This week marks the start to our first CSA. Hooray!
In addition to harvesting this week, we are still transplanting and seeding. We've also had to get irrigation going. I'm not certain but I think this spring may be setting records for dryness, nationally and locally; which beats last springs excessive rain, but somewhere in between would be nice. In addition to the dryness, we've also had to battle the usual suspects of flea beetles and woodchucks for the past couple months since we started getting crops in the ground.
(The flea beetles did get into the pac choi a bit, so don't be alarmed by a few holes. While I know previous CSA-CNY members may be accustomed to this, we just wanted to forewarn new members. It is still a perfectly edible incredible green)
Aside from those regular challenges, we are all set to start harvesting for you; our members.
Here's a list of some of the crops we will be putting in shares this week. Please keep in mind that this a general harvest list and will not always be the exact contents of your share. We will do our best to vary items every week as available. I can say all shares will be getting lettuce and asparagus, and all regular shares will be getting Rhubarb this week, and small shares will get some next week.
In addition to harvesting this week, we are still transplanting and seeding. We've also had to get irrigation going. I'm not certain but I think this spring may be setting records for dryness, nationally and locally; which beats last springs excessive rain, but somewhere in between would be nice. In addition to the dryness, we've also had to battle the usual suspects of flea beetles and woodchucks for the past couple months since we started getting crops in the ground.
(The flea beetles did get into the pac choi a bit, so don't be alarmed by a few holes. While I know previous CSA-CNY members may be accustomed to this, we just wanted to forewarn new members. It is still a perfectly edible incredible green)
Aside from those regular challenges, we are all set to start harvesting for you; our members.
Here's a list of some of the crops we will be putting in shares this week. Please keep in mind that this a general harvest list and will not always be the exact contents of your share. We will do our best to vary items every week as available. I can say all shares will be getting lettuce and asparagus, and all regular shares will be getting Rhubarb this week, and small shares will get some next week.
- Asparagus
- Pac Choi (an asian green much like Bac Choi, great sauteed or in stir fries and soups; crunchy and sweet)
- Cooking greens; Kale, dino, green or red russian, or Swiss Chard
- red leaf lettuce
- herbs, oregano or mint
- Rhubarb
- scallions
Our littlest "foreman" inspecting the irrigation process.
A view of the high tunnel bounty.
Adonia and Travis enjoying some tractor time.
Remember that photo of the waterwheel? This is that field now; well before being weeded that is.
For your historical update, we have started our germination test on those old seeds. I started with wheat, oats, alsike clover, black and green soy and alfalfa. And guess what? The clover and soy started to germinate in their overnight soak! This is very exciting; if we can reclaim these older non GMO seeds (especially the soy, corn, and alfalfa) we can offset some of the costs of feeding the livestock and reintroduce heritage strains back to the area.
For a recipe this week, since everyone will be getting asparagus, I will share my favorite, most simple way of enjoying this wonderful nutritious spring crop.
Soak for about 1/2 and hour in balsamic vinegar, throw on grill at medium temp, cook till seared and slightly tender, cool and enjoy. A great way to incorporate veggies into a cookout, and simple enough for even the most novice chef.
If you have a favorite recipe to share, please do here in the comment section. By being part of a CSA, you are committing to being part of a community of like minded people, and we encourage you to share your ideas with other members, whether it's recipes, storage suggestions, gardening tips, ride shares, etc.
First shares start going out Wednesday to Watertown Market, then most will go out Thursday, and finally Saturday's Regional Market pickup. All crops will be freshly harvested the day before or morning before you get it.
We will keep you updated when crops become available for u-pick, or available in bulk for preserving, including some of Grindstone Farm's goodies.
For your historical update, we have started our germination test on those old seeds. I started with wheat, oats, alsike clover, black and green soy and alfalfa. And guess what? The clover and soy started to germinate in their overnight soak! This is very exciting; if we can reclaim these older non GMO seeds (especially the soy, corn, and alfalfa) we can offset some of the costs of feeding the livestock and reintroduce heritage strains back to the area.
For a recipe this week, since everyone will be getting asparagus, I will share my favorite, most simple way of enjoying this wonderful nutritious spring crop.
Soak for about 1/2 and hour in balsamic vinegar, throw on grill at medium temp, cook till seared and slightly tender, cool and enjoy. A great way to incorporate veggies into a cookout, and simple enough for even the most novice chef.
If you have a favorite recipe to share, please do here in the comment section. By being part of a CSA, you are committing to being part of a community of like minded people, and we encourage you to share your ideas with other members, whether it's recipes, storage suggestions, gardening tips, ride shares, etc.
First shares start going out Wednesday to Watertown Market, then most will go out Thursday, and finally Saturday's Regional Market pickup. All crops will be freshly harvested the day before or morning before you get it.
We will keep you updated when crops become available for u-pick, or available in bulk for preserving, including some of Grindstone Farm's goodies.
One of our oldest (3) and therefore most spoiled hens; still laying and at our doorstep every morning.
We are all looking forward to the season, and meeting many of you through events, workshares and markets.
In good health, from our family to your's;
The Pistello Family of Freedom Rains Farm.
We are all looking forward to the season, and meeting many of you through events, workshares and markets.
In good health, from our family to your's;
The Pistello Family of Freedom Rains Farm.
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