A Week Box 5 First Summer Season Share

Newsletter Week A Box 5

Week A Box 5!

This is an A week so, Manna Cafe, Vom Fass, UW Vet School, and On Farm pick up will be this Friday July 30 after 2 pm. Atomic Ice Cream 148 High Street Mineral Point 9 am, Green City Market 7 am Saturday July 31, and Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers Market 9 am AUGUST 1. Welcome Summer Season Share members. This is your first box for the above pick up sites. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes at seems to flatten and keep reusable.

What’s in the box?!

  • Napa Cabbage – has a Romaine Lettuce look but different. Bag and store in refrigerator. Can be added to salad but great in stir fry. Lasts a long time. Small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories. Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks.
  • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!)Also, can be hung by long stem in dark place to cure for later use.
  • Cucumber – 95% water with small amounts of vitamins A, C and a few minerals and a source for vitamin E. So much fun with Cucumbers but best sliced and eaten in salad or plain.
  • Zucchini – (is a summer squash) 94% water, low in calories, a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. Store in hydrator drawer of refrigerator or in a bag in the fridge for up to a week. Grate or shred into salad, steam whole or halved, grill sliced or whole, stir fry, or mash!
  • Green Kohlrabi with green tops. Store leaves and globe separately. Use greens within 5 days, globes will last for over a month. Bag Leaves, store all in refrigerator. High in vitamins A and C and minerals potassium and calcium. Use greens like kale or chard, can remove rib if you want. Peel globe and add to salad, stir fry, blanch, steam, mash, or even stuff! They are very fun, yummy and versatile!
  • Lacinato Kale – Bag in store in refrigerator. Rich in vitamins A, C and B. High in Calcium and other minerals as well. Kale is the highest in protein content of all cultivated vegetables! Steam, saute, add to soups or I have heard that Kale chips are delicious. Cook under 10 min’s.
  • Newly Dug Potatoes – no bag in warmer drawer of refrigerator. We packed them dirty because washing them damages their tender skins. They are beautiful and DELICIOUS! Potatoes source of complex carbohydrates and minerals, particularly potassium with skin on. They form a complete protein when consumed with grain, dairy or meat. To versatile to list how many ways to eat potatoes.
  • Sweet Onions and Italian Bottleneck Onions (Torpedo Onions)
    Onions strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
  • CORN!!! Fresh, cooked proper corn, offers a significant amount of vitamin A, B-complex, phosphorous, and potassium, along with vegetable protein. Corn is very difficult to grow organic. In this time, farmers spray their corn with pesticides for the corn worm and herbicides for the weeds. We have sprayed nothing on this corn and you can taste it. SOOOO SWEET! So, you may find little friends on the top of the corn but you can cut them and their damage off of the cob and continue grilling, or add to salad, boil for under 5 min’s for superb flavor. Enjoy! – It is summer -
  • SHIITAKES! - special treat – decreases fat and cholesterol in the blood and helps discharge the excess residues of accumulated animal protein. Good source of germanium which improves cellular oxygenation and enhances immunity. Wash well before preparing to cook. Slice, dice or grill whole. Add to stir fry (great with Napa Cabbage and Garlic)
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Native to Peru and first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas!! Blood purifier, encourages proper digestion and tonifies the stomach and cleans the liver. Delicious!

On the farm this week.

This week started off with a flood. 6” in one night! So, the good news is we will continue to fill the boxes to the best of our ability and the bad news is we don’t have much more than that. The transplants made it through just fine but our tomatoes, potatoes, and celery/celeriac were damaged significantly. We will have enough as I mentioned but no mass harvesting this late summer early fall season. Joel will be planting the fall crops this coming week. The veggies will continue with our quality standards. So no worries for the members!

~ Week B Box 4 ~

B Week Box 4 2010

This is a B week so, Meadowood Drive, Woodcroft Circle, Hybrid Fitness, Golds Gym and Lewis St Platteville(after 4 pm) will be this Friday July 23 after 2 pm. Oak Park Farmers Market for Oak Park members 7 am Saturday July 24, and Independence Park Farmers Market and Glenwood Sunday Market 9 am July 25. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. UNFOLD boxes by pressing from the middle towards the wall of box, seem will fold back and disconnect , then flatten and keep reusable.

