We are so thankful for our first tropical wave that brought over 4 inches of rain to the farm over the past few days. It's perked up our grasses, which we will use to mulch our garden beds after mowing and forking.
This rain was different than previous events as it finally penetrated the soil and our farm valley is humming with life! Young pineapple starts are making new leaves, the next zucchini crop is flowering, watermelons are filling out, and baby breadfruit trees are putting on new growth rapidly.
Over in the greenhouse, while the cucumbers are out for a month, some of the first tomatoes are making a limited appearance this week. Summer is not the traditional time of year to have tomatoes in the VI as the heat, disease, and pests take their toll in our tropical conditions this time of year. Two of the first varieties we offer this season are Galahad and Defiant. These are determinate tomatoes bred for flavor and disease resistance. Alongside these are indeterminate tomatoes that we are trialling in partnership with Johnny's Selected Seeds and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance.
For the lucky few who get the limited early tomatoes this week, you may need to let them rest a few days to reach full ripeness. We've gotten to sample several of these pinkish blushing varieties and they are well worth the wait:) The pearly-eyed thrashers are definitely aware, so we have to pick them slightly early at first blush before they get too many ideas. Less ripe fruits are ideal for fried green tomatoes, salsas, and in the sauté pan with other veggies! We should have plenty of ready tomatoes next week for all.
What seemed like a pitiful mango season now shows signs of a long, sweet, steady season, weather permitting. Recent vegetative growth sparked by the rains of a few weeks ago has sent new flower spikes covered in bees that have made thousands of developing fruits all over the orchards. Normally, we would have had a greater abundance yet a shorter timeframe of mangoes. This year, it seems to be stretched out for many more months to come. One of the varieties to come this week is Kensington Pride, which is best at full ripeness. If you leave it in the western window exposed to the sun it will smell like a peach at maximum ripeness. Other varieties may include Julie, Manzana, Kidney, Haitian, and Anderson.
Lettuces, arugula, and kale have relished in the rainfall, and crispy radishes have to be harvested this week. Starfruit (Carambola) are plump and sweet. Ample carrots this week that are juicy and crunchy. While they are not as sweet as the tropical fruits, they are damn good--tops and all. Salads should be rocking this week.
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Enjoy this week's share to it's fullest,
Nate and the Farm Crew
