Strawberries: These gorgeous fruits are of the Chandler and Seascape varieties and should be eaten soon since we pick them ripe. To store, leave them in the green basket inside of paper bag in fridge and wash only before consuming. Please return the baskets to your delivery site so they can be reused. Enjoy! Basil: Some of you asked to be buried in basil , so we are attempting to do just that! It is a succulent, oh-so-aromatic herb that adds depth to many a dish and can be made into a tasty pesto Store in plastic bag in fridge and use soon.
Tomatoes: After much anticipation, they are making their debut this week! You will either receive a basket of mixed cherry tomatoes, or Early Girls. We didn't have quite enough ripe tomatoes for all of the boxes this week, so some of the slicer tomatoes are from Terra Firma in Winters and are certified organic. Always store tomatoes on the counter, as putting them in the fridge will change their texture and flavor. Wash well before eating and enjoy the sweet taste of vine-ripe summer goodness!
Summer Squash: With a delicate flavor, this zucchini can be quickly sauteed or steamed with just a touch of oil or butter and some fresh herbs. It also goes well shredded in a salad or baked into bread. Stores best in plastic bag in fridge and wash before eating.
Sweet Banana Peppers: A taste of summer in your box this week! These look like a big pepperoncini or resemble a hungarian wax pepper but are a larger and sweeter cousin to them both. These are amazing sliced fresh in a salad, are terrific stuffed with cheese or meat and grilled, and are wonderful pickled. Store in fridge in crisper and wash before using.
Poblano Peppers OR Middle Eastern Cucumbers: Oh how we love these peppers! These are the dark green pepper in your box this week and maybe mild to spicy. 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. The cucumbers in the box this week are a Middle Eastern variety that boasts a slightly nutty flavor and an thin edible skin. No need to peel these cucurbits! They are amazing fresh in a salad or with a little lime, yogurt, and chile. Keep in crisper in fridge and wash only before consuming. Delicious!
Green Bell Peppers: These sweet and versatile peppers have a great crunch are a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and are perfect for stuffing. Store in crisper in fridge and wash before eating.
Black Bell Eggplant: These are absolutely gorgeous and are first of the season! We grew these with a weed fabric barrier and they are loving it. These are exceptionally sweet ,but the best way to draw out any bitterness is to cube it & cover with salt, then let sit for 10 minutes or so. Wash off salt & sauté or otherwise cook for a rich, complex flavor. Store in crisper in fridge for best results.
Tokyo Turnips: This ancient veggie is one of the earliest to be cultivated and was a staple before the potato. It is rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These beauties can be eaten raw or steamed and have a deliciously buttery crunch. Remove the greens and store in separate plastic bags in fridge and wash before eating. The turnip greens are amazing sauteed!
Bunching Onions: These young onions are great raw in salads or on sandwiches, in omelets, soups, curries, or stir-fries. Use the tasty green tops, too! Wash well and remove bottom quarter-inch before consuming.
Mixed Potatoes: These are a mix of our Caribe, Purple Viking, Yellow Finn, and Yukon Gold potatoes. We are sending you a sample of our heirloom tomato salt that is a delicious addition to roasted spuds. Check out this week's recipe! Store in fridge for best keeping and eat the skin for most nutrients. Wash well before eating and enjoy!