July 27, 2016

Here we are at the halfway point of the season. It is both exciting (for the yummy produce I know is coming) and a little shocking (that the season is just flying by). We are so happy to have you all as shareholders as we grow and eat through the seasons.

It has become very apparent to me that we are at the height of summer because suddenly I am making plans to pick blackberries up in Oak Creek Canyon and peaches in Camp Verde. I even brought home a box of dropped apples from the orchard at Garland’s Lodge today to make applesauce. Rob Lautze, who manages the orchards at Garland’s and Junipine reports that it is a good season at both locations, although much of his fruit is ripening a whole month earlier than normal.

As everything becomes more abundant, I start spending more time washing, cutting, and pureeing as I preserve all these delicious crops in the canning pot, dehydrator, and freezer. It really is cruel that most of my canning is done when it is so hot and humid! If you are the adventurous type and ask around, there is an abundance of fruit around the Verde Valley just waiting to be picked and enjoyed fresh and preserved. So many homeowners have fruit trees or berry bushes that they would love for someone to come and pick. That’s how we got the blackberries in your shares last week! So keep your eyes peeled and you may be able to find great some great free fruits and vegetables.

We still have a few openings for the second half of the season, so if you know of anyone who would like to join, please have them contact me at (928) 300-8623 or [email protected]. This is the last week that we will be signing up members for the second half of the season.

If you have not done so already, please get your payments for the second half of the season to us as soon as possible. You can pay online here or send your payment of $275 to Verde Valley CSA, 2773 Middle Verde Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322.

Have a wonderful week!
Meghan

What’s in your basket – July 27th

Squash jungle.