Veggies We Harvested This Week: Sept. 5, 2023

Every member’s customized Market Box is unique so we hope you will take advantage more varieties of vegetables as you get comfortable with all the great organic produce we are offering.  Use our A to Z Vegetable Guide to help use and store your veggies. Storage tips and NEW RECIPES below. 

Storage & Usage Tips

I share new ideas for Beets, Beans, Potatoes and doing your laundry with what’s in your Farm Market Box

 

Coming Soon: We expect to be able to offer winter squash in coming few weeks.  We have Acorn Squash and I’m not sure if we’ll get spaghetti squash this year. If you want those the first time they are offered, make sure they are rated 5 in your preferences and there aren’t too many other competing 5s.

What to use first:  eggplant, tomatoes,  microgreens,

Finished for the season: Asparagus, basil, garlic scapes, snap peas, chamomile, rhubarb, scallions, tomatillos

Done for now but will return: Broccoli, Bok choy, Radish,  Cabbage, Napa Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Greens Beans

Green & Yellow Beans – Beans should be stored in a loosely sealed plastic bag for about a week in the crisper drawer. The yellow beans taste the same as the green and are not “wax” beans.  Yellow beans do retain their flavor when cooked. *NEW* Green Bean & Cranberry Salad, Green Bean Salad with Red Onion & Tomato or See this post for Freezing Fresh Beans. 

Beets, red – If greens are attached to the beets, cut the stems two inches about the beet root bulb. Store greens separately. Use beet greens first, within one or two days. One way to use my Feta cheese would be in this dish: NEW RECIPE: Chocolate Beet Cake

Celery – Fresh farm celery has a distinctly stronger taste than the water-based grocery-store varieties. Its stalks are often thinner, concentrating the celery taste into a flavor power-punch. Use these stems and leaves for making soups and stews, homemade broth, or roasted meat dishes. How to Store: To keep celery crisp, chop off the base and wrap in aluminum foil (or use a Green bag). Definitely take it out of the plastic bag, which traps ethylene gas and hastens ripening. To crisp up limp celery, cut into sticks and place in a jar of water for a few hours. Crispy Potato Salad with Celery and Peanuts

Eggplant can be left unrefrigerated at a cool room temperature for a day or two or in the crisper drawer for one week but it tastes best when used soon after picking. Eggplant can be peeled or unpeeled depending on the type of dish you are preparing.Just like a zucchini doesn’t have much flavor on its own so it’s often paired with other veggies in a dish, so, too, the eggplant is often paired with other stronger flavors. It can be sauteed, baked, fried, grilled, or steamed.  Have you checked out my blog post for FIVE EASY STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING EGGPLANT OVERLOAD?  NEW RECIPE: Sauteéd Eggplant is a simple lunch dish we make often, or as a side for dinner. Eggplant is amazing with a dollop of yogurt!

Salting & Draining Eggplant – It’s a good idea, if time allows, to salt the sliced or chopped eggplant and soak in water for about 15 minutes and then gently drain and squeeze to get rid of acrid flavors according to From Asparagus to Zucchini cookbook. 

Eggplant, Japanese – slender varieties of many color variations of purple and white, see pictures above. Lends well to sliced circles. 

Eggplant, Purple – Italian globe variety lends itself to stuffing, slicing, cubing and roasting. You can freeze eggplant when it is cooked in a dish like ratatouille or baba ghanouj, and enjoy the classic eggplant parmesan or pick from these 8 simple ways to cook eggplant.

Garlic – should be kept in a cool, dry place. All our garlic is now cured so it can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place for several months. RECIPE: Roasted Garlic Potato Soup

Lettuce, Romaine – Store your lettuce properly and enjoy summer salads with sliced vegetables from your box. 

Microgreens – Refrigerate immediately. Keep bag sealed. Fold down to remove most air. Put in coldest part of refrigerator. Often, a bottom shelf. Can be frozen to add later to soups and other meals.  Check out Emanuel Farm Powdered Microgreens for longer term shelf life. They are a tasty, nutrient-rich boost for shakes, smoothies and meals and a great seasoning for adding flavor to dishes and dips. All our micro greens are from Emanuel Farms.