What’s in the box?!

  • Purple Beans – will keep for up to a week. But use soon because they looked less than perfect! Good amounts of vitamins A, B1, and B2, calcium and potassium. Steam or simmer for max of 10 min’s. Saute, or eat fresh, too! To freeze fresh beans – Blanch in boiling water 2-3 min’s, rinse in cold water, drain, dry well (drip dry for up to half hour or lay out on cloth or paper towels) and pack into air tight containers.
  • Carrots – high in Vitamin A and beta carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Best raw! Carrots store in bag in refrigerator.
  • Lacinato Kale – Bag in store in refrigerator. Rich in vitamins A, C and B. High in Calcium and other minerals as well. Kale is the highest in protein content of all cultivated vegetables! Steam, saute, add to soups or I have heard that Kale chips are delicious.
  • Cabbage – store in refrigerator. 15 calories per 1 cup cooked cabbage! 90% water, with significant amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks. Can be shredded into summer salads, cole slaw, steamed, saute, stir fried, boiled for under 5 min’s good alone or mixed with other veggies. Please do not be alarmed if you find some bugs just wash them off :) It is a good sign when nature likes what you like. Means its good!!
  • Newly Dug Potatoes – no bag in warmer drawer of refrigerator. We packed them dirty because washing them damages their tender skins. They are beautiful and DELICIOUS! Potatoes source of complex carbohydrates and minerals, particularly potassium with skin on. They form a complete protein when consumed with grain, dairy or meat. To versatile to list how many ways to eat potatoes.
  • Sweet Onions and Italian Bottleneck Onions (Torpedo Onions)
    Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
  • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!) let the garlic dry out on the counter, too.
  • Cucumber – 95% water with small amounts of vitamins A, C and a few minerals and a source for vitamin E. So much fun with Cucumbers but best sliced and eaten in salad or plain.
  • Broccoli – cooked lightly high in Vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron and has a special enzyme sulforaphane to boost health. Soak florets in salted water to remove any hidden pests before preparing. Steam max. 7min’s.
  • Cauliflower - Cauliflower – offers significant vegetable protein as well as vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and a variety of minerals if cooked lightly. Soak like broccoli, steam whole head for max. 20 min’s and cut up for max of 10 min’s.
  • SAGE – Not the wise man, nor the incense. This is the culinary herb – sage. A little lore: In the middle ages, sage was thought to impart wisdom and improve the memory. It was valued for restoring energy, lifting the spirit, and promoting longevity. Sage is a great addition to meat dishes and aids the digestion of fatty meats. It is also delicious with potatoes or added into cornbread. Simple Sauce: 1 stick of butter, 1/8 – ¼ cup fresh chopped sage, 2-4 cloves garlic, ½ cup grated asiago or parmessan or mozzerella cheese. Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat add garlic till garlic begins to become translucent then add sage, keep stirring but don’t let the butter burn! Then add to toast, pasta, omelets or whatever!

On the farm this week.

Well, we have a little tour happening this Saturday from 10-noon and a picnic. We’ll visit the animals fields and perennial forest.

This week we moved all of the animals. I got some good video and as soon as I have a moment I will post it on youtube! The geese and ducks about 140 birds hiked up the hill to green pasture. The chickens moved to a new house and the piglets took the chickens old house. It was a fun day! We got more rain, but that is fine by us. We needed it. So funny how nature goes back and forth between saturation and drought. Hoping the tomatoes come around soon. We got a very small harvest. Not enough for the members but a little for market. So that is a good sign for next share.

Week A Box 4

Newsletter Week A Box 4

Week A Box 4!

This is an A week so, Manna Cafe, Vom Fass, UW Vet School, and On Farm pick up will be this Friday July 16 after 2 pm. Atomic Ice Cream 148 High Street Mineral Point 9 am, Green City Market 7 am Saturday July 17, and Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers Market 9 am July 18. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes at seems to flatten and keep reusable.

What’s in the box?!

