Weekly Farm Notes :: Oct 12th, 2016

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Hello,

We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather! A couple announcements to share:

  1. The Awesome Asian & Lettuce Mix is back! We know you love it 🙂
  2. Single shares will be available soon! You will get the same Powerhouse greens and veggies as our shareholders but you don’t have to commit to the entire season. Let us know if you are interested!
  3. Are you familiar with the ANDI (aggregate nutrient density index) score? It’s a scoring system that ranks food from 1-1000 based on nutrient content. So the the higher the score, the more nutrient dense and therefore, healthier for you! We have included the ANDI score next to the veggies below (that we could find) for your reference.

Also, don’t forgot we will attending the Nutrition World Farmers Market every Saturday from 10am-noon. Stop by and say hey!

See you at market!

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October 12th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} and in the CSA {CSA}:

  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Salad Mix {M/CSA}: the greens in this mix are so tasty you hardly need anything else to go with them; just a simple dressing will suffice. You really don’t need a recipe to make your own dressing as long as you know the ratio for oil to acid. It’s 1 part acid (lemon juice, red wine vinegar, etc) to 3 parts oil. Then simply add any of your favorite flavorings from there. I like to add a bit of honey and sometimes mustard, minced shallot and whatever herbs I have on hand. If you need more inspiration, check out our The Essentials Elements to a Satisfying Salad article.
  • Baby Red & Green Romaine Lettuce – 510 {M/CSA}: I love making making lettuce cups with romaine lettuce. There is no shortage of recipes out there but I really like using quinoa as a base. Check out our recipe for Quinoa & Chickpea Lettuce Cups!
  • Giant Red Mustard Greens – 1000 {M/CSA}: I need some new inspiration when it comes to cooking mustard greens and I think I found it with this recipe – Spicy Mustard Green Pesto!
  • Pak Choi – 865 {M/CSA}: I tried pak choi in a soup last week and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The ribs give nice texture (as long as you don’t cook them too long) and the greens soften and add another flavor element. I added them to an Asian inspired soup with shiitakes and rice noodles and a broth similar to this recipe: Easy Vegetarian Pho.
  • Kohlrabi – 352 {CSA}: if you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner, look no further than our Kohlrabi Hash! Topped with a fried egg, it makes a complete meal that is ready in a flash.
  • Summerfest Asian Greens {CSA}: these greens are a great substitute for spinach, so why not try it in this Spinach Smoothie with Avocado and Apple. You can pick up apples from Wheelers Orchard while you are at the market!
  • Delicata Squash – 137 {M}: I love this type of squash because you can eat the skin! It is so easy to prepare and enjoy. Simply cut in half (remove the seeds if they are large, otherwise they should cook through well), cut into 1/2″ pieces and roast in the oven. Follow this recipe for more details.
  • Bell (371), Jalapeno & Habanero Peppers {M}: latkes (or shredded potato cakes) are an easy weeknight meal, but you need a little extra zing to cut through the carbs. I think this Potato Latkes with Jalapeno Dill Sauce sounds like a great combo!
  • Kale – 1000 {M}: how do you make this nutrient dense green even more healthy? Ferment it! Specifically, use this recipe for Kale, Cabbage and Fennel Ferment as cabbage and fennel are in season and can be found at the market!
  • Lemon Balm & Basil (475) {M}: have you tried our Lemon Balm Shrub yet? It is a sweet / sour drink that is really refreshing and can be used in a number of ways (but they are really good in cocktails!).

Weekly Farm Notes :: May 18th, 2016

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Hello,

Nothing can brighten a day like fresh flowers. When you are picking up your veggies, grab a bunch of flowers from our pollinator habitat and brighten someone’s day!

Alice O’Dea is on a two-ingredient kick. This week she gives us Dairy-Free Ice Cream! I have made something similar with bananas and strawberries and I can attest to the creamy texture. Give it a try!

See you tomorrow at market!

