In your CSA bag
Regular membership takes all, Singles 6 items, Seniors 5 items
~ Carrots – 1 bunch bagged in crisper
~ Cucumber – 1 in crisper
~ Summer Squash – 2 or 3 refrigerate
~ Green Beans – 1 quart bag & refrigerate do not wash until ready to eat.
~ Radishes –1 bunch bagged in crisper
~ Kale – 1 bunch - refrigerate - very cold
~ Lettuce – 1 head – bagged in crisper
~ Scallions/Green Tails – bagged in crisper
~ Blueberries – 1 pint - refrigerate
~ Our Tomato – do NOT refrigerate
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown locally...
~ Maple Syrup, all sizes available - Maple Shade Farm
~ Tomatoes - Valley Dream Farm
~ Eggs - Pratt’s of N. Hyde Park
~ Peaches – Georgia, USA
~ Raspberries – P Mazza’s Farm, Essex VT
Recipe of the Week
Summer Squash Casserole
News from the Field
We sure had the full range of temperatures in this past week, from a roasting 94 degrees on Friday (while picking blueberries) to the return of cooler nights on Sunday, followed by the midnight showers. Joe does like the rain, every couple days or so. It helps to keep up with the ongoing job of irrigation. Vegetables are more complicated than a crop of Hay, but we need both for our rotations.
Making Hay
If a dairy farmer wants hay for his herd, then he usually prefers a higher protein legume (like alfalfa) mix for the milkers (females that gave birth within a year to be lactating) than a grassier hay mix for the heifers (younger female cows). When the alfalfa blossom is in the booting stage (just before opening into a blossom) it has a large quantity and yet a high quality and is time to be harvested. It is always nice to get three days of hot sun in a row. The farmer first cuts the crop with a “Mower”. The next day the hay is tossed around with a “Tedder” to help it fluff up and dry out. Sometimes it is tedded again in the afternoon. On the third day, the tedding process is repeated and when it is very dry and turns a paler dried out green color, then the hay is put into rows with a machine called a “Rake”. Raked hay must be baled when dry or it must be tedded and raked again to dry again on the fourth day. The bales are then stacked or kicked into a wagon and brought to the barn for stacking for winter storage feed. If it rains on the already drying hay during the process the hay loses its quality and is considered “Mulch” hay. Mulch has a much lower feed value and can be dusty and browner in color too. Before baling the hay into bales for storage in the barn, you must make sure the hay or grasses are dry. When the grass or hay is too green (not dried out enough), the bales will heat up and can even combust and start a barn fire. Think of it, when you rake up a pile of grass clippings, and leave it for a day. When you go back to pick up the pile, it is very hot. If the pile of grass clippings is turned frequently it can be made into compost.
Best Wishes: Two of our current employees, and close friends, Jackie Baressi and Tommy O’Connor, were married on July 24, 2011. The Celebration of their marriage was a beautiful, joyous, and fun filled day. Jay was in the wedding party and enjoyed seeing Anne put our garlic scapes into their floral arrangements. We consider them our extended family. We wish them a lifetime filled with continued happiness and many more memorable celebrations.
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
Jul 25, 2011
Jul 18, 2011
Week 7, July 18-24, 2011
In your CSA bag
~ Cucumber - 1
~ Broccoli- 1 bunch
~ Joi Choi – 1 head
~ Summer Squash – 2 or 3
~ Green Beans – 1 quart
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Kale – 1 bunch
~ Lettuce – 1 head
~ Blueberries – 1 pint
~ Tomato – 1 Canadian (brought in)
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown locally...
~ Maple Shade Farm – 2011 syrup shares of 2 half gallons for $48.00 are still available.
~ Maple Syrup: all sizes available
~ Tomatoes – Deep Root Organic - Canadian
~ Valley Dream Farm Tomatoes - limited
~ Eggs – Pratt’s of N. Hyde Park
~ Peaches – Georgia, USA
~ Raspberries – P Mazza’s Farm, Essex VT
Recipe of the Week
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Tips for Preparing Blueberries
News from the Field
The Organic Blueberry Bushes we pick are quickly ripening. We have to wait until the reddish purple ones to turn blue. If you pick them in the purple stage they are very tart, but if you wait for them to turn blue they are much sweeter. There are many varieties that we pick. Some have large berries while others have smaller, but they all taste great in pies and desserts.
