Dear CSA Member,
The first week of delivery is always full of activity. Picking, packing, counting and re-counting to make sure all of the shares are delivered correctly. It has been a brutally hot and dry spring time although as we start the pick the rain has finally come to the farm. Extremes seem to be the new normal. The temperatures fluctuated from 22 degrees to 85 degrees within a week staying in the 80’s and there was really no rain all the month of May and beyond.
Greens will fill the bulk of the share. The tender, spicy greens Suehlihung Green Mustard, Boc Choi and Chinese Cabbage can be chopped thinly added to a salad or quickly cooked in a wok. Mustard Greens are a spicy green that will cook quickly so do not over cook. The greens will have some small round holes in the leaves. The heat and dry conditions were perfect for an insect pest called the Flea Beetle to thrive. We have worked very diligently to keep the numbers of beetles under control using all of the Organic methods available, but the beetles always outnumber us and there will be some damage to the leaves. It is cosmetic damage only and will not in any way affect the flavor of the greens. The freshness of the greens can not be matched and you will notice the intensity of the flavor.
Fresh Red Tide and Tropicana Lettuces and Arugula for your salad. The Mustard and Mizuna are also so tender they are great chopped finely and added to a salad.
The CSA Marketplace is open and you can log into your CSA Member Account to order Honey, Maple Syrup, Coffee and Chocolate. Mushrooms are also available weekly from the Marketplace. Mushroom orders must be received by Friday 11 AM. All of the products that we offer on the Marketplace are grown or produced on small family farms. Support family farmers locally, in Central America and Grenada with your Marketplace order.
Optional Shares: Mushrooms this week are White Button
Coffee Share will be delivered. Please remember to pick up your Optional Share if you have ordered a Mushroom Share or a Coffee Share.
Members will ask, where is the Fruit Share? Fruit Shares start the 5th CSA delivery when local fruit is available.
Enjoy the vegetables.
Deborah for everyone at Stoneledge Farm