CSA Member Picnic and Fresh Chicken
CSA Pick-Up July 14-18
I know it might get old or seem superficial to some, but for farmers, the weather is always a valid conversation topic. As I sit here writing this afternoon, the rain gently soaks into the soil, and after a week of hot weather, I’m thankful for it. It looks like rain is in the forecast for the next few days, with good stretches of clear sky, too, so we can get this next round of seeding in, which means, if all goes according to plan (cross your fingers), the sky will do all the watering in of the new seedbeds for us. Of course, as farmers, we also know that plans are really just guidelines that sometimes get blown around in the wind and take us on occasional detours. It’s important to remember this, to check the forecast, and (because the forecast isn’t always right) to check the sky, feel the wind, note the dryness or heaviness of the air, and to learn what it smells like when a thunderstorm is rolling in. (A few thunderstorms are forecasted for this week–keep your nose to the sky).
Moving on from the weather, some exciting things are happening this week! Thursday is our CSA Member Picnic! Come by the farm anytime between 4:30 and 6:00, enjoy some farm fresh snacks, meet fellow CSA members, and explore the gardens.
On Sunday we are processing our chickens and will have fresh whole chicken for sale next week. All of our chickens are raised on pasture and fed certified organic grain. They are $5.95/lb, or $5.50/lb when you order 10 birds or more. We expect the birds to average 4 lbs. We’ll have order forms at the pick-up, or you can email or call to order yours ahead of time. Please plan on picking up your birds on Sunday (7/20) evening at the farm. Farm Store Members–you can use your credit toward chicken!
We are excited to be harvesting our first flush of cucumbers, and to see that our zucchini and summer squash are making a come-back (the cucumber beetles had hit them hard, and we were worried this first succession wouldn’t do much, but they are producing some beauties!). We hope you enjoy this week’s selection!
This week on the menu: cucumbers, zucchini, romaine, bunching onions, snap peas, fennel, choice of herbs
Quick and Easy Pickles
I admit it: I love Martha Stewart. Despite my affinity for wildness, I also have an appreciation for clean matching dish clothes and a perfectly organized kitchen (neither of which I currently have). So when a CSA member said she made kohlrabi “quickles” last week, I looked up a quick pickle recipe and found this one from Martha Stewart. You can find the recipe on her website here.
Ingredients
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 to 4 small red chiles (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 cups fresh dill fronds (about 1 bunch)
- Cucumbers, fennel, or zucchini
To Prepare:
In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, red chiles (optional), and ground turmeric. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Arrange prepared vegetables and dill fronds in one or more jars. Pour hot brine into jar to completely cover vegetables and seal jar. Refrigerate until cool, about 2 hours (or up to 1 week).