We have to wait for the morning dew to dry before we can go and pick the berries. This is because blueberries are very susceptible to leaf rust. It is also commonly called “rust”. Rust can sit dormant on the blueberry bush. A similar fungus affects green beans (actually any color beans) and is also called rust and acts in a similar fashion. After a rain or when the leaves are still wet with morning dew, if the rust spores are disturbed when they are wet, they will activate and cause the plant to break break out with a yellowing that soon turns into a rust coloring and makes the fruit and beans undesirable. This fungus's alternate host Hemlock needs to be present for the disease cycle to be completed. Leaf rust is most prevalent in areas within the natural range of hemlocks. Therefore, we never pick blueberries or green beans in the early morning or anytime the bushes are moist. We would like to order dry afternoons with a breeze for berry picking season.
Blueberries are also very good for you too. Blueberries super food heart healthy benefits start when pectin binds with cholesterol, lowering levels and helping prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Silicon may help in regenerating the pancreas.
Organically grown blueberries turned out to have significantly higher concentrations of total phenol antioxidants and total anthocyanin antioxidants than conventionally grown blueberries, as well as significantly higher total antioxidant capacity. (wholefoods.com)
On a sad note: One of our former employees, and a close friend, Kate Richardson, 21, was killed while riding her bike in Tennessee by a drunk driver. She worked here during the early beginnings of our CSA. She was like a family member to us. She will be greatly missed and our heart goes out to her family and friends. A Celebration of her life is Sat July 23rd at 11am at Lamoille Union High School. Visiting hours are on Fri July 22nd from 5-8pm at White-Fies funeral parlor in Morrisville and future info will also be posted on Front porch forum.
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
~ Cucumber - 1
~ Broccoli- 1 bunch
~ Joi Choi – 1 head
~ Summer Squash – 2 or 3
~ Green Beans – 1 quart
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Kale – 1 bunch
~ Lettuce – 1 head
~ Blueberries – 1 pint
~ Tomato – 1 Canadian (brought in)
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown locally...
~ Maple Shade Farm – 2011 syrup shares of 2 half gallons for $48.00 are still available.
~ Maple Syrup: all sizes available
~ Tomatoes – Deep Root Organic - Canadian
~ Valley Dream Farm Tomatoes - limited
~ Eggs – Pratt’s of N. Hyde Park
~ Peaches – Georgia, USA
~ Raspberries – P Mazza’s Farm, Essex VT
Recipe of the Week
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Tips for Preparing Blueberries
News from the Field
The Organic Blueberry Bushes we pick are quickly ripening. We have to wait until the reddish purple ones to turn blue. If you pick them in the purple stage they are very tart, but if you wait for them to turn blue they are much sweeter. There are many varieties that we pick. Some have large berries while others have smaller, but they all taste great in pies and desserts.
We have to wait for the morning dew to dry before we can go and pick the berries. This is because blueberries are very susceptible to leaf rust. It is also commonly called “rust”. Rust can sit dormant on the blueberry bush. A similar fungus affects green beans (actually any color beans) and is also called rust and acts in a similar fashion. After a rain or when the leaves are still wet with morning dew, if the rust spores are disturbed when they are wet, they will activate and cause the plant to break break out with a yellowing that soon turns into a rust coloring and makes the fruit and beans undesirable. This fungus's alternate host Hemlock needs to be present for the disease cycle to be completed. Leaf rust is most prevalent in areas within the natural range of hemlocks. Therefore, we never pick blueberries or green beans in the early morning or anytime the bushes are moist. We would like to order dry afternoons with a breeze for berry picking season.
Blueberries are also very good for you too. Blueberries super food heart healthy benefits start when pectin binds with cholesterol, lowering levels and helping prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Silicon may help in regenerating the pancreas.
