2021 CSA Season Week Thirteen

August 31, 2021

Well, everybody, we’ve made it to the end of August, and so far, everything’s turning up Winter Green! The energy is high, the weather has cooled a bit, and we are loving all the wonderful veggies so far.

Special Announcements:

As the season goes on, we’d like to ask that you stick to the pickup windows provided in your delivery information when you’re picking up your share. (They can also be found here on our website.) While we know it’s enticing to get to the site early, our delivery drivers won’t always be there before the specified time, and we don’t want you to waste the trip. We also don’t want to inconvenience our hosts who have graciously donated their porches and driveways for your convenience by showing up at their homes outside the designated time frames.

Please remember to pickup your share before the 7:00pm deadline for residential sites. If you are unable to make it before that deadline, give your site host a call to make arrangements. As our site hosts are volunteers, any shares not claimed after the pickup window has expired are theirs for the taking.

If you know you’ll be unable to make your pickup and need to reach us at the farm, please fill out a vacation request from our website. You can either take a credit toward next season’s share or give your box to Food for Lane County as a tax-deductible donation.

We do require 7-day’s notice to make these changes for you.

Just a reminder, first of the month payments will come out tomorrow, so if you’re set up to pay automatically by card and any of your information has changed, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to check your name off the list each week so we know you got your share! We’re also low on CSA boxes, so if you have any hanging out at home, waiting to be returned, our drivers would love to take them back with the next delivery!

Photo credit to Jim Stapleton from unsplash.com

Labor Day is right around the corner! Every year, on the first Monday of September, the federal government recognizes a holiday in honor of the American Labor Movement and all the workers who have contributed to the success of our country. The first recorded Labor Day celebration was in New York in 1882, organized by the General Assembly of the Knights of Labor. They organized a parade in honor of the laborers of the group as well as the country, and we have been celebrating that way ever since. Whether you have big plans or you’re just enjoying some time at home this coming weekend, we hope you have fun and stay safe.

September is also a month of wacky holidays (as well as a few traditional ones). The entire month is National Happy Cat Month! If you have one, give that sweet ol’ feline a pet and wish them a happy month. September 6 is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, commemorating the creation of the world. It is also the beginning of the “Days of Awe,” a ten-day period of introspection that culminates in the holiday of Yom Kippur on September 15, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Other fun holidays include:

  • September 8 – Hug Your Hound Day
  • September 13 – Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
  • September 19 – International Talk Like a Pirate Day
  • September 24 – National Punctuation Day

What’s in your box this week:

  • Beets
  • Cauliflower
  • Corn
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers

Some sites only:

  • Broccoli
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Eggplant

We aren’t always able to harvest our veggies in equal share (though we do our best!) 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. Also, the email that goes out for Tuesday pickups isn’t always accurate, so I apologize for any inconsistencies. The harvest crew gives me an estimate of what will be in the box, but since we’re only human, sometimes we don’t know for sure until we pack them Tuesday mornings. We really appreciate your patience and understanding when what’s in the box doesn’t always match the email that goes out prior to Tuesday mornings.

Handy Tips:

  • Peppers: Peppers will stay fresh in the hydrator drawer of your refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. For the highest nutrition, eat peppers raw. Slice or dice them for pasta or green salads, thinly slice them for sandwiches, or cut them lengthwise for dipping. Add peppers to omelets, stir-fries, quiches, sauces, curries, or stews. Peppers taste great in Italian, Indian, Mexican, or Thai dishes as well (among others). Roasted peppers are especially tasty. Place the peppers under the broiler until the skins have evenly blackened. Put the peppers in a brown bag, fold the bag, and allow the peppers to steam for 10-15 minutes. When they’re cool, peel off the skins and add them to your recipe.

What We’re Making This Week:

One of our members made this delicious Bolognese with Winter Green Farm veggies. She used onions, carrots, zucchini and Winter Green Farm beef! What are you making? Send us a picture or tag us on social media, and you may see your meal featured on the blog! You can find us on Instagram (@wintergreenfarm) or on Facebook (Winter Green Farm). We’d love to see what you’re cooking up!

Whether you’re hanging onto summer or looking forward to fall, we hope you’re able to enjoy the last few weeks of the summer season and spend some time doing what you love with people that make you happy and food that hits the spot. As always, thank you so much for including us in your busy lives this season. We appreciate each and every one of you more than you know!

Many blessings,

Chelsea, Linda, and your Winter Green Farmers