  • Cabbage – store in refrigerator. 15 calories per 1 cup cooked cabbage! 90% water, with significant amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks. Can be shredded into summer salads, cole slaw, steamed, saute, stir fried, boiled for under 5 min’s good alone or mixed with other veggies.
  • Carrots – high in Vitamin A and beta carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Best raw! Carrots store in bag in refrigerator.
  • Green Beans – will keep for up to a week. Good amounts of vitamins A, B1, and B2, calcium and potassium. Steam or simmer for max of 10 min’s. Saute, or eat fresh, too! DILLY BEANS < request for good recipe for dilly beans. They are oh so yummy!
  • Yellow Wax Beans – Same as Green Beans just a different variety and variation of flavor. Have fun with a taste test :) To freeze fresh beans – Blanch in boiling water 2-3 min’s, rinse in cold water, drain, dry well (drip dry for up to half hour or lay out on cloth or paper towels) and pack into air tight containers.
  • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!)Also, can be hung by long stem in dark place to cure for later use.
  • Cucumber – 95% water with small amounts of vitamins A, C and a few minerals and a source for vitamin E. So much fun with Cucumbers but best sliced and eaten in salad or plain.
  • Zucchini – (is a summer squash) 94% water, low in calories, a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. Store in hydrator drawer of refrigerator or in a bag in the fridge for up to a week. Grate or shred into salad, steam whole or halved, grill sliced or whole, stir fry, or mash!
  • Rainbow Chard– store in bag in refrigerator, best to use within 4 days.

    high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, E and C, raw or slightly cooked. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.

  • CORN!!! Fresh, cooked proper corn, offers a significant amount of vitamin A, B-complex, phosphorous, and potassium, along with vegetable protein. Corn is very difficult to grow organic. In this time, farmers spray their corn with pesticides for the corn worm and herbicides for the weeds. We have sprayed nothing on this corn and you can taste it. SOOOO SWEET! So, you may find little friends on the top of the corn but you can cut them and their damage off of the cob and continue grilling, or add to salad, boil for under 5 min’s for superb flavor. Enjoy! – It is summer -

On the farm this week.

Well there is a lot of different news to be had.

WE TRANSPLANTED!!!!!

This is very good news for the next harvests of lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, fennel, and brussel sprouts. Next week is the onion harvest. All the onions get brought into the shed put on screen tables and cure for use and storage till next spring.

FARM TOUR

July 24 10 am – noon. Picnic and explore Mineral Point or hike the farm.

For more information on the travel from Chicago to Mineral Point, please call or email.

Jill Cruz @ 773-856-0983

loverealfood@gmail.com

Dottie our sow died this week after birthing a litter of 12 piglets. We’ll miss her. Stephanie and Melissa have taken on mommy status and have been feeding the piglets every four hours. They are getting raw goat milk, which is the next best thing.


Week B Box 3

B Week Box 3 2010

This is a B week so, Meadowood Drive, Woodcroft Circle, Hybrid Fitness, Golds Gym and Lewis St Platteville(after 4 pm) will be this Friday July 9 after 2 pm. Oak Park Farmers Market for Oak Park members 7 am Saturday July 10, and Independence Park Farmers Market and Glenwood Sunday Market 9 am July 11. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. UNFOLD boxes by pressing from the middle towards the wall of box, seem will fold back and disconnect , then flatten and keep reusable.

What’s in the box?!

  • Green Beans – will keep for up to a week. Good amounts of vitamins A, B1, and B2, calcium and potassium. Steam or simmer for max of 10 min’s. Saute, or eat fresh, too!
  • Yellow Wax Beans – Same as Green Beans just a different variety and variation of flavor. Have fun with a taste test :) To freeze fresh beans – Blanch in boiling water 2-3 min’s, rinse in cold water, drain, dry well (drip dry for up to half hour or lay out on cloth or paper towels) and pack into air tight containers.
  • Green top Beets – store greens and beets separately. Use beet greens soon for retained nutrients. Beets are high in vitamins A and C and also the carotenes. Beet greens are generous in vitamin C, calcium and iron. No need to peel. Grate into salads, cube into soups, slice and steam, or bake whole. Greens are good steamed or sauteed. Bag and refrigerate for storage longevity.
  • Carrots – high in Vitamin A and beta carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Best raw! Carrots store in bag in refrigerator.
  • Rainbow Chard– store in bag in refrigerator, best to use within 4 days.

    high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, E and C, raw or slightly cooked. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.