Onion, red & yellow – I’ve been looking forward to these fresh, colorful onions. Use them in raw salads and salsas. They not for long term storage, so keep them in the fridge for up to a few weeks.  Download the Onion Guide – see below. Here is a Corn Salad recipe that uses your red onion too.  NEW RECIPE: Vegan Lentil Soup  Green Beans and Caramelized Onions

Peppers – are a popular and versatile vegetable that comes in various colors, including green, red, yellow, orange, and even purple. They belong to the nightshade family and have a mildly sweet flavor with a crisp texture. Peppers are low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin C, providing more than 100% of the recommended daily intake per serving. Peppers also contain vitamin A, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which contribute to their vibrant colors and potential health benefits.

Storage for all peppers: keep them dry and refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag for up to one to two weeks. Avoid storing them with fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas, as this can cause them to spoil faster.

Usage: Peppers can be used raw in salads or as a crunchy snack, and they are excellent for stir-fries, sautés, soups, stuffed dishes, or grilled kebabs, adding flavor and nutrition to various meals. Their different colors can also add an appealing visual touch to your dishes.

Green Bell Peppers– Green peppers pack the most nutritious punch when eaten raw. Try on salads, sandwiches, or dipped into a favorite dip. Cooked, green pepper can be used in soups, chili, casseroles, egg dishes, or stir-fries. Can be sliced, diced and frozen for later cooked dishes.  Pepper & Chicken Stir Fry Recipe or Fresh Garden Soup

Colored Sweet Peppers – Sweet peppers are the fully ripened green pepper and have high levels of vitamins A, C, and E as well as iron and potassium. They are delicious eaten raw, adding color and flavor to all sorts of salads, salsas and cooked dishes. Place these sweet colored peppers in the fridge for up to a week. Can be sliced, diced and frozen for later cooked dishes.   Baked Penne with Summer Vegetables, Lasagna Stuffed Peppers

Hungarian Wax – also known as hot wax peppers or hot banana peppers, are elongated chili peppers originating from Hungary. They have a mildly spicy flavor, ranging from mild to moderately hot, and are commonly used in cooking and pickling due to their versatility and unique taste. Nutritionally, Hungarian wax peppers have the added health benefits from the compound capsaicin.

Usage: Hungarian wax peppers can be used raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a zesty garnish for tacos and burgers. For cooking, try sautéing, grilling, roasting, or stuffing them with fillings like cheese, rice, or seasoned meats. Incorporate these peppers into sauces, soups, stews, or stir-fries for added depth and heat to your dishes.Consider pickling any excess peppers for prolonged enjoyment of their tangy flavor.

Heat Index: The heat level of Hungarian wax peppers can vary from mild to moderately hot, depending on their ripeness and individual variation. Pale yellow peppers tend to be milder, while fully ripe red peppers may have more significant heat. Taste a small piece before use to gauge spiciness and adjust according to your preference.

Jalapeño – a popular variety of chili peppers with a distinctive bright green or red color when fully ripe. They are low in calories and fat while providing a good amount of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber. They also contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spiciness, which is known for its potential health benefits, such as pain relief and metabolism-boosting properties.

Usage: Jalapeño peppers are commonly used raw in salsas, guacamole, and as a topping for tacos, nachos, pizza and other dishes. When cooked, jalapeños add a bold kick to soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries. They can also be roasted, stuffed, or incorporated into marinades for meats and vegetables, offering a depth of flavor and heat.

Heat Index: Jalapeño peppers are known for their moderate to high heat level, typically ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The level of spiciness can vary depending on factors such as ripeness and the specific pepper’s genetics. IMPORTANT: USE GLOVES! Be cautious when handling jalapeños (at least if you are handling more than a few at a time or are sensitive), as their seeds and membranes contain the most capsaicin and can intensify the heat. Remove these parts if you prefer a milder flavor or keep them for a spicier kick.

