It’s hard to believe that this is our second-to-last week of the season! But the weather is certainly letting us know that we don’t have a choice. Whipstone Farm has been hit pretty hard by early frosts, which wiped out their sweet potato crop and cut many other crops short. Even though I know better, I always think that we should have a longer CSA season since we’re in Arizona. But seeing everything slowing down reminds me that the seasons are strong here too, and our farmers are dependent, above all, on the weather.
Speaking of dependence on timing and weather, the delicious kabocha squash in your shares this week require two months of curing before they taste their best. So set them on a shelf or use them as a fall centerpiece for a few months before you enjoy them.
Since we are so near the end of our distribution, I want to share where you can find locally grown produce this winter. Unfortunately, Phoenix-area CSAs will not be delivering up here this year, but I am happy to report that there is a growing selection of farmers selling at our farmer’s markets. Sedona Community Farmers’ Market will begin their winter market on Sunday, October 23rd. The winter market is held in the parking lot of Wells Fargo Bank on Hwy 89A in West Sedona every Sunday from 12-4pm. Both Verde Valley School Farm and Aguiar Farm will be selling there through the winter, so you can expect a lot of delicious, organically grown produce. The Collective Sedona farmers’ market is still working to finalize the details for their winter market, which features produce from Da’ Nede’ Farms, so check our Facebook page for updates.
Those of you that eat meat can order Thanksgiving turkeys again this year from the Farm on Oak Creek in Page Springs. Denise’s turkeys live a life of luxury, ranging on several acres of lush pasture along Oak Creek and hanging out with her pigs, sheep, and dogs. They are supplemented with organic feed. Her heritage birds are hybrids of Narrangansett, Royal Palm, and Eastern Wild Turkey, and are truly the most delicious turkeys I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve raised my own!). You can order your Thanksgiving turkey here.
Next week, at our final distribution, we will hold our annual end-of-the-season potluck. This is an opportunity to celebrate the harvest with your fellow shareholders and our volunteers and farmers. Last year we had a bit of a lackluster turnout, especially in Sedona, so we really hope you can join us this year to close out the season. Please bring a potluck item and your family to send off our tenth season! Look out for individual invitations hitting your email inbox later this week.
Thanks and have a great week!
Meghan
What’s in your basket – October 5th
Apples – Oak Creek Apples
Kabocha squash – Willowbrook Farm
Onions – Willowbrook Farm
Pomegranates – Willowbrook Farm
Potatoes – Whipstone Farm
Roasted chiles – Whipstone Farm
Salad mix – Willowbrook Farm
Well hello there, eggplant!
This kale is for the birds.
Kabocha squash curing at Willowbrook Farm.
This cover crop will soon be giving way next year’s garlic planting.