  • Napa Cabbage – has a Romaine Lettuce look but different. Bag and store in refrigerator. Can be substituted for head lettuce in salad and great in stir fry. Lasts a long time. Small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories. Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks.
  • Baby Leeks – Flat leaf, mild onion.
  • Red or White Mini Onions. Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
  • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!)
  • Green Kohlrabi with green tops. Store leaves and globe separately. Use greens within 5 days, globes will last for over a month. Bag Leaves, store all in refrigerator. High in vitamins A and C and minerals potassium and calcium. Use greens like kale or chard, can remove rib if you want. Peel globe and add to salad, stir fry, blanch, steam, mash, or even stuff! They are very fun, yummy and versatile!
  • Cucumber – 95% water with small amounts of vitamins A, C and a few minerals and a source for vitamin E. So much fun with Cucumbers but best sliced and eaten in salad or plain.
  • Zucchini – (is a summer squash) 94% water, low in calories, a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. Store in hydrator drawer of refrigerator or in a bag in the fridge for up to a week. Grate or shred into salad, steam whole or halved, grill sliced or whole, stir fry, or mash!
  • Broccoli – cooked lightly high in Vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron and has a special enzyme sulforaphane to boost health. Soak florets in salted water to remove any hidden pests before preparing. Steam max. 7min’s.

On the farm this week.

We have been blessed with a couple volunteers and one more intern so our crew has grown and the days are becoming more reasonable. That’s good news :) The rain let off long enough to get our 2nd planting of potatoes in. We have lost our winter squash crop but our Amish friend has planted some for us so we will have plenty of butternut squash in the fall. Lettuce is done until late summer early fall when we will have broccoli and cauliflower again, too. We’ll be planting our fall crops in the next week or so to ensure all the yummy vegetables seasonal continuation. It seems like the tomatoes will be ready in 2 weeks or so.

Week A Box 3!

Newsletter Week A Box 3

This is an A week so, Manna Cafe, Vom Fass, UW Vet School, and On Farm pick up will be this Friday July 2 after 2 pm. Mineral Point Market 8:30 am, Green City Market 7 am Saturday July 3, and Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers Market 9 am July 4. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes at seems to flatten and keep reusable.

What’s in the box?!

  • Red Leaf Lettuce – bag and store in refrigerator. Rich in chlorophyll, iron and vitamins A and C.
  • Baby Bulb Fennel – bag and store in refrigerator. Smells like licorice, the leaf can be used as a garnish or added to salad dressing, replace for dill in most recipes nice addition to desserts. Can also make an ice tea. Steep in just boiled water for 5 minutes and add ice. Bulb can be grated into stir fry and salads. Nutritionally high in vitamins A and calcium, potassium and iron; low in calories.
  • Lacinato Kale – Bag in store in refrigerator. Rich in vitamins A, C and B. High in Calcium and other minerals as well. Kale is the highest in protein content of all cultivated vegetables! Steam, saute, add to soups or I have heard that Kale chips are delicious. Will post recipe comment on website :)
  • Napa Cabbage – has a Romaine Lettuce look but different. Bag and store in refrigerator. Can be added to salad but great in stir fry. Lasts a long time. Small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories. Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks.
  • Bunched Carrots – Greens can be used like parsley, high in Vitamin A and beta carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Best raw! Separate greens for storage. Greens can be dried – hung upside down out of sunlight for later use. Carrots store in bag in refrigerator.
  • Green top Beets – store greens and beets separately. Use beet greens soon for retained nutrients. Beets are high in vitamins A and C and also the carotenes. Beet greens are generous in vitamin C, calcium and iron. No need to peel. Grate into salads, cube into soups, slice and steam, or bake whole. Greens are good steamed or sauteed. Bag and refrigerate for storage longevity.
  • Spring Turnips -bag and store in refrigerator. good source for vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Delicious steamed and served plain with butter or add to stir fry or grate into salad. Greens are DELICIOUS steamed with butter. A childhood favorite of mine!
  • Green Beans – will keep for up to a week. Good amounts of vitamins A, B1, and B2, calcium and potassium. Steam or simmer for max of 10 min’s. Saute, or eat fresh, too!
  • Mini White Onions – no bag in refrigerator. Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
  • Broccoli – cooked lightly high in Vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron and has a special enzyme sulforaphane to boost health. Soak florets in salted water to remove any hidden pests before preparing. Steam max. 7min’s.
  • Cauliflower – offers significant vegetable protein as well as vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and a variety of minerals if cooked lightly. Soak like broccoli, steam whole head for max. 20 min’s and cut up for max of 10 min’s.
  • Green Kohlrabi with green tops. Store leaves and globe separately. Use greens within 5 days, globes will last for over a month. Bag Leaves, store all in refrigerator. High in vitamins A and C and minerals potassium and calcium. Use greens like kale or chard, can remove rib if you want. Peel globe and add to salad, stir fry, blanch, steam, mash, or even stuff! They are very fun, yummy and versatile!

  • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!)Also, can be hung by long stem in dark place to cure for later use.

On the farm this week.

Yay! Sunshine :)

Between moments Joel hops on the tractor and preps ground to attempt to catch up. Farming food for people is an endless game of chase with weather and seasonal changes. We are very grateful for such a caring crew this season. They all are soo helpful and understanding of the needs and timelines that happen weekly.

Though, the berries look plentiful. When we pick them they don’t amount to much yet. Just a little invitation to any members who would like to come out and enjoy the baby berry patch this season. Seems the big harvests will have to wait till they are a little older. We will get our B week members some shiitakes next pick they flush. (after a good rain) which we hope will hold off for a bit!

    Newsletter Week B Box 2

    B Week Box 2 2010

    This is a B week so, Meadowood Drive, Woodcroft Circle, Hybrid Fitness, Golds Gym and Lewis St Platteville(after 3:30 pm) will be this Friday June 25 after 2 pm. Oak Park Farmers Market for Oak Park members 7 am Saturday June 26, and Independence Park Farmers Market and Glenwood Sunday Market 9 am June 27. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. UNFOLD boxes by pressing from the middle towards the wall of box, seem will fold back and disconnect , then flatten and keep reusable.

    What’s in the box?!

    • Green Romaine Lettuce – bag and store in refrigerator. Rich in chlorophyll, iron and vitamins A and C.
    • Broccoli – cooked lightly high in Vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron and has a special enzyme sulforaphane to boost health. Soak florets in salted water to remove any hidden pests before preparing. Steam max. 7min’s.
    • Cauliflower – offers significant vegetable protein as well as vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and a variety of minerals if cooked lightly. Soak like broccoli, steam whole head for max. 20 min’s and cut up for max of 10 min’s.
    • Green Top Spring Turnips -bag and store in refrigerator. Use leaves soon. good source for vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Delicious steamed and served plain with butter or add to stir fry or grate into salad.
    • Bunched Carrots – Greens can be used like parsley, high in Vitamin A and beta carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Best raw! Seperate greens for storage. Greens can be dried – hung upside down out of sunlight for later use. Carrots store in bag in refrigerator.
    • Cilantro – put plants standing in shallow water in fridge. Add fresh to soups, stews, and stir fries; toss into green salad; nice addition to potato salads. Enjoy within a few days.
    • Rainbow Chard– store in bag in refrigerator, best to use within 4 days. high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, E and C, raw or slightly cooked. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.
    • Pak Choi – bag and store. Thick juicy stalks and bright green leaves. small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories. Great in a Stir Fry! Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks.
    • Napa Cabbage – use like Pac Choi, has a Romaine Lettuce look but different. Can be added to salad but great in stir fry. Lasts a long time, peel outer layer before use.
    • Snow Peas ½ lb bag – store in refrigerator, excellent source of vitamins A,C, K and the B’s. High in minerals iron, potassium, and phosphorous. High- protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Eat raw whole or chopped in salad or plain. Cook for under 2 min’s in stir fry. Enjoy within a few days.
    • Mini White Onions – no bag in refrigerator. Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
    • Baby Leeks – Flat leaf, mild onion.
    • Garlic – is a wonderful probiotic, boosts immune system and increases health. For long time storage, mince into airtight container and cover with olive oil. (though I am sure this will go fast in the kitchen anyways!)
    • Purple and/or Green Kohlrabi with green tops. Store leaves and globe separately. Use greens within 5 days, globes will last for over a month. Bag Leaves, store all in refrigerator. High in vitamins A and C and minerals potassium and calcium. Use greens like kale or chard, can remove rib if you want. Peel globe and add to salad, stir fry, blanch, steam, mash, or even stuff! They are very fun, yummy and versatile!
    • SHIITAKES! - special treat – decreases fat and cholesterol in the blood and helps discharge the excess residues of accumulated animal protein. Good source of germanium which improves cellular oxygenation and enhances immunity. Wash well before preparing to cook. Slice, dice or grill whole. Add to stir fry (great with Napa Cabbage, Snow Peas and Garlic)

    On the farm this week.

