Howdy folks and welcome to harvest week 13. Damn, it was a hot harvest day yesterday but we got ‘er done! I don’t know how many cucumbers everyone was eating yesterday but I think that is what got us through. The afternoon got quieter and quieter as we all just put our heads down and got through the harvest list. The great news, the tomatoes finally exploded and everyone gets both cherry tomatoes and full-size tomatoes this week. Not only that, but the first of the sweet corn is here!!! It’s so gosh darn good that you don’t even need to cook it. The first recipe below is for a lovely fresh sweet corn salad and the corn is eaten raw. The salad is fabulous and ya’ll should try it! The zucchini and cucumbers continue to crank and I’m sure many of you are sick of both by now, but we’re working with what we’ve got so I hope you get a chance to prepare them in new and inspiring ways to keep your enthusiasm for eating with the seasons high. I know I’m guilty of getting used to just eating what I want no matter what time of the year it is, but truly eating with the seasons means eating many of the same things over and over again for an extended period of time until Mother Nature takes care of it and we get to move on to something else. And with that, we hope you enjoy the summer bounty this week. Stay cool out there guys!
Your farmers,
Andrea, Taylor, Pepper, Maize and our awesome crew.
Harvest 13
Rainbow Chard—this dark leafy green is high in antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, K and A and a healthy dose of magnesium (which many people are deficient in).
Salad Mix—These leafy greens are a rich source of vitamins A, K and folate. Also a good anti- inflammatory leafy green.
Carrots—Rich in beta-carotene which your body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is important for vision, bone and immune function. Carrots are also high in antioxidants and important minerals for overall body health. Remove the greens on the carrots before storing them so they don’t go soft.
Radishes—a rich source of magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. They have been studied and results confirm that they likely alter the way cancer cells reproduce so they may reduce cancer risk. They are full of fiber and for their tiny size contain a lot of health benefits. Remove the greens from these to help keep the roots crisp for storing.
Cilantro—Cilantro is one of the most potent and detoxifying herbs for our bodies. It helps remove heavy metals from our bodies and has antibacterial properties along with being one of the most adrenal supporting herbs out there.
Cucumber— If you are feeling dehydrated eat a cucumber! Cucumbers are hydrating and contain more than 50 trace minerals. They contain chlorophyll in their skins that’s bonded to B vitamins and vitamins A and C. And cucumbers support digestion and hydration.
Corn—Fresh sweet corn is chock full of a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber (both soluble and insoluble fiber)
Full Size Tomatoes—Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Cherry Tomatoes— See above
Shisito Peppers— (these are mild not hot) Besides Vitamin C, shishito peppers have a high amount of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E. These contribute to improving the immune system as well as the body's nervous system. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E also prevent the cells and tissues from getting damaged. This keeps immunity levels up at all times.
Zucchini/Summer Squash—Zucchini/summer squash is a highly alkaline food that is one of the mildest and easiest vegetables to digest. Zucchini is a great source of vitamin A, C, & B-complex as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and manganese.
Recipe Suggestions
Blistered Shishito & Corn Salad (this is SO GOOD!!)
Summer Crunch Salad (this is easy and delicious!)
Blistered Shishito Peppers Garlicky Aioli (so stinking good!)
Creamed Shishito Peppers (another winner!)
Summer Tomato & Swiss Chard Pasta (this is very easy and delicious)
Longevity Salad (the best salad ever!)
Radish Salsa (make this!!!)
Beef & Blackened Zucchini Tacos (easy weeknight dinner)
Korean Beef Bowls (super tasty and easy)
Tzatziki Cucumber Chickpea Salad (bomb!)
Zucchini Parmesan Pasta with Burst Tomatoes (best pasta of the moment at our house!)
Zucchini Lime Vinaigrette (if you haven’t made this yet you’re truly missing out. You can put this on anything!)
Melon, Cucumber & Corn Salad with Zucchini-Lime Vinaigrette (Some of the best reviews of this salad!)
Mild White Chicken Zucchini Chili (best summer chili!)