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: First of the season! We are finally having our highly-anticipated first flush of tomatoes at the farm for the year. You will either receive a basket of cherry tomatoes, or a bag or Early Girl or Shady Lady slicers or some mixed heirlooms. Always store tomatoes on the counter, as putting them in the fridge will change their texture and flavor and store them "belly button" down. 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.
Serrano Peppers: These are the smaller green thin-skinned peppers in the box this week and have a crisp hot bite to them. They are commonly added raw to pico de gallo and are hotter than a jalapeno. Wear gloves when slicing to avoid getting the capsicum oil on your hands and remove seeds and membranes for less heat. Enjoy!
Sweet Banana OR Yellow Tapered Peppers: The Banana peppers look like a 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. The Yellow Tapered variety is a mild and crunchy pepper that adds a nice splash of color and flavor to any dish or salad. Store in fridge in crisper and wash before using.
Middle Eastern Cucumbers: These cucumbers boast 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 and they are producing quite well. 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.
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.
Nectarines OR Plums: Enjoy the pretty heart-shaped purple plums or some tasty nectarines from the Eatwell orchard in your box this week. To further ripen fruit, place in a brown paper bag and leave out on the counter for a few days. Ripe fruit can be stored in the fridge and should be washed before eating.
Potatoes: The German Butterballs in your box this week have a beautiful yellow flesh and a characteristic buttery taste. It is a great all-purpose spud and can be baked, mashed, fried, boiled, or roasted. Store in fridge for best keeping and eat the skin for most nutrients. Wash well before eating and enjoy!