Pre-Harvest Newsletter

Dear CSAers,

          Welcome (or welcome back) to the Peak Season CSA Community! Now, this may be the first official newsletter of 2013, but don’t rush off to your pick-up location just yet. I know it has been a long winter and the anticipation of diving into that first bin is unbearable, but hold out just a little longer CSAers! The cool temperatures this spring mean that kick-off will be delayed until the week of 16^th.

          Maybe you were counting on preparing a father’s day feast of spinach and green beans, but do not panic. Even without your CSA bin, Dad’s special meal can still include some local flavors. Our recommendation? Morel mushrooms! One benefit of the wet weather to appreciate is that everyone’s favorite shroom seem to be popping up everywhere. Maybe you have a secret spot to go “hunting.” If not, you can always find some at the Sarah Hardy Farmer’s Market (Saturday 8-12, Wednesday 7:30-12 located in the old Clinch Park Zoo parking lot). Preparation is pretty simple: Step 1) rinse toughly Step 2) halve or quarter mushrooms, depending on the size Step 3) sauté in butter Step 4) Serve with steak, prepared however Dad likes it! Morel omelets are another delicious (and vegetarian) option. Father’s Day brunch is saved after all!
     While it may seem like a slow start, things are anything but torpid around the farm. The bees are working hard to pollinate last blossom and it seems that the farm crew has taken on the busy-bee work ethic. The pre-harvest preparations are therefore coming together quickly and efficiently. The crew even made some spare time to help plant eggplant, peppers and tomatoes in the garden this week. What goes down must come up and the days of roasted eggplant will be here before we know it!
         You can get ready for the season too! Clean out your fridge and cupboards now, you’ll need the space soon! Begin planning how you will make the most of your CSA bin. Maybe set a goal of trying one new recipe a week or start a journal to keep track of all the new foods you will soon be devouring. While it may not be time to come out and pick-up your bin, go for a cruise down the Old Mission Peninsula to enjoy the last of the spring blossoms.

Happy Father’s Day!