“Eat your collards! They’re good for you!” – Someone’s Mom, somewhere.
Shockingly, Mom is right. Collard greens are low in calories (35 calories in half a cup of cooked greens) and rich in folate, calcium, dietary fiber, and vitamins E, A, K, and C. Thanks to their many nutrients, collard greens have been associated with cancer prevention, detox support, anti-inflammatory properties, heart health, and digestive support. And bonus, they are in your boxes this week! For more health details and simple recipe. And a not so healthy but delicious recipe.
Broccoli is bringing it these days in the field. One of the easiest ways to prepare it is pan roasted on the stove top. We’ve test-driven two recipes recently, both delicious. The first Easy Pan Fried Broccoli is a basic method, the second Sauteed Broccoli goes great with rice.
Now that the small trickle of harvest has turned into a fire hose, the topic turns to putting food by. We’ve not yet broken out the canner, but each week some kind of produce goes into the freezer, to become something savory in the long dark months. It may be that you’ve got a side garden, it may be you’ve got more in your box than you can eat right now. Don’t let it moulder – give it a quick spin in a hot oven, let cool and pop in the freezer.
This week you’ll find Thai basil in your boxes. Similar to Italian basil but with a sharper, more pungent flavor. Great for Asian food and especially nice in The Salad. Last week we enjoyed these Thai basil noodles, substituting chicken for tofu and Tatsoi for Pac Choi. Tonight we’re having Thai basil fried rice, which for us is great comfort food, full of veggie goodness (easy also to sub out ingredients for what’s on hand). Enjoy 🌱
Kale’s hitting boxes this week!! That’s a great thing, because kale is super healthy and so versatile. If you’re going for five fruits and veggies a day, kale is an easy addition to get you there, from adding fresh smoothies to sauteing for scrambled eggs, adding to burritos, etc.
We always share our favorite recipe for Massaged Kale Salad, which vibes like a Caesar salad and has made many a kale convert. For dinner tonight though, we’re having these house-favorite Oven Baked Meatballs with kale and radishes (subbing turnips). A few more ingredients than our typical recipe shares, but so well worth it! Enjoy!
The recent heavy rains were deep nourishment for food crops in the ground. It’s just not the same as irrigation and everything grew by leaps and bounds! Sweet peas jumped a foot, and you’ll see them in boxes this week. Easy to eat raw, they might not make it home. But if they do, the mint in your box will contribute to a classic spring saute – as simple or as complex as you want. And if all the sweet peas disappear, you’ve got some mint sprigs to place in a glass of water on your counter for fragrant garnishes or a mint simple syrup for refreshing beverages.
First pick up day of the first pick up week of the season 🌱 The Farmer really enjoys presenting the boxes in person. It’s a great time to check in with customers – our investors – about the farm. And Loki loves loudly announcing visitors, tail wagging the whole time!
Both Tatsoi and Pac Choi are in your boxes this week – you’ll know Pac Choi by the bulb at the base. Last year we introduced 10 Minute Pac Choi, which really is a delicious, easy side. Just yesterday we tried this Tatsoi Salad, which turned out great even without the cucumber (not in season 😉) and substituting flax seed for hemp hearts.
Enjoy your first boxes, and we’ll see you next week!
CSA boxes and farm letters awaiting pickup in the cool of the walk in.
Stop by the Farm for plant starts: Saturday May 13, 9am-2pm. Cash or check only. Updated plant list below.
1/2 off on all 6 packs and tomatoes. Free plant for all Mothers! See list below.
Lots of peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini and winter squash.
After Saturday, sales by appointment only. Call or text 360-338-8654.
Farm Tip of the Week: Don’t put all of your eggs in in one basket. Plants lots of different things. And lots of different varieties. Take notes of what works and what does not. Adjust accordingly. Become intimate with your microclimate.
Stop by the Farm for plant starts: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-2pm. Cash or check only. Shop early for best selection. Updated plant list below.
Farm Tip of the Week: Test your soil! It’s inexpensive and the only way to know what you need to add – or need to avoid – in order for your plants to thrive. Local testing is available through the Thurston Conservation District. More information is available at https://www.thurstoncd.com/working-lands/soil-testing/
urbanfuturesfarm.com 