Hello Farm Members,
We are so happy to finally have a nice soaking rain after a considerable dry time on the farm. It means more weeding, but also faster growth on our greens and many upcoming veggies in the fields. May your cisterns be full...
It's also exciting to have our first weeks of genips (AKA kenneps) in the share. These come from one of the best trees of the territory and they will get better every week until they are gone. They should be plump and juicy after the sky blessings. Other blessings raining down, making the optional list this week, are West Indian Locust pods (AKA Stinkin Toe). They are one of the few well-known native fruits to the VI. Some people like them, some don't. If you try them for the first time, place the pod sideways on a stone or other hard surface and crack it open with another stone or hammer. Inside is a dry fibrous "flesh" that you can eat straight while it melts in your mouth like astronaut ice cream. You can also add to a smoothie, and some people use it as an ice cream ingredient or to make baby food. It's full of calcium and iron, and is great for the body. Find out more info here.
This last week we had a handful of boxes that were not picked up on Saturday. Please let us know if you can't get your share and we will do our best to hold it for you for one additional day. Our friends at Leatherback say it's ok to pick up on Sunday if you can't make the Saturday time. However, by Monday they are usually moving a lot of beer in the cool rooms. They are so generous to host our CSA. So please, do your best to get your share on Saturday, or email us at csa@ridge2reef.org to let us know if you'll be coming later. We don't want any food to go unused and it is perishable, so if we don't hear anything we will find good homes for any orphaned boxes by Monday:) And THANK YOU for returning your boxes and any packing materials and we will re-use or re-purpose:)
Finally, since we have more crops in development, we are likely going to extend the season another 4 weeks. Stay tuned for an announcement on that. If you're already joined, you won't need to take any action or you can opt out easily.
In Gratitude,
Nate & the Farm Crew
