Seedlings don’t love this hot weather, so instead of transplanting little sprouts into the field, weeks like this often involve harvesting, weeding, and pest control. Organically grown produce involves a lot of these last two tasks, since growers can’t just spray to eliminate everything. Instead, they use weed cloth or plastic around certain crops, organic pesticides to try to keep the bugs down (it doesn’t always work though), lots of hand weeding and traps, and some amount of trickery (see that plastic owl in the photos a few weeks back). Even with all of that, the fields end up looking like a jungle by the end of the season as the army of weeds and the time required for harvesting take over. It is not for the faint of heart!
This week we have some lovely leeks from Fasteen Farms, a family farm in Camp Verde across the river from Willowbrook Farm. The Fasteens grow some wonderful produce and we look forward to all the goodies we will get from them this season. Also this week, more beets and cabbage. I know this may feel a bit overwhelming. I know, because my entire giant cabbage from two weeks ago is still taking up some prime real estate in my refrigerator. But you can do this! Cole slaw, sauerkraut, and borscht are all great ways to enjoy your cabbage, and beets can be added to all of those recipes as well. I have included a recipe for borscht, which can also be eaten cold (thank goodness!). Being in a CSA means sharing in the harvest, no matter what it brings, and this spring the harvest has been heavy on beets and cabbage. So make the most of it, make a big pot of cold soup to share, and enjoy the most beautiful, delicious produce in Northern Arizona.
Have a cool week!
Meghan
What’s in your basket – June 23rd
Bok choy – Whipstone Farm
Cabbage – Whipstone Farm
Kale – Whipstone Farm
Onions – Willowbrook Farm
Salad mix – Willowbrook Farm
Volunteer Terrilyn Green helping harvest at Willowbrook Farm.
Here come the onions!
I see a little red in there! Tomatoes will be here before we know it.