    Still wet!! But there seems to be sunshine in the near future long enough to catch up in the field. Staying busy and trying to balance by taking second breakfast, lunch and dinner breaks! We avoided working past 8 pm this week!! Time to celebrate :)

    Newsletter Week A Box 2

    Newsletter Week A Box 2

    Week A Box 2!!

    This is an A week so, Manna Cafe, Vom Fass, UW Vet School, and On Farm pick up will be this Friday June 18 after 2 pm. Mineral Point Market 8:30 am, Green City Market 7 am Saturday June 19, and Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers Market 9 am June 20. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes at seems to flatten and keep reusable.

    What’s in the box?!

    • Green Bib Lettuce – bag and store in refrigerator.Rich in chlorophyll, iron and vitamins A and C.
    • Baby Bulb Fennel – bag and store in refrigerator. Smells like licorice, the leaf can be used as a garnish or added to salad dressing, replace for dill in most recipes nice addition to desserts. Can also make an ice tea. Steep in just boiled water for 5 minutes and add ice. Bulb can be grated into stir fry and salads.Nutritionally high in vitamins A and calcium, potassium and iron; low in calories.
    • Rainbow Chard– store in bag in refrigerator, best to use within 4 days.high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, E and C, raw or slightly cooked. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.
    • Pak Choi – bag and store. Thick juicy stalks and bright green leaves. small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories. Great in a Stir Fry! Remove outer leaves only before use because they protect the moisture and quality. Will store for more than 2 weeks.
    • Radishes – bag and store in refrigerator.root - traces of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. Leaf – excellent source of vitamins A, C and the B’s. blood cleansers and digestive aids. Add to mixed salad or grate and add your favorite salad dressing. Stir fry or steam, as well.
    • Spring Turnips -bag and store in refrigerator. good source for vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Delicious steamed and served plain with butter or add to stir fry or grate into salad.

    • Snow Peas ½ lb bag – store in refrigerator. excellent source of vitamins A,C, K and the B’s. High in minerals iron, potassium, and phosphorous. High- protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Eat raw whole or chopped in salad or plain. Cook for under 2 min’s in stir fry. Enjoy within a few days.
    • Shelling Peas – 1 lb bag – store in refrigerator. Blanch or steam for 2-4 min’s add to dishes or eat plain with butter to enjoy the flavor. To freeze, shell then blanch for 2 min’s. Rinse under cold water, drain well and pack into airtight containers such as ziplock bags.
    • Mini White Onions – no bag in refrigerator. Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
    • Green Onions – fresh onions, tops can be used.
    • Baby Leeks – Flat leaf, mild onion.
    • Purple and/or Green Kohlrabi with green tops. Store leaves and globe separately. Use greens within 5 days, globes will last for over a month. Bag Leaves, store all in refrigerator. High in vitamins A and C and minerals potassium and calcium. Use greens like kale or chard, can remove rib if you want. Peel globe and add to salad, stir fry, blanch, steam, mash, or even stuff! They are very fun, yummy and versatile!
    • Potatoes – no bag in warmer drawer of refrigerator. Potatoes source of complex carbohydrates and minerals, particularly potassium with skin on. They form a complete protein when consumed with grain, dairy or meat.To versatile to list how many ways to eat potatoes.

    On the farm this week.

    We are still really wet! We need to ask and receive some dry days in a row to catch up. Fortunately, we were ahead of the game before the rains began but we will be hand planting the winter squash and pumpkins because we are running out of time and they are starting to flower in the greenhouse! Otherwise we may have a hiccup (a break in successions) in lettuce, but all else is still going as planned. We have some very healthy looking melons!! Very exciting! Also, the raspberries are beginning to ripen, even more exciting!!

