Tantre Farm CSA Newsletter
WEEK #9
July 23-29, 2017
If needed, please contact Richard Andres & Deb Lentz at 2510 Hayes Rd. Chelsea, MI 48118 e-mail: tantrefarm@hotmail.com phone: 734-475-4323 website: www.tantrefarm.com.
In our newsletter, we try to give you an accurate listing of the produce in your box; however, since the newsletter is published before the harvest, we may sometimes substitute some vegetables for others. The information provided here is also published each week on our website. **Also, if you’re having trouble identifying any unfamiliar produce, please look for “Veggie ID” with additional information on our website under CSA INFO or under RECIPES.
We try to keep the printed newsletter to a 2-page maximum, which means that we won’t list all the share items’ descriptions every week, but refer you to previous newsletters for information on items that have already appeared in your shares.
THIS WEEK’S SHARE
GREEN BEANS: You will receive E-Z Pick (a round, tender, dark green, snap bean with good, sweet flavor).
-How to use: raw in salads, steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, etc.
-How to store: refrigerate in plastic bag for up to 1 week
RED ACE BEETS AND GREENS: round, smooth, deep red roots with sweet flavor and medium-tall, red-veined green leaves. See Week 6 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
BLACKBERRIES: It turns out the blackberries are really producing right now, so CSA members will receive a pint of Blackberries (plump, purplish-black fruits that grow on brambles–ours is a thornless variety; largest of all berries, the blackberries are tiny fruits clustered together around a core, which are juicy and have a sweet-sour flavor.
-How to use: can be eaten raw, cooked or converted into juice, and popular for salads, yoghurt, juices, sauces and stuffing cakes and cookies.
-How to store: store in the refrigerator for a few days.
BROCCOLI: deep emerald green, tiny buds that are clustered on top of stout, edible stems; high in vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron; known as an anti-cancer vegetable.
-How to use: use raw, steamed, sauteed, stir-fried, in casseroles, soups, pizzas, etc.
-How to store: store loosely in plastic bag for up to a week.
CARROTS (Mokum): a very sweet, slender, “pencil carrot” with edible green leaves. Greens are delicious in soups and also salads. See Recipe at end. See Week 6 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
CUCUMBERS: long, cylindrical, green-skinned fruit of the gourd family with mild, crisp flesh. Lots of cucumbers this week, so see “Recipes”. See Week 6 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
FRESH GARLIC: a bulb of several papery white cloves; believed to help in fighting infections, cancer prevention, bolstering the immune system, etc. See Week 5 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
FRESH HERBS: In general, store herbs upright with cut stems in 1 or 2 inches of water and refrigerate for up to 1 week or wrap in slightly dampened cloth or plastic bag and store in refrigerator.
You may CHOOSE ONE bunch (NOT one bunch of each) from the following 4 options:
1. Bronze-leaf Fennel – anise-flavored, feathered foliage; can be used for garnish or for salads, soups, and egg dishes; rich in vitamin A and contains calcium, phosphorous, and potassium.
2. Rosemary: pine needle-like leaves used with potatoes, bread dough, risottos, mixed vegetables, and meat dishes, especially lamb, as well as in sweet dishes such as lemonade, creams, custards, and syrups; very strongly flavored, so use sparingly, finely chopped, or remove from dish after cooking; considered a memory stimulant and medicinally used for headaches, indigestion, and depression; cosmetically is used as a blood stimulant in a bath; also known for its antioxidant and antiseptic properties.
3. Curly Parsley: curly, dark green leaves, often used as a garnish, but can be used the same as flat-leaf parsley; especially good in omelets, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, pasta and vegetable dishes, as well as, sauces.
4. Common Thyme: tiny green leaves used in meat and vegetable dishes and most casseroles, soups, stews, and medicinal teas, which soothe sore throats.
**Genovese Basil—All shares will receive 1 basil stem this week, an herb with sweet, spicy, shiny, green leaves. We supply it with root attached, so it will last up to a week or 2 when stored in a jar, vase, or glass of water on your counter or table top. **You may all receive Basil fairly consistently from now until the first frost in September or October, so plan on freezing, drying, or making pesto, so that you will enjoy its summer aroma all winter long. If you don’t think you can use it every week, then just don’t take it. There are about 150 different species of aromatic annual and perennial basils.
KALE: You will receive Green Curly (well-ruffled, curly green leaves on green stems; this variety makes a good, roasted “kale chip”). See Week 2 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
LEEKS: green leaves with white to pale green stems.
Cooking tip: slit from top to bottom and wash thoroughly with root facing up to remove all of the dirt trapped between the leaf layers. See Week 6 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
LETTUCE: You will receive lettuce, which may include Green or Red Leaf or Romaine. See Week 1 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
SWEET ONIONS (Mars Red): purple-red skinned onion with sweet flavor.
-How to use: great for salads, soups, sandwiches, slices, onion rings, and other dishes for flavor
-How to store: not for long storage; wrap in damp towel or plastic bag in fridge for 2-7 days.
NEW POTATOES (Red Norland): smooth, red skin and white flesh; great baked, boiled, or roasted. See Week 7 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
SUMMER SQUASH/ZUCCHINI: You will receive some variety of Green or Yellow Zucchini (gourmet golden or green zucchini with uniform, cylindrical fruits) or Yellow Crookneck (long, curved neck with a sometimes bumpy, yellow skin; buttery flavor and firm texture). See Week 5 newsletter for usage and storage tips.