Serrano – are hot chili peppers widely used in Mexican and Latin American cuisines. They are smaller and narrower than jalapeño peppers, with a bright green or red color when fully ripe.

Usage: Serrano peppers are a staple in many spicy dishes. They can be used raw in salsas, guacamole, or as a garnish for tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes, adding a bold kick to the flavors. When cooked, serrano peppers infuse stews, sauces, soups, and stir-fries with their fiery heat and rich flavor. They can be roasted, grilled, or charred to enhance their taste and used in marinades for meats and vegetables.

Heat Index: Serrano peppers have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) ranging from 10,000 to 23,000, making them hotter than jalapeños but milder than some other chili peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers. USE CAUTION! USE GLOVES! Many an american cook has thought, “these don’t bother my skin”, until they can’t sleep at night because of the burning sensation. 

Potato, White – a this type of potato is called “Superior” and boasts a smooth, light tan skin and creamy white flesh, with a medium-sized, slightly oval shape that makes it versatile for cooking. These potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, offering essential nutrients for a balanced diet.

Storage: Store white potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place to prevent sprouting and spoilage. Avoid exposure to light, which can cause the potatoes to turn green and develop a bitter taste. Keeping them in a paper bag or a breathable container helps maintain their quality.

Usage:  The versatility of white potatoes makes them suitable for various cooking methods. Boil them for salads or side dishes as they hold their shape well. Their creamy texture shines when mashed, creating velvety purees. These potatoes are also excellent for baking, roasting, and frying, absorbing flavors to perfection. Their neutral taste pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and ingredients, making them adaptable to countless recipes.. RECIPES: These are the perfect potatoes for fries, potato chips and classic baked potatoes. Try Cheesy Mashed Potato Waffles, or Tortilla de Papas

Sweet Corn – To prepare sweet corn, peel off husks and silk. Boil in water for 5 – 8 minutes and serve hot with plenty of good butter and salt.  You can eat corn raw or cook it in the oven or grill with the husks on (usually after soaking them in water.) . Shuck the cob by pulling the husks down the ear and snapping off the stem. The silks will fall off as you cook the corn. Rinse under cold water. If you see a worm in the tip, just cut out the damaged section — the rest of the cob is still edible! To cut the kernels off the cob, stand the cob upright on its base and run a sharp knife from the tip of the ear down to the base. Save those used cobs for making broth!You can store sweet corn in the fridge for a day or two but you should eat it soon for the best flavor. Need recipes? 30 Sweet Corn Recipes. Here is a Corn Salad recipe that uses your red onion too. 

Swiss Chard –  a leafy green vegetable, features vibrant, colorful stems in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, or white, and large, glossy, dark green leaves. It belongs to the beet family and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse, providing vitamins A, K, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Storage: To store Swiss chard, first remove any bands or ties around the leaves to prevent moisture buildup. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag, then store them in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. The stems can be stored in a separate bag. Proper storage can help extend the freshness of Swiss chard for up to a week. Usage: Both the leaves and stems of Swiss chard are edible and can be used in various culinary creations. The leaves have a slightly earthy and slightly bitter taste, similar to spinach or kale, while the stems have a milder flavor and a satisfying crunch. Swiss chard can be enjoyed sautéed, steamed, or boiled as a side dish. The leaves can also be used as a wrap for fillings. The stems can be cooked and used in stir-fries or soups, contributing color and texture to the dishes. This is a perfect week for New Recipe: Corn & Swiss Chard Bruschetta  and here is the recipe I mentioned in the video, although we use grass fed butter instead of olive oil. Be generous with the cheese and cook until very tender: Baked Chard Stems

Tomatoes, Heirloom – heirloom tomatoes are special because they were originally cultivated for superior flavor – not uniformity or storage life. Heirloom tomatoes are softer and irregular in shape and size. Enjoy their juicy, flavorful qualities but don’t expect them to hold up the same way a round, red hybrid tomato does.  Use a very sharp, serrated knife to cut them so you don’t end up smashing them to a pulp. Caprese Salad and Fresh Salsa are  great way to enjoy the amazing fresh taste of heirloom tomatoes.  Classic Table Salsa

