2nd planting of cucumbers
We got .7″ of rain Sunday!!! While that’s not much, we were soooo excited for it and the cooler weather, giving us farmers and our beloved plants and animals a little reprieve from the hot dry sun we have been enduring the last 6 weeks. It’s tricky as some of you may be basking in the dry summer sun, relishing every moment and have not noticed the drying landscape, but for us in the growing business, it has been tricky. While we are not out of the drought, the cooler temps and drops of much needed rain, has opened the door to some greener hope and a wee less stress. You will notice the cucumbers this week aren’t as glamorous looking as they have been. Stress has caused their skin to blemish but fear not! A little skin peeling will reveal juicy, tasty flesh. We planted a 2nd crop in the high tunnel and they are looking happy — we are hopeful for a late season flush of your favorite summer snack.
watermelon time!
Thankfully the melons got settled in with early rain and took off through the high heat. They are ripening quickly and we are building up our biceps harvesting them : ) The crew field tasted a few and found them to be refreshingly juicy sweet. Currently our walk-in cooler smells like a candy shop. We are excited to share them with you this week! They are a feast of both the eyes and belly and we hope you love them.
These silly brothers
We are so lucky to have farm entertainment! Benny and his brother romp the farm Tuesday mornings while we harvest. They roll and wrestle and run at top speed. They smile and lick and look at us with “watch us play!” eyes. Today they played tug-o-war with a piece of crabgrass–hahaha! And when we open the truck door to head to the next field, they BOTH jump in as if their legs just can’t take them any further or the just have to be included in the crew. They’re super sweet and such goofballs. Thank you to all who love Benny’s greetings when you come to the farm.
Rainbow Beets
I will close this Blog with a rainbow of beets and a recipe (that incidentally does not include beets-ha!) from my mom who made this up on the fly in lieu of a lettuce salad (as we wait for the next crop to grow). it was sooo fresh and crispy, we all loved it.
Mandolin squash, cucumbers, 1/2 red onion.
2 partially seeded tomatoes
Chopped mozzarella.
Chop herbs like chives, parsley, thyme, basil, a little salt and pepper. Mix into the sliced veggies and mozzarella.
The dressing is olive oil, Champagne (white wine) vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, small onion, salt & pepper.
Mix the dressing into the veggies and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Sprinkle nuts or seeds on top before serving.
This Week’s Bounty: chard, cukes, squash, kohl rabi, beets, beans, potatoes, tomato, onion, basil, cilantro
