CSA Wk. 19, October 11

Last night was our first real threat for a frost here in Southern Maine, and it actually missed both of the Farmers 8 gardens. Saturday was a busy day though in preparation for the "in case". We harvested what we thought would be the last of the tomatoes and summer squash. Some of the tomatoes/cherries may be a little under ripe this week because of that. Just let them sit a couple days if need be.

It's a bittersweet feeling, that of losing the last of your picking of a certain crop to the weather. Yet at the same time, how long can you keep picking tomatoes! I wasn't ready to give up cherry tomatoes completely, and covered them just in case. There is another threat tonight, so fingers crossed I may be able to keep picking these for another week (they are so sweet and tasty, and I don't want to have to wait 9 months to eat them again!).

The crisp air and the blue skies today make me want to just go outside and take a nap on the grass, but there is so much to do to get ready for winter and for next years gardens. They say a gardeners work is never done, and I believe it!

This weeks shares we still feel are pretty good sized. We still have 3 weeks left of CSA and each week we worry "will there be enough" but this really has been a great gardening season and it keeps a coming. We have however, learned that we probably don't want to push the envelope next year, so will be rethinking the amount of weeks and our price perhaps to suit a normal growing season. FYI in case you are considering signing up again. If you know for sure you would like to do it again next year, let us know now (or let us know if you will not be doing it again next year even). We have a lot of interest in the 2011 CSA!

I have been meaning to tell you about potatoes each time we have given them to you, and why they are dirty. Perhaps I already have and don't remember, but I wanted you to know that we do that for a reason (unlike most of your produce that is washed). The dirt acts as a protector to the skin, and helps prolong their shelf life.

This weeks shares are as follows:

1/2 size:
Red Potatoes
Acorn Squash
Summer Squash mix (definitely the last of the year)
Jerusalem Artichokes *see recipe ideas at the bottom
Scallions
Basil
Broccoli
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Chinese Greens w/ Daikon Radish
A Handful of Grapes

Full Size:
Red Potatoes
Buttercup Squash
Summer Squash mix (definitely the last of the year)
Jerusalem Artichokes *see recipe ideas at the bottom
Scallions
Basil
Romanesco Broccoli
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Chinese Greens w/ Daikon Radish
A Handful of Grapes


Regarding the Jerusalem Artichokes, I think I am going to try this recipe this week. Looks easy enough. Will use whatever "herb" I have on hand.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mashed-Potatoes-with-Jerusalem-Artichokes-and-Chives-106006
Also considering making this soup. If you don't have leek, use an onion.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sunchoke-Soup-with-Pumpkin-Seeds-350413 And last but not least, I can always make pickles. So far, my experience this year is that anything tastes great pickled :-) http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Jerusalem-Artichoke-Pickles-351023


Have a great week!