Organically grown blueberries turned out to have significantly higher concentrations of total phenol antioxidants and total anthocyanin antioxidants than conventionally grown blueberries, as well as significantly higher total antioxidant capacity. (wholefoods.com)
On a sad note: One of our former employees, and a close friend, Kate Richardson, 21, was killed while riding her bike in Tennessee by a drunk driver. She worked here during the early beginnings of our CSA. She was like a family member to us. She will be greatly missed and our heart goes out to her family and friends. A Celebration of her life is Sat July 23rd at 11am at Lamoille Union High School. Visiting hours are on Fri July 22nd from 5-8pm at White-Fies funeral parlor in Morrisville and future info will also be posted on Front porch forum.
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
Jul 11, 2011
Week 6, July 11 - 19, 2011
In your CSA bag
~ Cucumber
~ Carrots
~ Joi Choy or Bok Choy – 1
~ Summer Squash
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Kale
~ Lettuce
~ Green Beans
~ Sugar Snap Peas
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown at Valley Dream Farm...
~ Flowers
~ Herbs
~ Bedding plants (20% off for all members)
Grown locally...
~ Maple Syrup, all sizes available - Maple Shade Farm
~ Tomatoes - Deep Root Organic, Canadian grower
~ Eggs - Pratt of N. Hyde Park
Coming Soon... ~ Boyden Beef
Recipes of the Week
Kale Crunch Chips
Kale Salad
Kale and White Bean Soup
Kale is so good for you I was determined to find a way to cook with it, especially something that kids would like too. I like Kale in any brothy soup. The longer it cooks the sweeter it gets. It tastes great in chicken or vegetable soups. It also tastes great in a sausage and potato soups. But the favorite way to eat Kale is to make some Kale chips. You can be creative too. Maybe you like a little Cajun spices on yours or just salt. We like them with parmesan cheese (not the Kraft powdered one, but the finely grated one where you can see little slivers of the cheese. Try them with your family and see if they like this healthy new snack.
News from the Field
The weather this past weekend was just great! Vermonters seem to relish the short summer season and those warm sunny days were just what we needed. The plants loved it too. They also like a mix of sunshine, heat, and rain. Of course the rain has been a bit heavier up to this point and hopefully we can get a good balance from here on out. The vegetable plants are directly affected by the weather. When we get to much rain the roots can’t get any air and can drowned and die. The plants that survive are weakened (kind of like being ill and exhausted). This leaves them vulnerable to insects as well as all that moisture which makes a great environment for diseases too. The rains not only wash off the organic sprays (that are very water soluble), they also deplete the soils nutrients. You may see yellowing in the leaves which is due to a lack of nitrogen. The farmer wants to re-fertilize but must wait until the field is dry enough to prevent getting stuck and using heavy equipment can cause excess soil compaction when it is wet.
When a plant is stronger it is healthier. A healthier plant is more able todefend itself from diseases, insects and weed pressures during its growth. We are trying to keep ahead of the weeds, which is always a challenge. They compete with the vegetable plant and steal its space and nutrients. On commercial farms they spray chemical herbicides to kill the weeds. The chemicals are so strong that most times they only have to spray once. On organic farms we can hoe the weeds, or mechanically cultivate the weeds. We do not spray with any herbicides or chemicals. So needless to say our weeds return quite frequently. This is also why organic prices are higher as there is much more labor and fuel involved. We invite any members that would like to get their hands dirty and pull weeds to drop by anytime. There is always a patch that needs addressing.
I received a call today that our certified organic Blueberry field that we rent is only a week away from picking.
The Brassica Story
Brassica vegetables are highly regarded for their nutritional value. They provide high amounts of vitamin C and soluble fiber and contain multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties.
There are lots of vegetables in the brassica family. It includes vegetables that are commonly grown and known as Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale (this week!), Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radishes, Rutabaga and Turnip. Many of them can be grown for their ornamental leaves. Brassicas are commonly grown in northern climates due to their tolerance of colder weather.
Enjoy the flavors and the sunshine!
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
~ Cucumber
~ Carrots
~ Joi Choy or Bok Choy – 1
~ Summer Squash
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Kale
~ Lettuce
~ Green Beans
~ Sugar Snap Peas
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown at Valley Dream Farm...
~ Flowers
~ Herbs
~ Bedding plants (20% off for all members)
Grown locally...
