Monday, May 8, 2017

2017 CSA Week 1

Hello fellow CSA members and welcome to the start of another Summer Season with Sustainable Harvest Farm!

I picked up some strawberries at the local grocery store this week. And then put them back on the shelf. Because I remembered Ford saying we'd have strawberries in our shares this week and I was sure I'd regret not waiting for the good ones! True story. I have been looking forward to this share!

If it isn't your first season, you've probably been eagerly anticipating these strawberries with me. Here's the list of what will be included in this week's share:


Produce
Storage
Longevity
strawberries
unwashed, in fridge
2-5 days
lettuce
unwashed, in fridge
1 week
sweet potatoes
in a dark, cool spot
~2 weeks


One note about the strawberries: There were some complications in ordering the plants this year that prevented Ford's typical berry crop. We WILL be getting fresh, local strawberries grown in Richmond, KY by Marcum Farms. They WILL be delicious, though not USDA certified organic.

For those of you who may be joining us for the first time: I am so glad you made the decision to partner with Sustainable Harvest Farm to help provide your family with fresh, healthy, organic food! For me a CSA share is an adventure. This is my fourth season as a CSA member and each year I learn more and expand my knowledge and love of local produce.

Last year, some of you may remember, I looked for recipes that would help my husband enjoy vegetables. This year, I plan to focus on recipes that might appeal to my 18 month old son, as well as that might accommodate special diets (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, low histamine, anti-inflammatory, etc). Though each year the course I have planned on the first week has not become reality by the final week.

I hope that one thing we will all learn together is how to roll with the unexpected changes of life. Farming itself can sometimes be unpredictable. The shares Ford plans for us may change as weather interferes, crops mature at various speeds and harvests produce an abundance or lack. And after all the work to get them to our home, we never know when illness or overtime or unexpected guests or invitations might spoil our best made plans (and our kale). But we'll be talking about that more as the weeks go on.

Each week I'll send out at least one blog post detailing our share, including storage tips and recipes. I love hearing from fellow CSA members. I still use some of the recipes you all shared with me last year. I hope you have plenty more to send my way! Always feel free to contact me or Ford and Amanda with any questions or concerns you may have. We're happy to help! I would love to help you tackle the specific obstacles you may be facing in getting the most out of your share and am happy to research special recipes and tips for you! Drop me a line any time. amyrosekarr@gmail.com

You may also look through blog posts from previous seasons. Crops generally follow the same calendar each year. While Ford may vary what he plants from season to season, this can give you a feel for the types of things to expect in the coming weeks, including plenty of recipes.

This week, enjoy those delicious strawberries, And the beautiful lettuce and sweet potatoes. Feel free to share pictures and recipes on our social media, or email them to us. And for a little inspiration, here are some recipes!

Eight ways to use lettuce outside a salad
Sweet potatoes as a gluten-free toast alternative






I have known Amanda since we were children and Ford since college. I was blessed to call this beautiful family my friends before they were my farmers. If they are first your farmers, I hope you can get to know them as friends, too. Farm visits are always welcome with advance notice and farm events will be announced throughout the season.

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