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May 18th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} and in the CSA {CSA}:

  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: I read about (but don’t have an exact recipe) for a soup that sounded delicious: Swiss chard, potatoes, white beans, pesto and Parmesan. Baby potatoes are available this week at market and if you have any pesto on hand, this meal could come together in a flash.
  • Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: for those of us trying to eat more salads, here is a great way to get started: Anything Goes Kale Salad with Green Tahini Dressing. You can use a mix of kale and the red leaf lettuce from this week too.
  • Pak Choi {CSA}: I love pak choi in stir-fries as they provide such a great texture (quickly stir fry the stems so you don’t lose the crunch!). If you love stir-fry too but need some sauce inspiration, give our “My New Favorite” Stir-Fry Sauce a try!
  • Purple & White Kohlrabi {CSA}: last week I made Lemon-Garlic Kohlrabi Quick Pickles and they were really tasty. Here’s what you do: peel and cut about a pound of kohlrabi into matchstick sized pieces and pack into a quart canning jar. Heat 1 cup of distilled vinegar, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/2 of a lemon’s worth of thinly sliced zest, 2-3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and a few crushed peppercorns in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then pour over the kohlrabi. Cool to room temp and refrigerate.
  • Baby Beets {CSA}: I don’t often see fermented beet recipes so I was intrigued when I found this one. I then went looking for more and found this one, which contains more spices, all of which I really like with beets. Let us know if you try either one!
  • Green Escarole {CSA}: we posted two escarole recipes last week: Quick Sauteed Escarole with Flavorful Breadcrumbs and Escarola Strascinata. Both are quick and flavorful and can be used as a simple side dish or as a dish of their own when paired with polenta or pasta!
  • Red Leaf Lettuce {CSA}: I am always looking for ways to use lettuce that don’t involve a salad. Here is a list of 10 ways to eat it in other ways!
  • Green Onions {CSA}: have you tried our Green Onion Yogurt Flatbread? My 2-year-old loves to eat it as is but I think it would make a great wrap for sandwiches.
  • Edible Mild & Spicy Asian Flowers {M}: I have been preserving various items in sugar lately and I think these would be a good candidate. Roughly chop the flowers and toss them with a good amount of granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for a couple weeks at room temperature and you will have candied flowers!
  • Parsley {M}: wow, did you know this?! Buy it up and preserve it for later!
    • All parsley is extremely high in nutrients, particularly Vitamin C, folates and Potassium, as well as beta carotene. In fact, a quarter-cup of raw chopped parsley has about as much C as a quarter-cup of orange juice and double the folates (more that one and a half times those, even, of raw spinach).
  • Lemon Balm {M}: serve this recipe as a tea or a popsicle!
  • Peppermint {M}: um, why haven’t I thought of this mint booze infusion before?!

Weekly Farm Notes :: May 4th, 2016

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Hello,

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! If you are celebrating your own mother or any other mother in your life, be sure to pick up some of our beautiful cut flowers. They’ll be a hit!

I am featuring Alice O’Dea’s weekly article up top this week: check out her 2-ingredient cookie recipe. I am sure my 2-year-old will love them (and who am I kidding…so will I)!

We will have lemon balm and mint infused water available in the booth for your enjoyment. See you tomorrow at market!

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May 4th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} and in the CSA {CSA}:

