Tuesday, September 24, 2013

14th CSA Week


Ouch.  I lifted a bin of winter squash the wrong way at the CSA pick-up and my back is NOT happy with me.  Funny how you can lift and haul around 75lbs all day and no problem but lifting something the wrong way can almost put you on the floor.  No fun!!  But farming must go on :)

This weeks large share has carrots, parsnips, lettuce mix, arugula, hardy mix (tatsoi, purple mizuna and spicy red mustard), radishes, tomatoes, onions, shallots, green pepper, Italian parsley and either broccoli or cauliflower.  The grab boxes were overflowing with salad turnips, winter squash, leeks, dill, cilantro, basil, hot peppers, zucchini, cabbage, green onions, swiss chard, kale, collards, celery and beets. 

I have been waiting all season for nice broccoli and cauliflower.  I'm not sure if its the fact we had no rain all summer or just bad luck but our harvests to date have been less than satisfying.  Well today that all changed.  Beautiful full heads of perfect broccoli and stunning large white heads of cauliflower!!  It's about time. 



I made a very yummy Tomato soup on Sunday and it was way too easy.  If you like tomato soup I think you'll agree with me that its a winner!!!
Tomato Soup
1 quart tomatoes
2 medium carrots
2 medium onions
1.5 L water
2 bouillon cubes
2 cloves garlic
In a pot, heat some olive oil and add roughly chopped carrots, onions, and minced garlic cloves. Toss around for about 10 minutes. Add the quart of roughly chopped tomatoes, (with skins) and 1.5L of water with the 2 bouillon cubes (we used chicken) and bring to a boil. Simmer for another 10 minutes and then blend the soup using a hand blender or food processor.  I doubled the batch and its just delicious.  It is very plain but surprisingly sweet and a wonderful starter base.  A simple shake of parmesan cheese and some pepper....amazing.  

This is organic week and we were very excited to see our farm highlighted on "My Island Bistro Kitchen" blog.  Barbara came to visit us about a month or so ago and did an interview and took some pictures as well as visit a CSA pick-up to see all stages of the CSA process.  It's so interesting to read about the farm from another person's words. 

This coming Sunday is Farm Day in the City and I will be there along with fellow farmer friends with lots of farm fresh products available.  It's a great day to wander around down town as the farm "comes to the city".  It's an outdoor farmers market with tonnes of vendors displaying the best of in-season produce, fruits and culinary delights.  Last year was such a great time and I'm really looking forward to attending again. 
2012 Farm Day in the City.......What a great day
Here are some recent pictures from around the farm. Enjoy









My rock and roll cutter bar.  Many thanks to my brother for whipping this together for me.  Takes all the work out of digging parsnips!!

Slow roasted tomatoes.  Ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt

Rather ugly but five hours later.......delicious!!!

Lettuce heads growing for end of CSA season harvests.

They seriously love their tomatoes!!!!
lettuce mix under cover for fall harvests
Enjoy this weeks great selection of farm fresh veggies!!!





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