Howdy folks and welcome to Harvest Week 22!
As the CSA season winds down, we can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year it’s been. It was truly bountiful! As much as we’ll miss harvesting food for your families this winter, our bodies are feeling it — and our hands and feet are COLD out here in this frosty autumn weather.
A special shoutout to our designated veggie washer each week — you’re our hero! It’s not an easy job this time of year. The water’s freezing, the veggies are freezing, and it’s an all-day affair.
This week’s share looks a lot like last week’s, featuring another round of that beautiful Sugarloaf radicchio. We hope you enjoyed it because there’s more coming your way! You’ll also find our favorite winter squash — the Blue Hubbard. It’s a beast, but oh-so-delicious. This is our sweetest squash variety, perfect for baking, soups, or curries.
Pro tip: the best way to “slice” it is to drop it on the ground so it breaks into smaller, more manageable pieces. If you have kiddos, this is a fun (and safe) way to get them involved!
Alrighty — we hope you’re hungry for another week of the healthiest, freshest food in the valley.
Your farmers,
Andrea, Taylor, Pepper, Maize & our awesome crew
Harvest 22
Kale—super high in antioxidants, contains vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese and various polyphenols
Head Lettuce—Anti-infamatory and a rich source of vitamins A, K and folate.
Radicchio—(the variety is “Sugarloaf” and it’s a green variety) It’s rich in vitamin K, a good source of dietary fiber, and it healthy source of antioxidants. Consuming radicchio may help reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Bell Peppers—Bell peppers are very high in vitamin C, with a single one providing up to 169% of the recommended daily value. Other vitamins and minerals in bell peppers include vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
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.
Winter Squash (Blue Hubbard)—Winter Squash is a highly nutritious and alkaline food which is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. It’s easy to digest and contains high amounts of Vitamins A, E, C, B-complex, and beta carotene, iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium which are vital for a healthy and strong immune and nervous system
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.
Scallions—Great for overall immune health. Scallions are a good source of vitamin C and a flavonoid called quercetin. Both can strengthen your immune system and help it fight illnesses.
Garlic— the list of health benefits is almost too long!! It’s anti-fungal, anti- inflammatory, boosts immune health, and is full of antioxidants! Just eat garlic with every meal!
Recipe Suggestions
Pork and Butternut Stew (this is FANTASTIC!!) use your blue hubbard for this recipe!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (use any variety of lettuce or kale!)
Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup (use any variety of winter squash)
Chili Lime Winter Squash Salad (use the Sugarloaf Radicchio in this recipe. It will be fantastic as a stand in for lettuce!)
Chicken & Chickpea Stew (this is SO cozy—use kale in place of spinach here)
Here are some CSA Kiddo Inspired Recipes
Pumpkin Molasses Chili (this is fantastic!)
Pumpkin Spice Flourless Blondies (so good and easy!)
Kid Friendly Carrot Salad (we love this as a whole family!)
Winter Harvest Mexican Beef Stew (this kiddos love this SO much!)