What’s in your box today (consume in order of appearance on this list!): Heirloom Tomatoes: We have Black Brandywines, Red Brandywines, Piriform, Lemon Boys, Copias, Purple Calabash, and Green Zebras just to name a few. They are of varying ripeness with the intention that you will have some that are perfectly ripe to eat right away and some that will be great in the following days. Please note that some of the heirloom varieties are green and are ripe. These are from our transitional fields, so they are not certified organic. Please contact us with questions about transitional produce & organic certification; we’re happy to explain how we keep the items separate. We finally entered our third year of transition to organic on our leased piece of land — we’ll be able to have the parcel certified Nov. 2010! Store on counter upside down (never in fridge!). Tomatoes are famously fragile, so please make sure you eat them soon!
Cherry Tomatoes: These oh-so-delicious little treats are a welcome addition to any green salad, pasta salad, or as a quick snack. These are from our transitional fields (see above) and are not certified organic. Never store in fridge to maintain great flavor and texture. Keep them on the counter and eat soon.
Shady Lady Tomatoes: These are a wonderful slicing variety with lots of flavor. These are from our transitional fields (see above) and are not certified organic. Store on counter (never in fridge!) and eat soon. These will last longer than the heirloom tomatoes.
Strawberries: So sweet & tasty! Store in fridge in green basket in paper bag or in closed plastic container with a damp paper towel. Wash only when ready to use. Eat soon. Please return green baskets to your delivery site in an orderly fashion.
Basil: Yum! It’s gorgeous, succulent, and oh-so-aromatic! Please keep in mind that we are growing three different varieties this year (a large, curly variety called Genovese; a narrow-leaved variety called Lemon Basil; and a regular, Italian Large-Leaf basil). Adds depth to many dishes. Use soon. Store in plastic bag in fridge. Keep dry and remove blackened leaves.
Melon OR Gypsy Peppers: Some of you will receive a melon and others of you will receive some gypsy peppers. We didn’t get very good germination in our melons this year, so we ended up with less than we hoped for. These juicy melons are fragile and must be eaten soon. Store in fridge and consume with delight! We just love those sweet little gypsy peppers. They are great sauteed, roasted, or raw. (See poblano peppers below for information on roasting peppers). Store in crisper in fridge and wash before use.
Cucumber: We hope you enjoy these cool and refreshing fruits. Some are a smaller, wider middle eastern variety and others are the long suyo type. There is no need to peel them as they are thin-skinned and ready to eat (after washing, of course). Store in plastic in the crisper of the fridge.
Lettuce: We hope you enjoy this crisp, fresh summer Romaine variety! Store in plastic bag in fridge and wash before consuming.
Summer Squash: Store in fridge in plastic bag. Can damage easily but adds a special something to any sauté, soup, or bread.
Eggplant: These are absolutely gorgeous! The best way to draw out bitterness is to cube it & cover with a LOT of salt (in a bowl). Let sit for 20+ minutes. Wash off salt & sauté or otherwise cook. Store in fridge crisper for best results.
Poblano Peppers: Oh how we love these peppers! These are the spicy dark green pepper in your box this week. Keep in the crisper for best results and wash before use. To roast peppers, place over flame on stove (or in broiler). Rotate so entire pepper is blackened. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl with a lid/plate covering it. When cool enough to touch, rinse off the blackened skin. Delicious!
Potatoes: You will receive either red, white, or purple potatoes this week. Each variety is a little different, but all are great for roasting, pan frying, boiling and for use in stews, soups, or gratins. These will store best in the crisper of the fridge. Wash well right before eating.