Week 9, August 1 - 8, 2011

In your CSA bag

Regular may take all vegetables listed, Single size members may choose 6 items, Seniors choose 5.

~ Sweet Corn – single 2 / regular 4
~ Cabbage - 1
~ Zucchini – Romanesco Italian - 1
~ Summer Squash or Patty pans – 2
~ Broccoli or Carrots – 1 choice
~ Cucumber – 1
~ Fava Beans – 1 quart
~ Collards – 1 bunch
~ Lettuce – 1 Red or Green
~ Tomatoes – 1 (do NOT refrigerate)
~ Basil – 2 stems

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
~ Valley Dream Farm –all items certified organic
~ Eggs – organic (not certified) -Great Scape Farm, Jeffersonville
~ Peaches – non organic -Pennsylvania Amish
~ Blueberries – Cave Moose Farm, Cambridge, certified organic

Recipes of the Week
Summer Corn Salad
Zucchini Hash

News from the Field

Wishing you had a few more vegetables each week? If a single share is not enough give us a call and we will be happy to upgrade you (on a pro-rated basis) to a regular size share. Additional items are always available for purchase in the farm store or you can pre-order and receive them with your regular delivery.

This is unique squash week. We are offering you romanesco zucchini. This is an heirloom Italian zucchini that wins every taste test based on its unique, slightly nutty flavor and exceptional texture. We are also offering you patty pan summer squash. It tastes very similar to yellow summer squash. It is very delicious, especially when cut in thick flower shaped slices and drizzled with a mix of olive oil 6tablespoons, garlic 1 clove crushed and chopped basil leaves then thrown them on a hot grill and cook until seared on both sides with pretty grill stripes.

Also this week, we have a new vegetable that is very high in protein called Fava Beans. Fava beans were enjoyed by ancient Egyptians 5,000 years ago and 3,000 years later continued to be a prime source of protein in the Near East. The fava is a large, brown bean; these beans are often considered the tastiest bean around, along with being the meatiest bean. The favas grow in large pods that house approximately five beans each. They are popular in many parts of Europe and are beginning to gain a following in the United States. Fresh broad beans should keep fresh for up to a week if refrigerated; where as dried fava beans will keep for up to a year if stored in an airtight glass or ceramic container. They do take a bit of work to prepare.

PREPARING “Fava Beans”

1. Shuck beans (they look like pale green large beans) out of pods and discard pods.
2. Boil beans in lightly salted water for 10 minutes.
3. Remove thin green skins.
4. Cool. Eat warm with butter salt and pepper, or store in refrigerator for later use.
5. Use them in salads or in a stir fry with other vegetables

Thanks!
Anne Tisbert