  • Red Kale Mix {CSA}: I have read that the longer you cook red kale, the sweeter it gets. Saute it in some olive oil over low heat for 30 minutes or so and add anything you like – olives, tomatoes, garlic, cheese or all of the above!
  • Ford Hook & Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: our Swiss Chard and Orange Oat Muffins are an elegant way to feature Swiss chard at your weekend brunch.
  • Purple Kohlrabi {M/CSA}: if fermenting foods seems a bit scary to you, read through the tips in our latest post on lacto-fermentation. We include a recipe for salad turnip and kohlrabi sauerruben, in which you grate the vegetables and toss them with salt and add a bay leaf. It’s an easy and delicious way to get started!
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: have you guys jumped on the “savory oatmeal” bandwagon? I haven’t yet myself but I am tempted. Recipes like this Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal would be a great addition to a Sunday brunch. Sauteed collards would be a great substitute for the arugula!
  • Lettuce Mix with Red Kitten Spinach & Edible Flowers {M/CSA}: the weather is warming up and that means I want to spend less time making anything that involves the stove or oven. Spring rolls are a go-to in my house when it’s too hot to cook. I love this Thai Spring Rolls with Cashew Sauce recipe but I add lots of fresh lettuce!
  • Edible Asian & Arugula Flowers {M/CSA}: these will make a great addition to the spring rolls above!
  • Baby Red Romaine Lettuce {M/CSA}: did you know romaine lettuce is good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K and folate? Start your meal with a simply dressed salad for a nutritional boost to your meal!
  • Red Leaf Lettuce {M}: these greens have a strong flavor this week due to the heat so be sure to toss with a dressing that can balance it. I love anything with miso (Miso-Ginger Dressing) or avocado (Avocado Lemon Dressing).
  • Green Butter Lettuce {M}: these leaves are perfect for lettuce wraps. Here is a non-recipe recipe for lettuce wraps – saute a mix of vegetables and mushrooms until softened and toss with an Italian style vinaigrette. Add to lettuce wraps and top with buffalo mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You won’t be sorry.
  • White Japanese Salad Turnips {M}: miso makes everything better. Try these easy Miso Glazed Turnips if you agree. PS – as an added bonus, you can use the greens in this recipe too!
  • Parsley {M}: here is a recipe you can use to incorporate all sorts of market goodies – Spring Tabbouleh. You can use our parsley, peppermint, salad turnips in place of radishes and kale or red leaf lettuce in place of arugula.
  • Peppermint {M}: this Roasted Lemon Chutney sounds like such a refreshing spread!
  • Lemon Balm {M}: here is a great roundup of fun things to do with this delicious herb – 12 Things to Do with Lemon Balm.

Weekly Farm Notes :: April 27th, 2016

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Hello,

This is the 5th week of the Spring CSA session and we hope you are enjoying the bounty of the season. We are always open to your questions, comments and feedback regarding each CSA session so don’t hesitate to contact us.

See you tomorrow at market!

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April 27th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} and in the CSA {CSA}:

  • White Japanese Salad Turnips {M/CSA}: Sauerruben is a German fermented turnip recipe – think of sauerkraut but with turnips instead of cabbage. I made a version with traditional turnips but salad turnips would be just as good (add a bay leaf for a little extra flavor!).
  • Ford Hook & Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: it’s easy to use your greens when they are pre-cooked and ready to go in the refrigerator. I will saute some greens at the beginning of the week and then toss them into various dishes. You can easily add these to a stir-fry at the end and top it with My New Favorite Stir-fry Sauce.
  • Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: I love coconut rice but I haven’t tried a quinoa version before. This Coconut Quinoa and Kale with Tropical Pesto recipe sounds like a great one to try.
  • Purple Kohlrabi {M/CSA}: if you aren’t sure how to use your kohlrabi greens, try dehydrating them for our Kohlrabi Greens Furikake recipe. It is super simple and the seasoning can be used any number of ways. I enjoyed it simply tossed with rice when I was short on fresh vegetables.
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: check out our Collard Greens Relish if you are looking for ways to preserve your greens!
  • Lettuce Mix with Red Kitten Spinach {M/CSA}: I usually think of kale when making a smoothie but lettuce can be a great addition too! Here is a Berry Lettuce Smoothie recipe is get you started.
  • Edible Asian Flowers {M/CSA}: use these beauties in dishes where they will be noticed – in a green or grain salad, as a garnish for smoothies or mixed into a compound butter.
  • Baby Red Romaine Lettuce {M/CSA}: romaine lettuce is classic in a Caesar salad as it doesn’t get soggy when tossed with the rich dressing. If you are looking for ways to enjoy this delicious salad without the guilt, try this 5-Minute Vegan Caesar Dressing.
  • Pak Choi {M}: oranges have been touted as the only way to get Vitamin C, however plenty of leafy greens contain close to or more than oranges. Pak Choi is high on that list – just another reason to love this ingredient!
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: tacos are a theme this week and this recipe serves double duty because it features radishes, too. Give these Vegetarian Arugula & Black Bean with Pickled Radish Tacos a try.
  • Beautiful Red Radish {M}: I always plan to ferment my radishes but end up using them in other ways. This week I am going to try this recipe.
  • Mint {M}: I love steeping mint in hot water, along with grated ginger and turmeric, for a wonderful tea. Add a little honey and lemon juice at the end to take it up a notch.
  • Garlic Chives {M}: Alice’s latest article on Breakfast Tacos is timely as I have corn tortillas in my freezer waiting to be used. I am not sure what the filling will be yet, but mixing minced garlic chives into an egg before cooking it sounds like a good start.
  • Lemon Balm {M}: I love mixing this herb with strawberries. You can make a simple syrup – 1 part water to 1 part sugar – and let the lemon balm steep in the syrup for about 10 minutes. Then pour a little syrup over fresh strawberries for a quick dessert.

