The customization period for this week's harvest is open until Monday night, 11:30 p.m.
About those (so called) Winter Squash.... We've always felt like these hard skinned squashes are misnamed. For one thing, they ripen in early Fall and for another, they are not necessarily at their best if held into winter, or late winter anyway. This could be especially true of squash grown in NW Washington where it can be a struggle to give these long season fruits the warm growing conditions and, even more critical, the warm curing conditions they need. The squash we are distributing to you now, and which we or other local growers grew, have been given the longest growing season possible, harvested at peak ripeness, and cured in cool and dry conditions for over 3 weeks. They are ready to eat now, and will be sweeter still if left in a warm dry place inside for another 4 - 8 days. Beyond this time frame, they should hold their quality for at least another 4 - 10 weeks, depending on the type of squash and their general exterior quality. If your squash have any visible soft spots, or develop such in the future, it is best to make plans to eat them within 7 - 10 days (we do our best to give you squash free of such blemishes, but they can be hard to spot). Winter Squash are best stored in dry and cool conditions ~ but not cold or exposed to freezing temperatures. A hallway pantry or basement shelf are generally good places for squash.
We are enjoying the mixed flocks of birds that now frequent the farm ~ siskins, chickadees, kinglets, finches, juncos, and others that invade the spent plantings to forage for seeds and bugs. Sometimes a Sharp Shinned or Coopers Hawk will dart out of the woods and give good chase to one of these smaller birds, not always successfully, but sometimes, yes. We've watched this play for many seasons and never cease to delight in it nor take for granted the front row seat on the creation our profession give us.
Thanks to you all for your membership and support.
~ Mike, Kim, and Crew
Cedarville Farm
The following local Farms and food processors have provided crops or other product for this week's boxes:
Hopewell Farm, Everson: Carrots
Misty Meadows Farm, Everson: Eggs
Osprey Hill Farm, Acme: Chicken
Cascadia Mushrooms, Bellingham: Shiitake Mushrooms
Sauk Orchards, Concrete: Honey Crisp Apples
Bellingham Pasta, Bellingham: Fresh Pasta
Rabbit Fields Farm, Mt. Vernon: Garlic
Alluvial Farms, Everson: Pork
Lost Peacock Creamery, Olympia: Goat Cheese (Chevre)
