Howdy folks and welcome to week 19! Hot damn we had a crazy week. Last week a huge tree fell and landed on the winter squash and zucchini. Luckily no one was hurt (we were due to start harvesting winter squash the next day so that timing was tight!!). We lost a lot of squash but the fact that no one was hurt is all that matters. And the crew was joking that everyones backs will thank them because we’ll have less to pick! Not to worry, you’ll still get some but it was a bummer none the less.
We got some more rain and temperatures dropped into the high 30’s this past week. It’s chilly in the mornings and mugs of hot coffee and endless refills are getting us through.
This week we’re happy to have fennel back (if you aren’t a fennel fan please check out the recipes below. It goes SO well in soups and stews and is really healthy for you). More cauliflower and potatoes, bok choy is cranking and the carrots are sweet and crunchy. We hope you all enjoy the bounty.
Harvest 19
Cauliflower— it’s a good source of protective antioxidants, is rich in sulforaphane, high in choline and may support hormonal balance.
Bok Choy—Full of anti-cancer properties such as Vitamins C & E, beta carotene, and selenium which is thought to slow the growth rate of tumors.
Potatoes—Potato skins and flesh are both very beneficial to human health. Fun fact—potato plants draw some of the highest concentration of macro and trace minerals from the earth. This was news to me!! They are high in potassium and rich in vitamin B6, as well as a fantastic source of amino acids, especially lysine in its bioactive form. Lysine is a powerful weapon against viruses such as Epstein-Barr and shingles that are behind rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, autoimmune disease, and more. Potatoes also contain tyrosine, a chemical needed to produce thyroid hormones. So cool! Eat more potatoes folks!
Onions—Onions are high in probiotics and fiber which is great for gut health. They are also high in vitamin C, which may help regulate your immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption. Onions are rich in B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B6.
Arugula— one of the healthiest leafy greens containing a ton of antioxidants, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties.
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.
Fennel—This anise flavored veggie is packed with important vitamins and minerals to help maintain overall health. Rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and manganese fennel is also been proven to help reduce inflammation and contains antibacterial properties.
Dill—is great for digestion and helps with bloating. Because of its antacid properties it’s great at easing indigestion, gastritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Celery—it’s rich in over 25 anti-inflmatory compounds and has a natural and healthy sodium content and is a great source of electrolytes.
Cabbage—this tasty brassica helps reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the leading cause of disease and incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods is very beneficial.
Recipe Suggestions
Moroccan Cauliflower Beef Bowls (this was excellent!)
Tomato Fennel & White Bean Stew (use the bok choy instead of the collard greens in here)
Lentil Soup with Fennel, Sausage & Bitter Greens (replace the bitter greens with arugula or bok choy)
White Bean & Cauliflower Soup with Bacon Gremolata (this is SO good!)
Bok Choy Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing & Sesame Cashew Clusters (this is a fantastic salad!)
Grilled Cabbage with Buttermilk Dill Sauce & Walnut Parmesan Crumble (this is so stinking good!!)
CSA Kiddo Recipes
Creamy Potato & Ham Soup (one of my kiddos favorite soups!)
Kid Friendly Carrot Salad (This is SO good!)
