This week we have a lovely basket, including our first cabbage of the season. I’m looking forward to making a small batch of sauerkraut for my daughter, who loves the homemade version of this simple fermented food. I’ve added a recipe below for those who would like to try it out. Peaches are still going strong and head lettuce is back again! Willowbrook Farm has been growing some beautiful lettuce, but lately cut worms have been destroying multiple heads each night. These pests emerge from the soil and chew through the main stem at ground level, cutting the plant down and leaving the parts that we value most to wither and die. Luckily they have left enough for us this week!
Broccolini is back again and I am loving how much of this crop we have been able to enjoy this season. Every year is so, so different. I am missing Whipstone’s amazing carrots, which have not been particularly successful this year, but for every loss there is a gain, and broccolini has been a favorite of mine this time around. This week we also have a different cucumber variety that is longer and smoother-skinned than the pickling variety we had the past few weeks. And last but not least, a delicious mix of sweet Italian peppers – which can be eaten fresh or cooked – and shishitos. When Willowbrook began growing shishito peppers for the CSA a number of years ago, I had never heard of these tasty peppers. Now, I see them on menus in so many different types of restaurants! Shishitos are best sautéed whole until the skin starts to blister. Sprinkle with salt and serve as a snack or side dish.
Have a delightful week!
Meghan
What’s in your basket – September 13th
Cabbage – Whipstone Farm
Cucumbers – Willowbrook Farm
Head lettuce – Willowbrook Farm
Peaches – Mario Velaruz
Pepper mix – Willowbrook Farm
Radish sprouts – Camptown Greens
These sweet Italian peppers look amazing.
A different cucumber variety this week, called “summer dance.”
Shishito peppers!
Cut worms come up at night and cut the base of the lettuce plants.