*** This week is an odd week, therefore half shares will be delivered to the following cities Eufala, Columbus, Albany. and Ichauway!
Greetings on this humid overcast day, we are hoping that the clouds open their gates and flood us with some sweet rain. When I arrived this morning the moon hung eerily to the west and the sun was beginning to streak the sky in the east. Our team has adopted a new sunrise schedule in order to take advantage of cooler mornings. The last few sleepy eyed mornings have greeted us with dense fog and cool breezes. We have been appreciating the sporadic rain showers and cooler days. For any of you early birds out there perhaps you have also enjoyed the fleeting moments before the deep southern heat settles in.
Introducing the newest summer green to hit our share boxes: Sweet Potato Greens!
This little powerhouse packs a nutritional punch. It is often compared to spinach and hardier greens such as kale and collards. The greens are mild and tender much like spinach, and can be substituted into any recipe or preparation that calls for spinach. I will be taking home my first bundle of greens this evening to enjoy their tender sweetness, I will report back, next blog! As a side note, the greens and their stems are edible.
The city of Bluffton, home of White Oak Pasture, has a handful of beautiful fig bearing trees. If you have never seen these trees I encourage you to look them up. We are blessed to have access to their fruit. Some of this weeks share will include figs as an “OR” item, and we hope to have enough figs for each member next week! If this is your first experience with figs, as it was mine, do not be afraid of the ‘mushy’ or splitting fruits, as these are in their prime. Eating a raw fig is a very sensory experience all its own, the smell, texture and taste overwhelm the consumer. If you do not enjoy the figs raw, or prefer to experiment with these gems, check out some recipes that highlight the interesting fruit. This delicacy can be enjoyed at any point in the day, at breakfast, a sweet morning snack, paired with a savory dish, enjoyed as a desert treat, and even known to be found in cocktails. Figs are quite perishable, they should be stored in the fridge until they are ready to be consumed. I would encourage you to consume, bake, dehydrate, or dissolve in to your alcoholic concoctions within the next few days to ensure they do not degrade.
A Note on Eggplants:
At market the Columbus market I realized how many individuals are frightened by eggplant, or at least the idea of tackling this summer time treat. In my experience it can be treated much like chicken, it has a reputation as a great protein substitute. It can be breaded, marinated, grilled, baked, fried, and even pureed into a rich spread much like hummus. For those of you out there with little ones you could try a theme inspired dinner and enjoy Ratatouille and the children’s film named after it. When enjoying eggplant, I slice it, marinate it, grill it and then enjoy it in a wrap with some hummus and feta. My marinade is simple consisting of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and usually I add in some slices of onions and mushrooms. It is wonderful Mediterranean summer meal.
Pasture Raised Eggs:
12 beautiful brown eggs from our own lovely ladies that range freely on certified organic pasture. The eggs are washed, candled and graded fresh for you each week.(Want to add a dozen or more, Egg-cellent idea!, Call to order and we’ll bring them to you: 229-641-2081)
Certified Organic Vegetables:
Watermelon –These are beauties! This set of lovely ladies can be enjoyed right out of the crate. Sorbets, Popsicle, mixed drinks, salad dressings, or sweet or savory salads, please send us your favorite recipes.
Sweet Potato Greens – A versatile green tender and mild like spinach. Can be substituted into any recipe that calls for spinach.
Onions – A staple in any pantry. With antimicrobial properties and the canvas to any great meal.
Eggplants – So many ideas to try: vegetarian cutlets, eggplant Parmesan, baba ghanoush, or moussaka.
Sweet Roasting OR Bell Peppers – I encourage you to try eating these peppers raw, however they are delightful roasted, grilled, stuffed, pepper jelly, pickled and stir-fried.
Jalapenos OR Hot Roasting Peppers ( Joe E. Parker or Hungarian Hot Wax)– Spice up your life, with fresh salsa, marinades, sauces, and pickles. You can roast them on the grill or in the oven. The complexity of flavors that is produce while roasting is unlike any fresh pepper you have ever tried.
Squash OR Zucchini – Grill, hollow them out and stuff, roast or fried; you will be surprised by the versatility and flavor of these summer favorites.
Cucumbers – All of our cucumbers can be eaten raw, however if you would like to try your hand at pickling we have included some little guys for you to experiment with. Send us your mad scientist recipes!
Green Beans OR Okra OR Figs – These snappy, crisp little beans are perfect eaten raw. However, if you are spending a lot of time grilling meals this may be the recipe for you, sweet and simple grilled green beans with a some garlic and olive oil. The Okra can be enjoyed raw, steamed, fried, baked, or stewed. Lastly, the fig, eat it quick! Enjoy its lushness and summertime appeal. Perfect with yogurt, meat dishes or in fresh salads.
Basil – This herb is lovely in sauces, breads and on pizzas.
White Oak Pastures 