaine Lettuce we’re gearing up to harvest is no exception. Whether you’re feeling inspired or intimidated by the influx of lovely lettuce into your life (or both), be sure to scroll down for some recipes to enjoy in salads, sandwiches, wraps and more!

Yes, the Green Family is serious about their greens. And, if he’s picking favorites for mealtime, Mark would choose Escarole every time. (He’s actually cooking it as I type…ha!). Not to be confused with escargot, Escarole is a very mild Italian green looks a lot like lettuce and can be eaten raw in a salad; however, it truly shines when wilted down with a broth or soup, served with its right hand ingredient—white beans. Escarole does best for us when the temps are on the cooler side of Summer. It tends to struggle in the heat a bit, much like Chard, which we’re also harvesting as an option for the CSA this week. We grow two varieties, Rainbow Swiss and a slender stemmed Italian variety. Sweet and earthy, both varieties of Chard are beet and spinach adjacent in flavor and family. So, you’ve got some options to play with this week as we approach the height of Summer. We’ll have Sweet Red Cherries from Okanogan, as well as a little pick of Snap Peas and Broccoli to go along with it this week too.

Best,
Katie

ESCAROLE!

IN THIS WEEK’S FARMSHARES:

  • Romaine

  • Swiss Chard and/or Escarole

  • Onions

  • Sugar Snap Peas

  • Broccoli

  • Red Cherries