CHERRY TOMATOES: You may choose one pint of one of the following kinds of cherry tomatoes or one mixed pint of both kinds: Sakura (bright-red, shiny, medium-large cherry tomato with real sweet tomato flavor and firmness without being hard) or Sun Gold Cherry (exceptionally sweet, bright tangerine-orange cherry tomato; less acidic than the red cherry tomato, so slightly less bland in flavor; popular as a garnish, in salads, or as a cooked side dish that can be sautéed with herbs).
-How to use: sauté, bake, broil, or grill; eat raw in salads or add to soups, stews, or sauces
-How to store: keep at room temperature for up to 1 week
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. KID FARM HIKE on Aug. 4 at 3 PM: Come join us for a guided monthly exploratory walk around Tantre Farm on Friday, the 4th. Each month various community members will share their expertise in a guided tour. We’ll use all our senses as we take an approx. 45-60 minute hike around the farm for kids and adults. We will meet at 3 PM behind the Main House at the picnic tables.
2. U-PICK AVAILABLE: Please call ahead if you plan to pick on other days besides Farm Distribution Days (Wed. and Fri.), so we can make sure someone is around to help you.
-Raspberries— $4/pint for members and $5/pint nonmembers.
-Blackberries–$4/pint for members and $5/pint nonmembers.
3. WEEDING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in the HERB GARDEN & KID GARDEN: If you are interested in helping out, please contact us any day of the week or evenings until dark. Thanks so much to all those, who have helped out so far!
4. PICK UP TIMES & LOCATIONS REMINDER:
Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market (Wed.)–7 A.M. to 12 P.M.
MOVE Fitness & Wellness Studio (Wed)—8 AM to 12 PM
Farm (Wed.)–10 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Washtenaw Food Hub (Wed.) –6 P.M. to 8 P.M.
Pure Pastures (Wed.) –9 A.M. To 7 P.M.
Farm (Fri.)–2 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Community High School (Sat.) –7 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Washtenaw Food Hub (Sat.)—9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Chelsea Farmers’ Market (Sat.)–8 A.M. to 12 P.M.
RECIPES
TABBOULI (The World in Your Kitchen) Serves 4-6.
1/2 c. bulgur
a few lettuce leaves
4 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 onion, finely sliced
4 tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
4 Tbs. lemon juice
4 Tbs. olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
Soak bulgur 20-30 minutes in cold water to cover. Drain well. Line a salad bowl with lettuce leaves and spoon in bulgur. Mix in 3 tablespoons of the parsley, mint, onion, and tomatoes. Whisk lemon juice with olive oil, salt and pepper; toss with salad. Sprinkle remaining tablespoon of parsley on top.
CHILLED SUN GOLD SOUP (Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating From America’s Farmers’ Markets by Deborah Madison)
1 pint Sun Gold tomatoes
2-4 shallots (or leeks or onions), finely diced
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1-1/2 Tbs. Chardonnay vinegar or Balsamic vinegar or red wine
1 tsp. finely diced and seeded Serrano chile, (opt.)
1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 firm avocado, finely diced
1 Tbs. chopped basil
Pluck the stems off the tomatoes and rinse them. Add them to a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid with half the shallots, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1 cup water. Cook over medium-high heat. Soon you’ll hear the tomatoes popping. Take a peek after a few minutes to make sure there’s sufficient moisture in the pan–you don’t want the tomatoes to scorch. If the skins are slow to pop, add a few tablespoons water. Once they release their juices, lower the heat and cook, covered for 25 minutes. Run the tomatoes through a food mill. You’ll have about 1 cup. Chill well, then taste for salt. Just before serving, combine the remaining shallots in a bowl with the vinegar, chile (if using), oil, avocado, and herbs. Season with a pinch or two of salt and some pepper. Serves 3 as an appetizer.
VEGETABLE TEMPURA
For 6 meal or 10 appetizer servings, prepare about 60 pieces of vegetable pieces (onion rings, whole green beans, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, beets, broccoli florets, beets, mushrooms, etc.)
Tempura Batter
2 ½ cups sifted flour
3 egg yolks
2 cups cold water
Dash or salt
Oil for frying
Beat the egg yolks with the water and salt. When the mixture is smooth, sift in the pre-sifted flour gradually, stirring as you go. Stir only until the batter is combined. Heat oil in a deep, wide pan. The oil should be at least 325 degrees and not more than 350 degrees. Dip the veggies into the batter and carefully drop them into the oil. Fry until brown and puffy and risen to the surface. Drain on paper towels and either serve immediately, or keep warm in a 300 degree oven on a tray in a single layer.
ZUCCHINI CUCUMBER SOUP (from Gourmet, August 2006)
1 lb zucchini or summer squash variety, chopped
3/4 lb cucumber (about 2 cups) or scoop seeds out
1/3 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp chopped fresh hot green chile
1 1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 cup creme fraiche (4 oz) or plain yogurt
Garnish with fresh cilantro, dill, or parsley, chopped
Puree zucchini, cucumber, onion, vinegar, water, chile, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon coriander in a blender until very smooth. Whisk remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon coriander into creme fraiche or yogurt. Serve topped with dollops of creme fraiche or yogurt and cilantro or parsley.
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