July 11, 2018

Hooray for the rain! Our farmers, crops, and even the pests that have been hitting us so hard this year are ecstatic that the monsoons have arrived. Besides the obvious effects of cooler weather and more water in the soil, we are hoping that the rain will increase the food sources out in the forest so the raccoons, javelinas, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and skunks can find some food that isn’t at our farms! These hungry critters are the reasons that we didn’t get any apricots this year, so let’s hope that they are able to move on and leave the rest of the crops for us.

This week tomatoes have arrived. These tomatoes are from Fred Wong, who has a small farm in Camp Verde. Pair them with fresh basil from Whipstone Farm and a little mozzarella and olive oil and there is no better meal. We also have kohlrabi this week. It is a crop that many are unfamiliar with, but it is delicious. Martha Stewart describes it as “a cross between radish, jicama, broccoli, and collard greens.” When you receive your kohlrabi you can cut off the leaves and refrigerate them separately. The leaves can be used just like other leafy greens within 3-4 days. The bulb will last for several weeks. Check out the recipe below if you need some help figuring out what to do with this one.

Payments for the second half of the season are due on July 25th. Hilary will be sending out email payment reminders this afternoon to those of you who have a balance due. Thanks to all of you for supporting our CSA and all the local farmers who grow our delicious produce!

Have an amazing rainy week!
Meghan

What’s in your basket – July 11th

Basil – Whipstone Farm
Garlic – Willowbrook Farm
Kohlrabi – Whipstone Farm
Onions – Willowbrook Farm
Plums – Marilyn’s Orchard
Shishito peppers – Willowbrook Farm
Summer squash – Willowbrook Farm
Tomatoes – Fred Wong

The cherry tomatoes are coming on strong at Willowbrook Farm.

The Whipstone crew harvesting basil from between the greenhouse tomatoes.

Planting melons at Whipstone.