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.  Remove any blackened leaves, store in plastic bag in fridge and use soon. 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.

Arugula:  First of the season! This popular Italian green packs a slight bite with nutty undertones and pairs well with goat cheese, nuts, and a vinaigrette.  It is also great sauteed, in pesto, atop a pizza, or in soups.  Store in plastic bag in fridge, rinse, and dry 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.

Shady Lady OR Roma Tomatoes: The Shady Ladys are a great slicing variety with a lot of vine-ripe flavor and our Romas are a tasty paste tomato great for sauce! Always store tomatoes on the counter, as putting them in the fridge will change their texture and taste. Store “belly button” down.  Wash before eating and enjoy!

Romaine Lettuce:  Enjoy this delicious new crop of fresh crunchy Romaine lettuce for salads & sandwiches!  Store in plastic bag in fridge and wash well before consuming.

Eggplant Our eggplant is of the Black Beauty variety and has a wonderful taste and texture.  They are deliciously sweet, but to draw out moisture or any bitterness, cut into slices and salt, then leave out for 15 minutes and pat dry before cooking.  Store in fridge and wash before eating.  Enjoy!

Red Russian Kale:  This beautifully ruffled leafy-green is full of calcium and iron and will turn bright green when perfectly cooked (if it’s brown, it’s overdone).  Slice leaf from stem and store in plastic bag in fridge.  If you find any unwanted visitors on the kale, soak in a bowl with salted water and rinse.  Wash before eating and enjoy!

French Breakfast Radishes: These lovely little bunches have a spicy crunch that mellows into succulent sweetness when cooked.  Slice thinly and add into a fresh green salad or layer on buttered bread for a great snack. Remove greens and roots before storing and keep in plastic bag in fridge.  Wash well before use.

Leeks:  First of the season! These large alliums are rather mild in flavor and simply melt to perfection when sauteed.  Use in soups, stir-fry, or in place of onions in other dishes for a delicious and more subtle flavor.  The green tops are great for making stock! Store in fridge and wash very well before using.

Yellow Onions: These beautiful alliums are from our friends and neighbors at Terra Firma Farm in Winters and are certified organic.  Store these sweeties in a cool spot away from the sun and enjoy!

Granny Smith OR Fuji Apples:  The tasty treats are from our friends at Coco Ranch in Davis and are certified organic.  The Granny Smiths are a bright green tart and crunchy apple great for pies, desserts, or fruit salads. The Fujis are green with a pink blush and are great for snacking on or baking. Store in fridge or on counter and wash before eating and enjoy!