Weekly Farm Notes :: April 20th, 2016

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Hello,

If you haven’t already, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We would love to see how you use your vegetables and herbs each week! Tag your photos with #tanthillfarm to share with others in our community!

See you tomorrow at market!

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April 20th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} and in the CSA {CSA}:

  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: do you ever eat collards raw? I haven’t tried it myself but if massaging kale can lead to a great salad, why not collards too? Here is a raw salad idea with apple cider vinegar and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: if you are looking for a healthy breakfast alternative you can eat on the go, try our Swiss Chard & Orange Oat Muffins!
  • Toscano & Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: unless it’s in a smoothie, I typically don’t think of kale for breakfast. However, combining it with eggs (and basically anything else you want) in a breakfast wrap sounds like a great way to start the morning.
  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Salad Mix {M/CSA}: if you are looking for salad dressing inspiration, here is a collection of 52 Healthy and Homemade Dressings.
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: cabbage isn’t the only thing that can be turned into kimchi – pak choi is also great! And if you don’t have the time or energy for a lacto-fermentation, my Quick Kimchi recipe gives you lots of flavor without the wait.
  • Spring Radishes {M/CSA}: these Taco Pickles make use of cilantro too so be sure to pick some up and make a batch!
  • Wild & Spicy Asian Mustard {M/CSA}: if you are interested in learning more about wild mustard, check out this video. They grow just about anywhere so maybe you can find some around your home!
  • Spinach {M}: Mujaddara with Spiced Yogurt is nothing more than lentils, rice and onions, and is great with spinach or any other green you have on hand.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: I love mixing spicy greens with starchy grains and a bold dressing. Our Arugula Rice Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing is a fresh way use arugula but you could also add cooked greens as well.
  • Delicious Collard Raab {M}: this can be cooked just like broccoli raab. I loved it simply chopped and sauted over medium until the stalks were crisp tender and the leaves were crispy. You could toss this with rice and a fried egg for a quick and delicious meal!
  • Mint & Peppermint {M}: I love anything in fritter form. They are easy and great for kids and adults alike. Check out these Pea-Millet-Mint Fritters for a spring-like version!
  • Cilantro {M}: since I have cojita, the cheese called for in this pesto, this Cilantro Pesto is on my list for this week!
  • Lemon Balm {M}: considered a calming herb, lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote sleep when combined with other calming herbs. Add some to your chamomile tea tonight!

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? She reminds us 1) to be conscience of those with food limitations when cooking for a large group and 2) to help those in need during an upcoming food drive.

