June - CSA Box #1
We are thrilled to return to bringing fresh produce, flowers, herbs, and handmade goodies to our subscribers! It was great to meet some new friends as well as welcome back some familiar faces. This year is much wetter than the previous, and we are grateful for all of the rain we have received. We moved into a new house in April, which made it difficult to focus on the garden for a few weeks, but eternally grateful we got it over with before things really got underway.
This week’s box contained:
Green Garlic - See box 1 from last year for more info but use this and the stalks for some added garlicky flavor!
Bok Choy - This Chinese cabbage sometimes also goes by Pac Choi. You are probably used to seeing the baby version but these are large and in charge.
We plan on attempting this Charred Bok Choy and Cannellini Bean Salad from NY Times soon but also think this list has some stellar ideas.
Lettuce - Getting the timing right for lettuce will be one of our greatest challenges this year. Most finished early and we appreciate those of you that were able take it and make use of it. As always, we recommend you use these dainty greens up first.
Spinach - Although this finished early as well it kept well in the fridge. It was not enjoying the warmer temps and started to bolt much earlier than usual. We intend to grow more in the fall.
Strawberries - These beauties are just getting started and another item that you should consume immediately. We have been fighting off a very precocious rabbit for the pick of the litter so please enjoy. If you recieved some that are white, give them some time and they should ripen.
Young Shallot - Our plan was to have scallion or spring onions but alas they weren’t quite ready. Luckily, this patch volunteered and we happily pulled some for your enjoyment.
Radish - Two kinds made it into this week’s selection: Cherry Belle and Purple Plum.
This box was overflowing with herbs! We normally would not include this many at once but some emerged on their own in spring so you get to reap the rewards. Whip up some dressings, marinades, or garnish a drink.
Lavender, Prairie Mint, Sage, Thyme, Dill, Cilantro, Oregano
Special surprises included:
Herbal Mint Tea - This is our first large batch and we combined nettle, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, mint, and tulsi. It is not caffeinated and makes an excellent nightcap to a long day. For those of you afflicted by seasonal allergies, we hope the nettle brings you some relief.
Recommended brewing instructions: We put approximately 1-2 tablespoons in a mug of water that we heated to around 165 degrees, and steeped for around 3 minutes. Experiment and tell us what you think.
Flower Seeds
Note: A few boxes went out early without these items but we saved some to slip in there next time. Don’t you worry!
This week’s bouquets featured…
Ranunculus, Peonies, Calla Lily, Yarrow, Snapdragons, Poppy Pods, Mint
