Hi everyone, Jess here to present to you the 14th Springdell CSA Pickup of the summer season. This is the part of the season where the the bright colors of the CSA crates begin to include more hues of autumn, and Farmer Jamie and crew deck out the farm stand with fall’s finest decor!
- Pie Pumpkin– The first one is slated for Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good is a great savory option as well. Your pumpkin will wait patiently until you’re ready, so I suggest eating some of the more perishable parts of the CSA first (I know I know, it’s hard to wait!)
- Delicata Squash– Delicate in flavor as the name implies. This variety should be eaten first as it does not keep as long as some of the tougher skinned winter squashes. The sweet flavor accompanied with the tender and aesthetically pleasing skin makes it a perfect side dish for that special occasion. Stuff it, bake it whole, or slice it into crescents and roast to bring out that lovely flavor. Streusel it for a bit of extra sweetness, or Roast with a Maple Cider Glaze.
- Gala Apples – Sweet, crisp and snackable, they make a great eating apple, or hold up in a salad or saute. Be sure to check out our virtual veggie-pedia of apple varieties you might find in the ‘Dell, complete with pictures to help you identify your apple and it’s best uses.
- Poblano Peppers– The pepper of a poblano has a tougher skin than a standard pepper which I remove before use. A quick grill, run under a broiler, or a (careful) trip over an open gas flame will help to blacken and blister the skin. Once cooled some, the skin can be easily rubbed off, leaving a tender pepper suitable for stuffing. The spice is mild-medium, and can be milder with seeds removed. Chille Rellenos are my fave for these, but a casserole version works too if you’re pressed for time.
- Italian Eggplant– As mentioned, when the season is generous, freeze up your goodies for those winter doldrums! Like a happy chipmunk with full cheeks, I made and enjoyed Baingan Bharta this week, with a plan to whip up some Baba Ghanoush for the freezer. Julia Child has a great recipe for Eggplant Pizzas out there as well! Farmer Jamie had some culinary inspiration and enjoyed some roasted slices with olive oil, salt, cabot cream cheese and homemade bruschetta. Some of you are enjoying Eggplant Curry, a fine idea! Ratatouille is still in season and uses much of the CSA, such a flexible recipe!
- Yellow Onions– These like to be stored in a cool dry place. If you ever find that you have too many in storage, Caramelized Onions are a great ripcord recipe (and also pair nicely with apple!)
- Fresh Shallots– I store mine with the onions. Try a little Shallot and Parsley Pan Sauce with a big ol’ Springdell Steak! Shallots also go amazing with apples, and can be used in a lovely pan sauce. Add pork chops and sage to the mix, and you have dinner!
- Tomatoes– Enjoy these beauties while you can! The season has been generous but won’t last much longer!
- San Marzano Tomatoes– I’ll make a quick blender sauce for the freezer. It’ll be welcome when the season ends.
- Classic Carrots– Slice on the bias and toss in a stir fry! If not enjoying right away, slice off the tops (save for pesto), invert and immerse in a glass of water in the fridge to keep them crisp. Mind the water level in your glass, more is better.
- Lettuce– Unfortunately not pictured because I accidentally included it in the Super Greens photo below. You know the drill – core this, rinse it, pat dry and store. Eat ASAP for peak freshness. If you’re someone that forgets lettuce in the crisper drawer, I suggest portioning it out ahead of time.
Single Shares this week include a Pie Pumpkin, Yellow Onions, Tomatoes, Gala Apples, Yankee McIntosh, Tomatillos, Sugar Beets, and Italian Pepper.
Small Shares this week include a Pie Pumpkin, Yellow Onions, Shallots, Summer Squash, Autumn, Gala Apples, Yankee McIntosh, San Marzanos, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers and Carrots.
Super Shares this week include Sugar Beets, Pie Pumpkins, Yellow Onions, Shallots, San Marzano Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Summer Squash, Delicata Squash, Banana Peppers, Tomatoes, Johnny Putt Salad Mix, Yankee McIntosh, and Autumn Galas.
*Quantities vary by share, with the larger shares receiving the larger quantities accordingly. Please note that items may vary slightly throughout the week depending on daily yield, but share value will remain consistent.
- Lettuce from Johnny Putt Farms, Littleton, MA (includes Microgreens and Edible Flowers)- Enjoy the microgreens as soon as you can, as they are best close to the date of being picked. I find that portioning out the salad at the beginning of the week helps me to ensure that all of my greens are enjoyed before getting wilty.
- (I made the mistake of including the Full Share’s Head Lettuce in this week’s picture, my apologies!)
- 1 generous tote of Cortland Apples – Great for Pies!
- 1 Antique Melon– The unique skin of this ancient looking fruit may throw you, but the delicious cantaloupe-esque fruit inside with a texture slightly reminiscent of papaya is hard to resist. I cut it up and my kids ate the whole thing in one sitting, at least they left me one little sliver to taste.
For the new Summer CSA folks, Summer Shares continue on for 4 to 5 more weeks and Farmer Jamie says, “keep coming until we tell you the end is near”. Meanwhile, the PYO fields are getting ready to “sleep” soon. Some other housekeeping announcements will be coming to members via email (sounds like some of the usual fall events will unfortunately need to be cancelled, but as always, Farmer Jamie has some plans to keep things lively this fall season! Do stay tuned.)
In the meantime, please feel free to ask me any veggie or produce-related questions, or to share any new ideas here at the site, just drop a line or a comment. I’m happy to help where I can and always love to hear from you!