Spring’s Bounty is Here along with CSA Box Strategies
Greetings CSA Members,
Spring has sprung and with it comes the excitement of our first CSA share box of 2024 from Featherstone Farm! This week's box is a delightful mix of crops, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. You'll find a combination of field-grown carrots harvested nearly 8 months ago, perennial asparagus freshly picked from our fields this week, and an assortment of crops cultivated in our high tunnel complex, all harvested just for you. The diversity of produce in May is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team here at Featherstone Farm. As we progress through the spring boxes this month, we'll take the opportunity to share some insights into the background of each crop, giving you a deeper understanding of where your food comes from and how it's grown. This week, our farm is buzzing with activity. The recent break in the weather has allowed us to hit the fields with gusto. From tilling the soil to transplanting seedlings, and even embarking on new construction projects like our high tunnel expansion, there's no shortage of tasks to tackle. Despite the long hours and busy schedules, we're committed to keeping you informed every step of the way through our newsletter and social media channels. Thank you for being a part of our CSA community and supporting local agriculture. We're thrilled to embark on this journey with you and look forward to sharing the bounty of the season ahead.
Warm regards, Jack and the Crew
Strategies for unveiling your box
As you unpack your box, here are some strategies to make the most of your CSA experience!
Sample and Taste:
Dive right in and sample the flavors of the season. Try a bite of each vegetable to savor its freshness and unique taste. This is your chance to explore new varieties and discover your favorites.
Store and Sort:
Proper storage is key to keeping your produce fresh. Take a few moments to sort through your items and store them appropriately. Leafy greens, for example, benefit from being stored in a damp towel in the fridge, while root vegetables prefer a cool, dark place.
Plan and Brainstorm:
Take a moment to plan your meals for the week ahead. Use the contents of your box as inspiration for your menu. Brainstorm creative recipes that highlight the seasonal ingredients you've received.
Chill Out and Freeze (if overwhelmed):
If your box feels overwhelming, don't stress! Remember that you can always freeze or preserve excess produce for later use.
Prep and Cook:
Once you've sorted and planned, it's time to get cooking! Spend some time prepping your ingredients to make mealtime a breeze. Wash and chop veggies for salads, stir-fries, or snacks ahead of time, so they're ready to go when hunger strikes.
Remember, the beauty of a CSA membership is in the journey of exploring new flavors and eating with the seasons.
Happy cooking!
Your CSA TEAM!
Below is a yummy Green Slaw to enjoy as a meal or as a side.
Ingredients for Green Slaw
1 head Bok choy
1/2 head green cabbage
6 baby cucumbers
1 bunch scallions
1 cup sugar snap peas
¼ cup chopped chives
For the dressing
3 garlic cloves
Juice of 2 lemons
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup fresh basil
½ cup fresh parsley OR fresh dill
1 bunch fresh chives
1 cup shelling peas (blanched) or frozen peas
¼ cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Green Slaw
Slice the Bok choy into thin ribbons with a mandoline or finely chop them with a sharp knife and add to a large bowl.
Thinly chop the cabbage into ribbons so it’s about the same size as the Bok choy. Repeat with the cucumbers and give them a rough chop to match the other ingredients. Add both to the bowl with the Bok choy.
Cut the scallions and snap peas into thin pieces with either a sharp knife or mandoline and add to the bowl.
To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency.
Pour the dressing over the base and mix well so everything is evenly coated. Serve with chips, on toast, as a snack, or the main attraction to your meal.
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