Pricey CSA Members,
You’ll have seen the latest information about Cyclospora. We needed to take a second to speak about it straight.
Public well being consultants have been telling individuals that purchasing contemporary produce straight from native, trusted growers is among the most secure decisions you can also make proper now. And this makes a variety of sense,
Cyclospora is a human parasite, not one thing that grows on greens. The parasite sometimes will get into meals from fecal contamination of water via large industrial provide chains — agricultural-scale irrigation, shared canals, and centralized processing or packing vegetation.
Our farm is remoted in southern Vermont the place the CDC confirms there are presently no confirmed circumstances of cyclospora linked to the continuing nationwide outbreak.
Small household farms like ours are completely different from the industrial operations tied to all these outbreaks. We scale back dangers by irrigating and washing produce in clear water from underground wells slightly than drawing from open, shared agricultural canals. Our water is often examined to satisfy ingesting water requirements. All the things is picked by hand and washed on-site in our personal wash/pack facility, the place all wash water runs via an auto-dosed Tsunami sanitizer system (hydrogen peroxide based mostly). And since we’re working a couple of acres, not 1000’s, we are able to watch each step of the method intently, which cuts out the cross-contamination danger that comes with scale. Each member of our crew goes via rigorous food-safety coaching, and we maintain CAPS+LGS certification via the Vermont Fruit and Vegetable Growers Affiliation (our state’s equal of GAP). Matt and I are fastidious about cleanliness on our farm. Not simply now, however all the time.
We imagine that rising contemporary meals is each a privilege and a duty. Each member of our crew who harvests, washes and packs our produce performs a task in defending the well being of our clients. By practising wonderful hygiene, utilizing clear water, and respecting meals security day by day, we honor the belief you positioned in our farm.
We attempt to deal with each buyer’s meals with the identical care and respect we might anticipate for our personal households. We’re all the time open to communication if in case you have any questions, feedback or considerations.
Your farmers,
Maggie & Matt
What’s in season this week?
For weekly members, it’s possible you’ll be seeing a return of a few of final week’s favorites, as we attempt to distribute the much-loved objects to each weeks A and B.
Swiss Chard
This inexperienced is as fairly as it’s good for you. Slice the crunchy stems and give them a head begin within the pan since they take a little bit longer, then add the tender leaves to wilt down on the finish. It is improbable sautéed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon, folded right into a frittata, or stirred into white beans and pasta. Storage: Retailer in an air-tight container within the fridge
Basil
As soon as the basil is prepared you recognize that summer time is basically right here! Take the complete bunch and make an incredible pesto to serve over pasta!
Storage: Stand the stems in a glass of water on the counter, like a little bit bouquet — don’t refrigerate
Bunched Carrots
Freshly pulled from the bottom with their inexperienced tops nonetheless on, our carrots are so candy and crunchy! Scrub them (no have to peel when they’re this contemporary) and eat them uncooked, roast them complete till they caramelize, or shave them right into a brilliant slaw. You should use the greens in a pesto or garnish, or simply discard within the compost.
Storage: Separate the tops from the roots earlier than storing in an hermetic bag within the fridge
Zucchini
Peak-season and impossibly versatile. On this warmth, they’re nice on the grill, sliced skinny and completed with lemon and a little bit Parmesan. And sure, when the harvest goes wild, there’s all the time zucchini bread!
Storage: Retailer in an air-tight container within the fridge
Cucumbers
Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing on a sizzling day. Slice them right into a salad with dill and a splash of vinegar, toss them with yogurt and garlic for a fast tzatziki, or simply eat them with a little bit salt straight off the slicing board. For a summer time deal with, drop a couple of slices in your water pitcher.
Storage: Retailer in an air-tight container within the fridge
Batavian Lettuce
Additionally referred to as summer time crisp, and it earns the title — ruffled, free leaves with a satisfying crunch that holds up higher within the warmth than most lettuces. It is gentle and candy, so deal with it gently with a lightweight French dressing.
Storage: Retailer in an air-tight container within the fridge
Mini Romaine
We LOVE this new mini Romaine selection with a candy, crunchy coronary heart. And sure, you may safely eat our lettuce. 🙂
Storage: Retailer in an air-tight container within the fridge
WILTED VEG?
The summer time warmth can wilt your greens quick if omitted to dehydrate. You’ll be able to revive virtually any wilted inexperienced by dunking it in a big bowl of ice chilly water. Let it sit for as much as 20 minutes, shake off and retailer within the fridge.
HOW TO STORE YOUR VEG
Leafy greens must be saved in an air-tight bag or container — one thing to maintain within the moisture. Plastic produce baggage like these work properly. I goal for a plastic-free kitchen and love my Vejibags. They’re an funding, however final a lifetime.