Weekly Farm Notes :: January 6th, 2016

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Hello,

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with everything you love most.

We are looking forward to the start of the Deep Winter CSA session! The first pick-up will start either next week or the week after. Look for an email with more details soon.

Hope to see you at market tomorrow!

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January 6th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market:

  • Tender Collards: I love these Collard Green Falafel. They don’t take long to throw together and are a unique way to use your greens. Serve with hummus, pita and olives for a tasty meal.
  • Rainbow & Ford Hook Swiss Chard: Callaloo is a Caribbean dish traditionally made with amaranth greens (which are also called callaloo). The stew is quick and flavorful and while we don’t have the greens, Swiss chard makes a great substitute. Here is a recipe worth trying.
  • Siberian, Red Russian & Toscano Kale: if you need a little detox in your life after the holidays (hand raised), give this Vegan Detox Smoothie a try!
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula: cooking tames the spiciness of these greens. Check out the recipe below for a super simple, yet satisfying pasta dish with sauteed arugula. There are many ways to make this dish your own – use different nuts or cheese and add any additional seasoning you like.
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens: I love 1) Indian food and 2) finding ways to use whatever greens are left over in my refrigerator. This Indian Mustard Green Sauce with Potatoes fulfills both of these loves. I hope you like it as much as I do!
  • Wasabi Arugula: if you are in the mood for a salad, don’t let this spicy arugula scare you away! The trick is to balance it with other flavors, like this recipe for Fresh Fig and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese. The sweetness from the figs and the tangy, rich flavors from the cheese are a great compliment to the arugula. Check out The Essentials Elements to a Satisfying Salad post to come up with your own salad!
  • Chickweed: if you haven’t tried this nutrient dense, medicinal “weed” before, now is your chance! It can be eaten raw or cooked briefly, in which case it will be similar to spinach. Check out our Chickweed Power Salad recipe for a great way to make it into a meal!
  • Henbit: this edible “weed” is part of the mint family but it tastes more like raw kale. It is high in iron, vitamins and fiber and can be used in salads, smoothies or wraps.
  • Dead Nettle: another edible “weed”, is very similar to Henbit (see a comparison between the two on this link). It is called “dead” because it won’t sting you like the infamous stinging nettle! One blogger notes the fuzzy texture is not great for eating raw and prefers adding it to smoothies.
  • Parsley: use the parsley in the pasta recipe below!
  • Lemon Balm: shrubs are a fun way to preserve fruit and herbs. Here is a quick Lemon Balm Shrub recipe which can be enjoyed on its own or used in a cocktail.
  • Leaf Celery: gremolata is an Italian condiment usually consisting of chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic. Swap out the parsley for leaf celery and you will have an easy, delicious topping for any number of meals (I sprinkled it on a mushroom pizza but it would also be great swirled into soups). Find the recipe here!
  • Mint: the cold weather has me craving tea all day long. When I need a caffeine-free version, I turn to herbs. Simply steep fresh mint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, add honey and lemon juice to taste, and enjoy!

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Recipe :: Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Arugula, Walnuts and Ricotta Salata

This recipe is from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound whole-wheat spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra virgin to finish
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • Several pinches of red pepper flakes
  • 6 or more cups of arugula leaves, large stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
  • Salt
  • 3 tablespoons parsley
  • 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
  • Thin shavings of ricotta salata

Directions:

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a 12″ non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the arugula, season with a few pinches of salt, and saute until wilted. Stir in the parsley and walnuts and turn off heat. When the pasta is done, drain and add to the skillet. Toss well and serve with cheese and extra virgin olive oil drizzled over the top.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? Detox tips are always welcome this time of year!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Oct 21st, 2015

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Hello!

“Deep Winter” and “Walking to Spring” CSA shares are still available. Don’t miss out on powerhouse greens to get you through the dark and cold months ahead! Here is the link to our CSA information to find out more.

