It seems a cruel joke that smoke season acoincides with our biggest harvests. Of course it makes perfect sense, food thrives with warm temperatures and long days and so do wildfires. Smoke season sends us reeling trying to predict the AQI while we simultaneously plan for mega harvests. My head fills with a million questions like will markets be cancelled? How much should we harvest? Should we even harvest? Will the AQI be so bad that the crew won't come (we don't require them to at hazardous levels). If we don't have workers, what do we force ourselves to do to keep the farm together in the meantime?
Luckily CSA is a constant for us, and we know our members will still need produce and pick up boxes, and unless we are absolutely unable to bring in the harvest, you can count on us to bring it to you! We've never missed a delivery yet!
Despite all our wonderings, we know that our fields are providing and we've got a fun summer share this week with a couple new items! First, our red cabbage (arguably the most beautiful plant) is ready for you! And you know that Thai Cabbage Slaw we shared last week? It's great with red cabbage as well! If you need a great appetizer for this salad, we've got shishitos available for you as well. And for the first time ever, we've got Italian Eggplant available to our members. Eggplant is always hit and miss for us, but this year we had enough greenhouse space to double our planting and (for now) they are producing amazing, big, shiny eggplants. We know it's not everyone's favorite, but if you haven't had fresh eggplant, we encourage you to try it! It's soft and creamy when cooked and not bitter like many at the store. Here's a farm favorite Eggplant Parm recipe if you're interested.
Wish us luck this week, hoping for clearer skies later this week, and a short and gentle fire season.
Your Farmers,
Ashley, Caleb and the Sungrounded Crew
