6/18 UPDATE: I just got an email from Terri Kromenaker at Harmony Valley. She points out that “the fruit share is NOT necessarily local – try as we might, there just aren’t a lot of Midwest organic growers, so much of the fruit comes from the west coast. We’ll get WI cranberries in the late fall, hopefully some WI/MN apples in the fall and maybe some blueberries from MI this summer, but this week’s box is all Cali, I’m afraid.” Thanks for the clarification, Terri. I’m sorry for the error!
Ate through every single thing from our box this past week - one day left to spare, in fact - and we’re eager for more, more, more! Here’s a rundown of what we’ll be getting from our Harmony Valley CSA, along with the farm’s suggestions for what to do with the food. I’ll also add that we get our first fruit share tomorrow, and it’s about time. I’m excited to see what comes.
The Veggies:
Okay, here’s the list:
- Red or Green leaf lettuce: Use first. Tear into pieces and stuff into a pita sandwich or add to tacos and burritos.
- Kohlrabi: Remove leaves and use first; chop into small pieces and steam or sauté until tender. Dress with butter and salt. Bulb should last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
- Spinach: Fill a veggie quesadilla with chopped fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and scallions.
- Strawberry: Mix sliced strawberries with honey and spoon over ice cream.
- Red radish: Dice into small cubes and mix into rice or other whole grain dishes for a little crunch.
- White or Purple scallion: Sauté in butter or oil and add to your veggie side dishes.
- Garlic scapes: Steam until tender, puree, and mix into mayonnaise or salad dressings.
- Salad mix: Make a bodacious dinner one night this week with a salad filled with broccoli, strawberries, radishes, and scallions. Toss with a simple vinaigrette, top with cooked chicken, add a loaf of bread, and feast!
- Napa cabbage
- Broccoli: Raw or stir fried. Use all of it - leaves, stem, and florets!
- Red Komatsuna or Yukina Savoy: Excellent greens to add to your bodacious salad (see above), or lightly sauté.
What am I most excited about? Well, the garlic scapes, for one - they’re beautiful and delicious. Radishes, of course… and strawberries! And did I mention that the broccoli we got last week was the sweetest, most delicious broccoli ever? My kids ate most of it before I got home from work last Thursday. If I can sneak out early today, maybe I can beat them to it.
The Fruit
Harmony Valley also provided a great list of the fruit we’ll be picking up. Here goes:
- Yellow June Crest Peaches from Mas Masumoto
- Bing Cherries and Apricots from Frog Hollow
- Flavorosa Pluots from Twin Girls Ranch
- Valencia Oranges
- Nectarines
- Hass Avocados
The list came with this bit of advice: “Eat the cherries first! The container in my box had some fuzz, so clear those cherries out first and store for a short time if need be.” Thanks for the tip, Harmony Valley people. Now I’m nervous.