Also, we are in the process of adding nutritional information to the Produce Information tab. Let us know what else we can add to make this useful for you!

A note on the Napa cabbage: when you farm without the use of harmful pesticides, sometimes you have to deal with what Mother Nature gives you. Right now, we are dealing with some worms in the cabbage but there is a simple way to get rid of them. Chop the cabbage roughly and soak in a large bowl (or sink full) of water that has been mixed with 1/4 cup of salt and 2 tablespoons of vinegar for 20 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly then drain and use as desired.

See you at market!

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October 21st Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market (denoted by M) and/or in the CSA (denoted by CSA):

  • Napa Cabbage {CSA}: check out my Quick Kimchi recipe on the Main Street Farmers Market blog this week!
  • Carrots {CSA}: simple roasted carrots are a favorite of mine. I love Cook’s Illustrated recipe and have used it over and over again. It is included below so you can give it a try as well.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {CSA}: learn about the blood sugar control properties and more of this tasty green here!
  • Awesome Asian Lettuce Mix {M/CSA}: I have been on a buddha bowl kick this week. I think these Asian greens would be a great base for a recipe like this one.
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: for a super simple and tasty meal, give our Triple Sesame Noodles with Pak Choi recipe a try!
  • Spicy Red Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: check out this Quick Pickled Mustard Green recipe – I could find lots of ways to use greens preserved this way!
  • Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: Wheelers Orchard is selling “ugly” apples this week, which are perfect for processing (homemade applesauce, anyone?!). I was actually thinking of picking some up, cooking it down with kale, and making a fruit and vegetable leather (think homemade fruit roll-ups). We would love to hear if you have any experience in this area!
  • Tender Collards {M}: this recipe for Breakfast Tacos with Eggs, Onions and Collard Greens has me dreaming of weekend brunch.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M/CSA}: these greens have a bite this week but the more bitter, the better, I say! Check out this article on why bitter greens are good for your health. This article provides lots of great ideas to tame the flavor. My favorite way to enjoy bitter greens is in a salad with a sweetened dressing.
  • Salad Turnips {M}: I haven’t tried this yet, but our salad turnips are mild enough that I think they would be great in our newest recipe for Kohlrabi Hash Browns. Swap the kohlrabi for salad turnips and you have a meal in minutes!
  • Mint {M}: if you love Indian food as much as I do, then I suggest whipping up a batch of Cilantro-Mint Chutney to serve along side your favorite dishes. This sauce would freeze well, too!
  • Lemon Balm {M}: shrubs, which are sweetened vinegar mixtures, typically use fruit for flavoring. I swapped the fruit for lemon balm in this recipe and it was delicious!
  • Eggs {M}: pick up collard greens too and make this Breakfast Tacos with Eggs, Onions and Collard Greens recipe!

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Roasted Carrots

As noted above, this recipe is from Cooks Illustrated. It serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 pounds carrot, peeled, halved crosswise, and cut lengthwise if needed to create even pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Table salt and ground black pepper

Directions:

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. In large bowl, combine carrots with butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Transfer carrots to foil- or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread in single layer.
  • Cover baking sheet tightly with foil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook, stirring twice, until carrots are well browned and tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to serving platter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? If you cook, even just casually, you should know about mirepoix – Alice breaks it down for you.

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: June 2nd, 2015

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Hello,

The Spring CSA ended last week but we will still have lots of goodies available tomorrow. See below for details on the produce you can expect. Also, I have included a recipe for Saffron Cauliflower and details on Yardlong Beans. Hope to see you at the market tomorrow!