    B Week Box 1

    B Week Box 1 2010

    Newsletter Week B Box 1

    This is a B week so, Meadowood Drive, Woodcroft Circle, Hybrid Fitness, Golds Gym and Lewis St Platteville will be this Friday June 11 after 2 pm. Oak Park Farmers Market for Oak Park members 7 am Saturday June 12, and Independence Park Farmers Market and Glenwood Sunday Market 9 am June 13. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes by pressing from the middle towards the wall of box, seem will fold back and disconnect , then flatten and keep reusable. DO NOT TEAR OPEN, PLEASE OH PLEASE.

    What’s in the box?!

    • Red Leaf Lettuce – bag and store in refrigerator. Rich in chlorophyll, iron and vitamins A and C.
    • Leaf Fennel – bag and store in refrigerator. Smells like licorice, the leaf can be used as a garnish or added to salad dressing, replace for dill in most recipes nice addition to desserts. Can also make an ice tea. Steep in just boiled water for 5 minutes and add ice.Nutritionally high in vitamins A and calcium, potassium and iron; low in calories.
    • Spinach – store in refrigeratorhigh in chlorophyll, vitamins A and C, raw or slightly cooked. Does inhibit calcium absorption. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.
    • Cilantro – put plants standing in shallow water in fridge. Cilantro Pesto!!

      Add fresh to soups, stews, and stir fries; toss into green salad; nice addition to potato salads. Enjoy within a few days.

    • Radishes – bag and store in refrigeratorroot - traces of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. Leaf – excellent source of vitamins A, C and the B’s. blood cleansers and digestive aids.Add to mixed salad or grate and add your favorite salad dressing. Stir fry or steam, as well.
    • Rhubarb -bag and store in refrigeratorhigh in vitamins A and C and many minerals, particularly calcium. Blood purifier and digestive aid.Dice into salads, hot or cold cereal raw for tart flavor (I LOVE Rhubarb).

      Chop Rhubarb, sweeten with sugar or honey and bake 30 min at 375.

      Simple Sauce: Chop Stems into 1” chunks, cook in small amount of water with sweetener of your choice to taste. When fibrous stalks become stringy and mushy, done.

      Can be frozen raw as well.

    • Snap Peas ½ lb bag – store in refrigeratorexcellent source of vitamins A,C, K and the B’s. High in minerals iron, potassium, and phosphorous. High- protein, carbohydrate and fiber.Eat raw whole or chopped in salad or plain. Cook for under 2 min’s in stir fry.

      Enjoy within a few days.

    • Shelling Peas – 1 lb bag – store in refrigerator. Blanch or steam for 2-4 min’s add to dishes or eat plain with butter to enjoy the flavor. To freeze, shell then blanch for 2 min’s. Rinse under cold water, drain well and pack into airtight containers such as ziplock bags.
    • Yellow Onions – no bag in refrigerator
    • Shallots - no bag in refrigeratorOnions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
    • Green Onions – fresh onions, tops can be used.
    • Baby Leeks – Flat leaf, mild onion.
    • Potatoes – no bag in warmer drawer of refrigerator.Potatoes source of complex carbohydrates and minerals, particularly potassium with skin on. They form a complete protein when consumed with grain, dairy or meat.To versatile to list how many ways to eat potatoes.

    On the farm this week.

    We were really wet!! over the course of one week we got 4 inches. Not to bad but no field work. We stayed busy weeding and harvesting. Looks like the late frost has claimed our strawberries. We were hoping they would fruit again but that hasn’t happened yet. The raspberries look plentiful though! The boys are out of school and have been helping a lot on the farm. Its been a real treat to hang out with our kids and keep getting work done!!


    A Week Box 1 2010

    A Week Box 1 2010

    Newsletter Week A Box 1


    Because it is the first box I am going to give more direction for how and when to pick up your boxes. This is an A week so, Manna Cafe, Vom Fass, UW Vet School, and On Farm pick up will be this Friday June 4 after 2 pm. Mineral Point Market 8:30 am, Green City Market 7 am Saturday June 5, and Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers Market 9 am June 6. Come as early as you can to insure quality and freshness. Please bring two bags with you. UNFOLD boxes at seems to flatten and keep reusable. DO NOT TEAR OPEN, PLEASE OH PLEASE.

