Summer #8/18: Blooms, Napa, Little Gems & Peaches!
Hot days are on their way, and I’m sweating just thinking about it. But, there will be fresh Red Haven Peaches from Okanogan on hand too, so we’ll be tempering the demands of the farm with soft and sweet, syrupy Summer goodness. I’m the sort of person who will go to great lengths to avoid cooking when it is hot, but shredding up a quick slaw, splitting a head of lettuce down the middle for a nice wedge salad, or if I am feeling ambitious, popping those halves onto the grill for a hot bit—those are the kinds of summer meals that I can muster up the energy to make when the temps creep up. While I may not be thrilled about the heat, I am overjoyed that our Napa Cabbage and Little Gem Lettuces are ready for harvest this week. Little Gems are SO CUTE. They’re smaller, squattier heads of lettuce that still form nice little hearts. Napa is frilly, elongated and can be used to make anything from Kimchi to a creamy slaw. Such a treat!
Al that being said, the biggest news is that the CSA flower garden is in bloom. Pops of color from an array of Poppies, Zinnias, and more are opening up just in time for members of the CSA to cut little bouquets to take home starting this week, free of charge. So grab a pair of scissors and give yourself a few extra minutes when you pick up your share between now and the end of our Summer season. It is one little way that we can thank you for supporting us and showing up here week after week, and it is our hope that cutting a few stems brings a bit of color, creativity and calm into your life! Helpful hint—a travel mug or cup makes a great transport vessel for your flowers. You can add water from our spigot, and pop your bouquet right into a cupholder for the drive home.
Enjoy!
Katie
IN THE FARMSHARES THIS WEEK:
Zucchini/Summer Squash
Napa Cabbage
Lettuce
Red Scallions
Peaches
RECIPES & SEASONAL TIPS
THE QUICK & EASY CABBAGE I SERVE WITH EVERYTHING- Frank Tium
CABBAGE CAESAR SALAD - Melissa Clark
SICHUAN HOT AND SOUR NAPA CABBAGE STIR FRY - The Woks of Life
LEBANESE SLAW- Feasting at Home
QUICK KIMCHI (MAK GIMCHI) - Cecelia Hae-Jin Lee
ZUCCHINI QUESADILLAS - Smitten Kitchen
PASTA SALAD WITH ZUCCHINI, SIZZLED SCALLION & PARMESAN - Alison Roman
ROASTED ZUCCHINI BURGERS WITH GARLIC WHIPPED FETA - Half-Baked Harvest
LITTLE GEMS WITH WARM GARLIC DRESSING - Jose Andres
LITTLE GEM WEDGE SALAD - Sunset Magazine