Heirloom Melon OR Granny Smith Apples:  You will either receive a melon or apples in your box this week. Please click here for more information and color photos of the melons we are growing this year so you can identify what you got and let us know how you like them.  The apples are from our friends at Coco Ranch in Davis and are certified organic. Wash before eating and enjoy! Italian Large Leaf Basil: 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.

Cherry Tomatoes: Enjoy this colorful mix of heirloom cherry tomatoes! These delicious candy-like treats are a welcome addition to any green salad, pasta salad, or as a quick snack.  Never store in fridge to maintain great flavor and texture.  Keep on the counter and eat soon.

Mixed Heirloom Tomatoes:  We have Brandywines, Piriform, Lemon Boys, Copias, Purple Calabash and Green Zebras just to name a few (see the website for photos of each).  These make a killer bruschetta, fresh caprese salad, or BLT sandwich.   These beauties should be stored on the counter (belly button down) and eaten soon. Wash well eating and enjoy the taste of summer!

Shady Lady Tomatoes: These are a great slicing variety with a lot of vine-ripe flavor. Always store tomatoes on the counter, as putting them in the fridge will change their texture and taste. Store them “belly button” down.  Wash before eating and enjoy the taste of summer!

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley:  The beautifully clean, crisp flavor adds depth to many a dish!  Store in a plastic bag in the fridge and use rather quickly.

Romaine Lettuce:  Enjoy this new crop of fresh Romaine lettuce for salads & sandwiches!  It is a young and tender mix of curly, red leaf and romaine lettuces.  Store in plastic bag in fridge and wash well before consuming.

Chard:  These big, beautiful leaves are mighty tasty and are first of the season!  Chard is a cousin of the beet and the crinkly leaves are amazing steamed or sauteed until bright green.  Remove the leaves from the stems, but make sure to eat the stems too. (The stems will need to be cooked a little longer than the leaves.)  Store in plastic in fridge and wash well before use.

Summer Squash:   With a delicate flavor, these 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.

Green OR Red Bell Peppers:  These sweet and versatile peppers have an irresistible crunch are a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and are perfect for stuffing.  Green peppers turn red and become sweeter as they mature and some of you might just get some that are “sun-tanned” (or green with some red).   Store in crisper in fridge and wash before eating.

Tomatillos:  These beautiful self-packaged gems make an amazing green salsa and are a wonderful addition to tomato sauces:  dry roast in a hot pan, stirring occasionally, until rather soft.  Take care not to burn!  Store in bag in fridge and remove papery skins before use.  Check out last week’s recipes on eatwell.com for an easy way to enjoy your tomatillos fresh in a salad.