    What’s in the box?!

    • Green Romaine Lettuce – bag and store in refrigerator.

    Rich in chlorophyll, iron and vitamins A and C.

    • Green Rocket Napa Cabbage –  has red twist tie on it. Bag and refrigerate.

    small amounts of vitamins A and C along with fiber and very few calories.

    Great in a Stir Fry!

    • Spinach – store in refrigerator high in chlorophyll, vitamins A and C, raw or slightly cooked. Does inhibit calcium absorption. In salads, steamed or boiled for under 10 minutes.
    • Cilantro – put plants standing in shallow water in fridge.Add fresh to soups, stews, and stir fries; toss into green salad; nice addition to potato salads. Enjoy within a few days. Too much rain – not in box – replaced with a plant of either sage or thyme! Plant in a quart size or up to a gallon size container. Place compostable pot right into soil.
    • Radishes – bag and store in refrigerator. Root - traces of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. Leaf – excellent source of vitamins A, C and the B’s. blood cleansers and digestive aids.Add to mixed salad or grate and add your favorite salad dressing. Stir fry or steam, as well.
    • Rhubarb -bag and store in refrigerator high in vitamins A and C and many minerals, particularly calcium. Blood purifier and digestive aid.Dice into salads, hot or cold cereal raw for tart flavor (I LOVE Rhubarb). Chop Rhubarb, sweeten with sugar or honey and bake 30 min at 375.Simple Sauce: Chop Stems into 1” chunks, cook in small amount of water with sweetener of your choice to taste. When fibrous stalks become stringy and mushy, done. Can be frozen raw as well.
    • Snap Peas – store in refrigerator. excellent source of vitamins A,C, K and the B’s. High in minerals iron, potassium, and phosphorous. High- protein, carbohydrate and fiber.Eat raw whole or chopped in salad or plain. Cook for under 2 min’s in stir fry.Enjoy within a few days.
    • Garlic Scapes – no bag in refrigerator. Garlic strengthens the bodies health. The raw bulbs are the most potent as medicine and the scapes the least.Good raw in a salad or stirfry.
    • Yellow Onions – no bag in refrigerator
    • Shallots - no bag in refrigerator. Onions which shallots are included also strengthen the bodies health. Great with every savory meal. Some people are sensitive to raw onions (as am I) but they are delicious and easily digested cooked till translucent.
    • Potatoes – no bag in warmer drawer of refrigerator.Potatoes source of complex carbohydrates and minerals, particularly potassium with skin on. They form a complete protein when consumed with grain, dairy or meat.To versatile to list how many ways to eat potatoes.

    On the farm this week.

    We have planted many successions of lettuce, chard, kale, cabbage, green onions, fennel, cauliflower and broccolli to make sure to have plenty to fill your boxes each share.

    Our crew now has grown to 5 interns who live on the farm with us and an Amish crew come in once a week. We have been on the ball planting right before the rain and managing the weeds. We transplanted the curcubitz – melons, cukes, zukes and summer squash into the field this week, too.

    Pick up Site Schedule for 2010 CSA Members

    Newsletter on Pick up Sites

    A Week Pick up Sites

    Fridays (generally after 2 before close)

    Manna Café: 611 N Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704

    Vom Fass: 3236 A University Ave., Madison, WI 53705

    UW – Veterinary Medical Building (staff and students only)

    Pick up on Farm

    Saturdays (Please get to your pick up site as early as possible to assure quality.)

    Green City Market Chicago

    Mineral Point Farmers Market
    Sundays(Please get to your pick up site as early as possible to assure quality.)

    Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe

    B Week Pick up Sites

    Fridays(generally after 2 before close)

    40 West Lewis St, Platteville, WI 53818

    5730 Meadowood Drive, Madison 53706

    13 Woodcroft Circle, Madison, WI 53719

    Hybrid Fitness , Verona WI

    Golds Gym, Verona WI

    Saturdays(Please get to your pick up site as early as possible to assure quality.)

    Oak Park Farmers Market

    Sundays(Please get to your pick up site as early as possible to assure quality.)

    Glenwood Sunday Market Rogers Park

    Independence Park Farmers Market





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