2021 CSA Season Week Fifteen

September 14, 2021

Welcome to Week Fifteen of the 2021 CSA Season! We are smack in the middle of September and clinging to those warmer days as summer comes to an end. Already, the mornings have turned crisp and cool, as Oregon weather eases us into fall. We hope you’re out there enjoying the weather before we welcome the Autumn rain.

Thank you for your feedback!

Thank you all so much for your feedback last week! I read everybody’s responses, and the majority of you enjoy getting emails before delivery day, even if they’re only estimates. Because of that, I will continue to send out emails on Mondays and Thursdays, so you can get your shopping done as much as possible. Please do remember that those emails are estimates and may not be entirely accurate. They are given to me by the harvest crew in the afternoon, but sometimes we have more that we thought of something, and not enough of the other. This Tuesday blog and newsletter will have an accurate accounting of what goes into the box for the beginning of the week if you’re one of those who preferred an email on delivery day. Thank you all for your feedback and your understanding. We appreciate all of you.

It’s been so much fun to write the blog this season, and I’m loving being able to connect with you all. You may have noticed that I’ve been playing with the photography a bit. As a novice photographer, it’s been a lot of fun to try new poses and editing techniques. I’ve spent a decent amount of time Googling farm photos, so you might see a few artsy ones here and there. If you have any suggestions for photos you’d like to see of the farm, send me an example! I’d love to try to capture some more fun views of this beautiful property. You can either email me at [email protected] or respond to this newsletter. I’d love to hear from you!

We have jam this week! In your shares, you will each find a jar of the Winter Green Farm Organic Strawberry Spread for your enjoyment. We hope you like it! If you aren’t picking up a box this week, or you like the strawberry spread so much you want to purchase an entire case, you can purchase a jar or a case from our website and get enough to satiate your tastes or share with your friends!

Special Announcements:

Don’t forget to check your name off the list when you pick up your box each week so we know you got your share. If you’re unable to pick up your box, you can place a vacation request on our website at least one week in advance, or give you site host a call before the 7pm deadline to make arrangements to pick up your box.

Going on vacation? Fill out a vacation request on our website to either take a credit for that week toward the 2022 CSA Season, or give your box to Food for Lane County for a tax-deductible donation. We would love to accommodate you with your scheduling preferences, but we are asking for at least seven days notice to make these changes.

We’ll miss you, Pete

Our hearts are full of grief here at the farm today. Last week, we had to say goodbye to the sweet Border Collie, Pete. He was the sweetest dog you could find, a great worker, and a best friend. Though the sheep weren’t too fond of being rounded up, the rest of us loved his goofy smile and couldn’t resist petting this lovable pup. He was a special dog with a heart of gold, and he will be greatly missed. Ah, Petey. What will the farm be like without you?

What’s going on at the farm:

On a happier note, if you walk back through the fields to the farthest reaches of the property, there is a happy little row of sunflowers ready to greet you and kiss the sky. Though the ground is dry from the heat, Tyler and the crew have been working tirelessly to keep the farm irrigated and make sure our veggies and flowers keep growing healthy and strong. We have sunflowers for days!

On my same walk out to get these pictures, I came across a couple of boys playing with tractors in the dirt. Okay, okay, they were tilling up a carrot bed, but it looked like they were having a lot of fun while they were working hard! Brian, Chad, and Alden were showing those carrots who’s boss–or maybe just preparing the field for the next step in the planting process. You be the judge.

The month of September is referred to as the Harvest Month. The ancient Romans believed it was looked after by the Roman God of Fire, Vulcan, who was adopted from the Greek God of the Forge, Hephaestus. Along with the upcoming harvest season, they expected forest fires and volcanic eruptions throughout the month. Though last year our September followed this trend of fires (so much so, the skies looked apocalyptic) let’s hope this September stays gorgeous and relatively fire-free in your area, so we can all enjoy this year’s Harvest Month.

What’s in your box this week:

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Cucumber
  • Peppers
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Chard
  • Lettuce
  • Strawberry Spread

Some sites only:

  • Cauliflower

We aren’t always able to harvest our veggies in equal share, but don’t worry, we’re keeping excellent notes. If you don’t get something this time, we’ll make sure to get you next time so everyone gets what we promised this season.

Handy Tips:

  • Chard: Swiss chard keeps best unwashed and wrapped in a damp towel or plastic bag. You can store it in the drawer of your fridge. Wash the chard before use to remove any soil or insects. Cut the celery-like stems away from the tender leaves or chop them and use the entire leaves, including the stems. You can can also use the stems in soup stocks. To cook chard, steam for 8-10 minutes or boil for about 3-5 minutes. The greens will brighten in color when they’re nearly cooked and should not be over-cooked to preserve flavor and nutrients. Add them to soups or casseroles, or serve steamed, tossed with butter, garlic, and just a bit of lemon juice.

What we’re making:

  • As we the weather gets colder, most of us reach for comfort food. What about trying this Scalloped Potato Gratin recipe?
  • Speaking of comfort food, I love mashed potatoes. The problem is they aren’t super healthy. But, this Low-Carb Mashed Cauliflower recipe is a healthy substitute.

A couple of our members made this fabulous dinner spread with Winter Green veggies over Labor Day weekend. I don’t know about you, but I’m jealous I wasn’t sitting at their table! It all looks so fresh and delicious. What a great tradition.

What are you making? Send us a photo or a recipe, and you might see it on the blog! Or, tag us on social media. You can find us on Instagram (@wintergreenfarm) or Facebook (Winter Green Farm). We’d love to see what you’re cooking up!

No matter how you choose to end your summer, we hope you’re able to enjoy the days while we still have the light, and let in that cool air in the evenings. We appreciate you bringing us with you on your food journey this season, and we appreciate every one of you.

Many blessings,

Chelsea, Linda, and your Winter Green farmers