Farm Happenings at Schultz Valley Farms
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Farm Update: Embracing the Hot Days of Summer!

Posted on July 26th, 2023 by Lynne Schultz

Dear cherished CSA members,

We hope this email finds you well and staying cool in the midst of the scorching summer days! The farm is buzzing with activity as we navigate the heat and work diligently to ensure the well-being of our crops and animals. Here's a glimpse of what's been happening on the farm lately:

As the sun rises earlier and sets later, we've adjusted our daily schedule to tackle farm chores during the cooler hours of the day. Mornings and evenings have become our allies, helping us evade the extreme heat and keep our energy levels up. And let's not forget about our trusted companion, the cooler! It's like an oasis during the day, keeping our harvested produce fresh and crisp before it reaches your tables.

Our furry and feathered friends are also feeling the effects of the heat. To minimize stress on the animals, we've been moving them to new pastures during the cooler evenings. Their health and comfort are always our top priority, and we want to ensure they stay happy and relaxed even during this hot season.

With summer in full swing, our vegetables are thriving, and we're excited to witness their bountiful production. The vibrant colors and flavors of freshly harvested veggies bring joy to our hearts, and we can't wait to share them with you each week.

As some sports wind down and others gear up, we find ourselves transitioning from travel basketball tournaments to soccer fields. Sadie just finished her last basketball tournament after ten months of hard work and dedication. While we take a break from basketball travels, the soccer season has kicked off, and Josh is one of the coaches, so it's all about one sport paving the way for the next!

On the topic of fall, we're thrilled to announce that we'll be offering a fall/winter CSA this year. We're planning for an exciting season ahead, and more details will be heading your way in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for all the goodies and fresh produce we have in store for you!

Now, let's dive into the highlights of two delightful melons that have graced our farm: Cantaloupe and Canary Melon.

Cantaloupe: This summer gem is a sweet and juicy treat that's perfect for snacking, adding to fruit salads, or even blending into refreshing smoothies. When selecting a ripe cantaloupe, look for a sweet fragrance and a slightly soft blossom end. Here are a few mouthwatering recipes to enjoy with cantaloupe:

  1. Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Salad: Pair juicy cantaloupe slices with thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant and delicious salad.

  2. Cantaloupe Agua Fresca: Blend cantaloupe chunks with water, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a refreshing and hydrating drink.

Canary Melon: This lesser-known melon variety boasts a vibrant yellow color and a delicate sweetness reminiscent of cantaloupe and pear. It's a delightful addition to fruit salads and smoothies. Try these ideas with canary melon:

  1. Canary Melon Sorbet: Puree canary melon chunks with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, then freeze it for a cooling and delightful sorbet.

  2. Canary Melon and Cucumber Salsa: Dice canary melon and cucumber, mix with lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño for a unique and tangy salsa to accompany grilled dishes.

We hope you find delight in these melon varieties and relish their refreshing flavors.

Stay cool and refreshed this summer, and we look forward to seeing you at our CSA pickup. Thank you for being part of our farm family, and for supporting local and sustainable agriculture.

With warmest regards,

The Schultz Family