CSA Wk. 16, Sept. 20

We have our first threat of a frost this week. With the full moon coming, the temps are expected to drop Tuesday night, and old bed sheets and blankets will dot the landscape trying to save peoples precious plants. I'm not ready to let my stuff die, but since I don't have old sheets, will raid my sewing material bin and see what I can find. Should look interesting out there if nothing else :-)

Half shares received tomatillos this week. They were written about maybe a month ago when full shares received some. I mainly use them in Mexican cooking. They do make a great green salsa, but can be sliced on burgers or sandwiches. I made yummy soft tacos with them a week or so ago, using shredded chicken, cabbage, onion and feta along with the tangy tomatillos diced up. I can't forget the chipotle hot sauce I doused on either :-)

The knobby white & purple things you'll all see in your bag this week are called Jerusalem Artichokes, or sunchokes. They are not in the artichoke family at all, but actually the sunflower family. They were found to be growing in Native American gardens in the early 1600's, and were brought back to Europe by the explorers. If you look out towards my garden you will see very tall plants with small yellow blossoms. Go about 8-10ft. down, under the ground, and the roots are what you see in your bags. They are similar in taste to a water chestnut and can be used like one. They can be eaten raw, in salads, and are described as "nutty". They can also be cooked, and used like a potato in recipes and soups. They can also be pickled. It is best not to peel them but to just scrub them to clean them, as most of the nutrients are directly under the skin. Also, if you plan to cook them, the skins may darken due to the high iron content. They are also high in potassium. There are lots of recipes on the internet for them. Pick your favorite.

Everything else should be familiar to you.


1/2 Size:
Carrots
Jerusalem Artichokes
Broccoli or Romanesco Broccoli
Chinese Greens
Chard
Kale
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Summer Squash or Zucchini
Tomatillos (Green tomato looking, with husks)
Cantaloupe
Basil
Garlic


Full Size:
Carrots
Jerusalem Artichokes
Broccoli or Romanesco Broccoli
Mesculen
Spinach
Green Beans (the last of them for the year)
Eggplant
Chinese Greens
Chard
Kale
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Summer Squash Medley
Cantaloupe
Basil
Garlic

Until next time!