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June 3rd Produce

Here are some of the items you can expect this week:

  • Tomatoes!: since the tomato season is just kicking off, I am going to suggest simply slicing your tomatoes, dousing them in your favorite extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkling with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. There are many weeks ahead of tomato dishes, why not just enjoy them raw?
  • Kohlrabi: here is an easy, flavorful way to enjoy kohlrabi: mix together 3 tablespoons sesame oil, 4 teaspoons white vinegar, 4 teaspoons soy sauce, 2-3 tablespoons sugar, 4 teaspoons sesame seeds (I like the black seeds because they stand out more). Then peel and slice kohlrabi thinly and marinate in the mixture.
  • Flat Head Cabbage: I guess it’s about time for grilling recipes! Check out this recipe for grilled cabbage with yogurt and mint. It’s a great way to use mint from the market too!
  • Cheddar Cauliflower: this version of cauliflower was first discovered in Canada in 1970, although it took years of crossbreeding before it was widely available. The color comes from a genetic mutation that allows the plant to hold more beta carotene. It also contains about 25% more vitamin A than white cauliflower (information from The Kitchn). Check out the recipe below if you need some inspiration!
  • Rainbow Chard: summer weather calls for raw salads. This Creamy Maple Mustard Raw Chard Salad sounds great!
  • Tender Collards: don’t forget, you can dehydrate your greens! Check out more here.
  • Toscano & Red Russian Kale: kale is a great in these Greens & Cheese Frittata Muffins!
  • Lemon Balm: have you ever tried a shrub? It’s a sweetened vinegary drink and it tastes amazing steeped with lemon balm! Check out our recipe here.
  • Mint: use your mint in the grilled cabbage recipe above!

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Recipe :: Saffron Cauliflower

This recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks, Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi. It serves 4 as a side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 teaspoons saffron
  • 1/3 cup boiling water
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, divided into medium florets
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and cut lengthwise in half
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put the saffron strands in a small bowl and pour over the boiling water. Leave to infuse for a minute, then pour the saffron and water into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, except the parsley, and mix well.
  • Transfer mixture to a medium ovenproof dish, cover with foil and place in the oven. Cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but still a bit firm, not soft. Halfway through the cooking time remove the dish from the oven and stir well, then cover again and return to bake.
  • Once the cauliflower is cooked, take it out of the oven, remove the foil and allow to cool down slightly before stirring in the parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm or at room temperature.

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Summer Produce :: Yardlong Beans

Yardlong beans go by many names: bora, bodi, long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, pea bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean. Because it grows well is sub-tropical and tropical climates, it is typically found throughout Southeast Asian countries. Here are some interesting tidbits I discovered in my research:

  • Yardlong beans become waterlogged when cooked steamed or boiled so are best cooked with oil
  • Although the beans can grow to be 3 feet long, optimal picking is between 12-18″
  • They are a good source of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, and a very good source for vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese
  • I have found references to canning and fermenting these beans so I plan on trying both this summer!

Lemon Balm Shrub

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Shrubs, which are acidic syrups typically flavored with fruit and/or herbs, date back to the 15th century. You can read all about the interesting history here but my main interest lies in the preservative nature of shrubs. These syrups were originally concocted in order to preserve delicate fruits and herbs before the time of refrigeration. Today, they offer the same qualities but are typically developed as a fun drink, both alcohol-free and as a cocktail mixture.

There are various ways to make a shrub at home. My recipe below is about as simple as it gets – dissolve sugar in vinegar and then steep herbs in the mixture. The process doesn’t get much harder, one just has to wait a bit longer for the final product. The Kitchn has a great run down here and Serious Eats adds another layer of complexity here by suggesting cold-processed shrubs are the way to go.

A simple online search will yield a shrub recipe for just about any ingredient. Don’t limit yourself to fruit and herbs – beets, fennel and spices all make for interesting recipes!

Lemon Balm Shrub
makes 3 drinks

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed lemon balm leaves
  • Sparkling water, to serve

Directions:

  • Combine sugar and vinegar in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Heat mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a simmer, or until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat, add the lemon balm, cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain to remove the lemon balm and cool to room temperature. Transfer to an air tight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To make a drink: combine 1/4 cup shrub and 1 cup sparkling water in a tall glass. Stir to combine and enjoy.