~ Maple Syrup, all sizes available - Maple Shade Farm
~ Tomatoes - Deep Root Organic, Canadian grower
~ Eggs - Pratt of N. Hyde Park
Coming Soon... ~ Boyden Beef
Recipes of the Week
Kale Crunch Chips
Kale Salad
Kale and White Bean Soup
Kale is so good for you I was determined to find a way to cook with it, especially something that kids would like too. I like Kale in any brothy soup. The longer it cooks the sweeter it gets. It tastes great in chicken or vegetable soups. It also tastes great in a sausage and potato soups. But the favorite way to eat Kale is to make some Kale chips. You can be creative too. Maybe you like a little Cajun spices on yours or just salt. We like them with parmesan cheese (not the Kraft powdered one, but the finely grated one where you can see little slivers of the cheese. Try them with your family and see if they like this healthy new snack.
News from the Field
The weather this past weekend was just great! Vermonters seem to relish the short summer season and those warm sunny days were just what we needed. The plants loved it too. They also like a mix of sunshine, heat, and rain. Of course the rain has been a bit heavier up to this point and hopefully we can get a good balance from here on out. The vegetable plants are directly affected by the weather. When we get to much rain the roots can’t get any air and can drowned and die. The plants that survive are weakened (kind of like being ill and exhausted). This leaves them vulnerable to insects as well as all that moisture which makes a great environment for diseases too. The rains not only wash off the organic sprays (that are very water soluble), they also deplete the soils nutrients. You may see yellowing in the leaves which is due to a lack of nitrogen. The farmer wants to re-fertilize but must wait until the field is dry enough to prevent getting stuck and using heavy equipment can cause excess soil compaction when it is wet.
When a plant is stronger it is healthier. A healthier plant is more able todefend itself from diseases, insects and weed pressures during its growth. We are trying to keep ahead of the weeds, which is always a challenge. They compete with the vegetable plant and steal its space and nutrients. On commercial farms they spray chemical herbicides to kill the weeds. The chemicals are so strong that most times they only have to spray once. On organic farms we can hoe the weeds, or mechanically cultivate the weeds. We do not spray with any herbicides or chemicals. So needless to say our weeds return quite frequently. This is also why organic prices are higher as there is much more labor and fuel involved. We invite any members that would like to get their hands dirty and pull weeds to drop by anytime. There is always a patch that needs addressing.
I received a call today that our certified organic Blueberry field that we rent is only a week away from picking.
The Brassica Story
Brassica vegetables are highly regarded for their nutritional value. They provide high amounts of vitamin C and soluble fiber and contain multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties.
There are lots of vegetables in the brassica family. It includes vegetables that are commonly grown and known as Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale (this week!), Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radishes, Rutabaga and Turnip. Many of them can be grown for their ornamental leaves. Brassicas are commonly grown in northern climates due to their tolerance of colder weather.
Enjoy the flavors and the sunshine!
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
Jul 5, 2011
Week 5, July 5 - 12, 2011
In your CSA bag
~ Kohlrabi
~ Cucumber
~ Beets with Greens (also edible)
~ Green Beans- 1 quart
~ Bok Choy – 1 bunch
~ Garlic Scapes – 10
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Spinach-1 bunch
~ Lettuce
~ Tomato – 1 conventional (“not ours yet” they will be coming!)
~ Pansies – one 6-pack
(they need more soil so pot them up or in the ground and watch them grow - best in a place that has more sun than shade, and water when wilted)
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown at Valley Dream Farm...
~ Flowers
~ Herbs
~ Bedding plants (20% off for all members)
Grown locally...
~ Maple Syrup, all sizes available - Maple Shade Farm
~ Tomatoes - Deep Root Organic, Canadian grower
~ Eggs - Great Scape Farm, Cambridge
Coming Soon... ~ Boyden Beef
Recipe of the Week
Kohlrabi Cole Slaw
News from the Field
Happy 4th of July! Sorry to say that Strawberries are ending. You can pick if you look under the leaves about 20-minutes per quart. Blueberries, are still about three weeks away.
If you think it smells a little fishy around the farm store, then you are correct as we are frequently fertilizing the plants with an organic fish fertilizer. I guess the pilgrims were “right on” when they planted a fish under the sweet corn to fertilize it. We use an organic product called organic gem made from ground fish parts. It works great but does not always smell so great.
