FIRST FROST, CELERY ROOT, DELICATA & D'ANJOU →

October 15, 2018 Katie Green

WILD HARE WEEKLY FALL #3/11

I can’t think of a more exceptional October than the one we’ve enjoyed thus far. But while we’ve got more sunshine than we know what to do with by day, for the past few mornings, we’ve seen the first light frosts out in the fields. Some of our most tender greens are showing it on their tips, so although we wouldn’t typically harvest something like Bok Choy back-to-back for the CSA, we’re going to make sure that we get to take bites of it out in the field before the frost does. Here’s what we’re working with this week:

CHICKS, CHOY, ACORNS, APPLES & PEARS APLENTY →

October 8, 2018 Katie Green

On Friday, we welcomed another 325 baby chicks to Wild Hare Organic Farm. Baby chicken day comes with its own set of customs. Mark leaves arrives at the post office before they’re even open. With a cup of coffee and a big fat book that he reads by flashlight, he waits in order to get the tiny birds into the warm truck and back to the farm as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence for the day-old birds’ well-being, especially on chilly mornings, and Mark is the consummate mother hen. There’s smug—and then there’s “Mark Green driving down I-5 with 325 baby chicks peeping away in the passenger seat” smug. And for four years of flocks now, Jade has been the first person to greet the birds here at the farm, dipping their little beaks to ensure they get a drink of water before scrambling into the brooder to warm up and rest after a long night’s journey. Morgan, Luis and even Hazel got in on the ritual this year too, and so far, the birds have been healthy and happy overall. Well loved. Hazel could clock hours in the brooder if we’d allow it—she swears that they love having their fuzzy tummies tickled, but only time will tell.

When we’re not fussing over baby chickens, we’re hosting a ton of field trips and getting increasingly excited about this year’s Fall crops. We’ve got a whole lot of harvesting yet to do in the field, but that is ultimately a very good thing. There’s a nice window, just before things get too frosty, when we’re able to coax some truly stunning greens out of the field. You’re going to love the Bok Choy that we’ve got coming to the CSA this week, not to mention the first of the Winter Squash (Acorn) and the last of the Stone Fruits (Flavor Rich Pluots). And to top it all off, David brought a truckload of one of my most anticipated apples—the Spartans have invaded the farmstand, along with the Melrose and Mutsu. Biting into a Spartan Apple is like biting into a crisp cup of cider, so I definitely recommend them for fresh eating. Sauce them if you must, but they’re snappy—the perfect snack to enjoy while your wedges of Acorn Squash are roasting away in the oven.

Best,
Katie

FALL BEGINS AT WILD HARE →

October 1, 2018 Katie Green

It is October—bring on the sweet Apples, the wild and wonderful Winter Squashes and so many great vegetables! This time of year, we harvest with great anticipation—getting the root cellars ready and curing table after table of squash for the meals we’re going to enjoy over the next few months. This week is shaping up to be a Fall Brassica extravaganza—with everything from Tokyo Turnips to Daikon Radishes, Broccoli Raab, Cauliflower and Cabbage too! I generally field a whole lot of questions about what the season ahead will be like at the farm. My short answer is always, “Delicious--you should come by!” and while that is still true for this year, we have a few changes to report as we turn over a new seasonal leaf, and we want you to be in the know. Read on, farm folks.

Our Fall CSA Begins this week!
Are you signed up? If you meant to, please send me a reply ASAP. We have only a handful of spots left, but one of them could still be yours. Pickup for the Fall CSA takes place at the farm on Tuesdays (12-7pm) and Wednesdays (10am-5pm). If you’re one of our Browns Point folks, you’re still on for Wednesdays from 4-7pm at North 47 Brewing Co. The routine is nearly identical to the summer, minus the weekends of course. Bring whatever reusable bags, cartons or containers you’d like. If you’re running late, we’re happy to pack up your share and put it out front for you to pick up after hours. Just call or text (253) 778-6257. Please note that with the extra bit of ‘help’ from Daylight Savings Time, it is eventually dark in the field by the late afternoon. If you have your heart set on picking herbs and whatnot, plan on coming as early as you can during the pickup time—or bring a headlamp!

That means New Hours this October
With our main season now behind us, the farm is open Tuesdays 12-7pm & Wednesdays from 10am-5pm, with the exception of privately scheduled field trips. Whether you’re picking up a CSA or not, you can stop by for local organic produce--or to visit Jack, the hens and the baby chicks who will arrive on October 5th! Like me, they love visitors! This also means that we will not be open on the weekends in October this year. We know this might disappoint a handful of folks, but for the season of life that we’re in here and now—operating a year round CSA, welcoming more students to the farm Fall for Educational Field Trips, and raising a really incredible little girl (who face it, won’t be seven forever) is plenty for us to ask of one another.

Why are there so many cars in the parking lot and who are all of these KIDS?!
Because young people can’t get enough of our Rutabagas. Just kidding—a girl can dream, but no, it is actually a truly delightful and meaningful reason. Over the next several weeks, we will share the farm with a couple thousand children, parents and school teachers from around the South Sound with our Educational Tours program. This is a departure from our day to day growing, but it is just so important to us to share a bit about where real food comes from this time of year. I have done my best to avoid peak CSA share pickup times with one unavoidable exception--if you typically pick up with us on a Wednesday morning, you might find the parking lot a little fuller than usual. (Whereas, we’ll be tour free during our Tuesday hours!) If Wednesdays are your only option, be sure to ask Katie about our super top secret CSA parking options.

Can I pick my own apples & make cider?
As has been the case for the past several years, apple picking will not be open to the general public, and we do not offer cidermaking at the farm. For now, we hope you'll shop with us for an array of great organic apples and pears grown right here in Washington state. If you're really looking to pick your own apples, please visit pugetsoundfresh.org to check for open upick apple orchards or cider squeezing events.

With all of that said, there’s so much to enjoy, starting right now with week one. Be sure to check out the recipes below and try out one or two. I know that we’re kicking the sniffles to the curb one nourishing pot of Greens and Daikon Radish at a time in our house, so thank goodness for the harvest this week.

Best,

Katie & Mark