We have just emptied the greenhouse and members can take FREE plants
Summer Squash Plants:
yellow straight neck & Zucchini
Winter Squash Plants:
Acorn - dark green typical,
Carnival - a multi colored acorn like which is also the best for long storage
Butternut – tan with a long neck and fatter bulb at one end
Buttercup like - actually a Kabocha, which looks similar to a buttercup without the ring around the bottom stem
Sweet Dumpling – smaller, rounded with ribs, white with dark green stripes/spotting, stores well also one of the sweetest.
Cream of the Crop – a white acorn shaped squash.
Tomato Plants:
New Girl – an early, great tasting, disease resistant, 4-6oz firm
Big Beef – a larger 10-12oz, excellent tasting, All-American
Valley Girl – flavorful, midsize 7-8oz heavy yielding, temp tolerant
Paragon – very good flavor, 8-10 oz, big flush of fruit
Sun Gold – cherry, gold colored, tropical flavored, to die for !
Sprite - grape tomato, very prolific, red colored
MEMBERS receive a free 6 pack of pansies!
Today we are also giving you a free tomato. We sold out and were not able to buy organic ones for our farmers market and with all the 4th of July activities it seems that tomato sales were down. So you will benefit as a member with a free tomato of your choice.
Enjoy the flavors and the sunshine!
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
~ Kohlrabi
~ Cucumber
~ Beets with Greens (also edible)
~ Green Beans- 1 quart
~ Bok Choy – 1 bunch
~ Garlic Scapes – 10
~ Radishes –1 bunch
~ Spinach-1 bunch
~ Lettuce
~ Tomato – 1 conventional (“not ours yet” they will be coming!)
~ Pansies – one 6-pack
(they need more soil so pot them up or in the ground and watch them grow - best in a place that has more sun than shade, and water when wilted)
Also at the Farm Stand
Grown at Valley Dream Farm...
~ Flowers
~ Herbs
~ Bedding plants (20% off for all members)
Grown locally...
~ Maple Syrup, all sizes available - Maple Shade Farm
~ Tomatoes - Deep Root Organic, Canadian grower
~ Eggs - Great Scape Farm, Cambridge
Coming Soon... ~ Boyden Beef
Recipe of the Week
Kohlrabi Cole Slaw
News from the Field
Happy 4th of July! Sorry to say that Strawberries are ending. You can pick if you look under the leaves about 20-minutes per quart. Blueberries, are still about three weeks away.
If you think it smells a little fishy around the farm store, then you are correct as we are frequently fertilizing the plants with an organic fish fertilizer. I guess the pilgrims were “right on” when they planted a fish under the sweet corn to fertilize it. We use an organic product called organic gem made from ground fish parts. It works great but does not always smell so great.
We have just emptied the greenhouse and members can take FREE plants
Summer Squash Plants:
yellow straight neck & Zucchini
Winter Squash Plants:
Acorn - dark green typical,
Carnival - a multi colored acorn like which is also the best for long storage
Butternut – tan with a long neck and fatter bulb at one end
Buttercup like - actually a Kabocha, which looks similar to a buttercup without the ring around the bottom stem
Sweet Dumpling – smaller, rounded with ribs, white with dark green stripes/spotting, stores well also one of the sweetest.
Cream of the Crop – a white acorn shaped squash.
Tomato Plants:
New Girl – an early, great tasting, disease resistant, 4-6oz firm
Big Beef – a larger 10-12oz, excellent tasting, All-American
Valley Girl – flavorful, midsize 7-8oz heavy yielding, temp tolerant
Paragon – very good flavor, 8-10 oz, big flush of fruit
Sun Gold – cherry, gold colored, tropical flavored, to die for !
Sprite - grape tomato, very prolific, red colored
MEMBERS receive a free 6 pack of pansies!
Today we are also giving you a free tomato. We sold out and were not able to buy organic ones for our farmers market and with all the 4th of July activities it seems that tomato sales were down. So you will benefit as a member with a free tomato of your choice.
Enjoy the flavors and the sunshine!
Thanks!
Anne Tisbert
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