Tomato, Red – Keep tomatoes stem side down on the counter at room temperature. Tomatoes should not be refrigerated. Use within a week. Tomatoes  are high ethylene producers, which means they will cause other produce to ripen quickly (or  spoil quickly) if placed nearby. So be careful what you store next to tomatoes.  Use a very sharp, serrated knife to cut them. Try Fresh Tomato Soup, with variations. These Simple and Reliable Tomato Recipes include Fresh Pasta Sauce, Gazpacho, Caprese Salad.

Tomato, Medium – This size of tomato is about the size of a golf ball. Use like a large cherry tomato.

Tomato, Cherry – Store on the counter; do not refrigerate. Snack or use in salad, frittata or pizza. RECIPE: Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad or Grilled Eggplant, Grape Tomato, and Feta Salad

Tomato, Paste – are medium  oval-shaped tomatoes with a more mealy  texture and less juice. Roma or Plum tomatoes are well known types of paste tomatoes but we also grow large, meaty Amish Paste tomatoes. Best for making sauce,  oven-drying (because of their lack of moisture),  or for stewing. 

Tomato, Seconds – “Seconds” is the word used for “second quality” produce. It may have a blemish, bruise, or weird shape that prevents is from being considered “First Quality”. Instead of discarding seconds, they can be used to make something: tomato sauce, salsa, tomato soup, etc. Spots can be removed with a knife and experienced cooks know they can save money by buy “seconds” in bulk.

Farm Food Highlights

FRUIT:

Apples, Gala – A sweet, crisp eating apple with a wonderful flavor. Farmer Reuben planted these trees on the farm years ago and can’t remember the name of the variety but loves the flavor. Our first significant harvest of these Certified Organic apples is due to the super dry spring which prevented diseases from taking hold.  Storage: Extend the shelf life of apples by refrigerating them in the crisper drawer for a few weeks. Keep them separate from other produce to prevent accelerated ripening due to ethylene gas release. Usage: These versatile apples can be enjoyed fresh, sliced into salads for added crunch, or used in cooking and baking. Their firm texture holds up well in pies, tarts, and sauces, contributing a balanced sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes.

Tessa: I enjoyed my Gala apple sliced and dipped in Almond butter.  I also love to add a light sprinkly of gray sea salt to my apples to intensify the sweetness!

Apples, MacIntosh – A sweet, crisp eating apple with a wonderful flavor. Farmer Reuben planted these trees on the farm years ago and can’t remember the name of the variety but loves the flavor. Our first significant harvest of these Certified Organic apples is due to the super dry spring which prevented diseases from taking hold.  Storage: Extend the shelf life of apples by refrigerating them in the crisper drawer for a few weeks. Keep them separate from other produce to prevent accelerated ripening due to ethylene gas release. Usage: These versatile apples can be enjoyed fresh, sliced into salads for added crunch, or used in cooking and baking. Their firm texture holds up well in pies, tarts, and sauces, contributing a balanced sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes.

Yellow Watermelon – Watermelons store best out of the refrigerator for up to a few days, and you can chill them right before you want to eat them. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will cause the flesh to become mushy, but once you cut into the melon, it must be refrigerated immediately.  Cut melon will only last a day or two in the fridge. If you don’t want to eat all your watermelon fresh off the rind, try this Watermelon, Tomato  with Feta Salad.

Blackberries – a special treat that you’ll probably want to eat these fresh and natural – they are so good! Also use to top yogurt, frosted cakes, cheesecakes, anything chocolate, etc. 

This Vinegar Rinse is highly recommended for Blackberries & Raspberries: mix one part vinegar with three parts water, then gently rinse the berries in the solution. Rinse them again with plain water and pat them dry before consuming or storing.

Our members are cooking…

Farm members are sharing recipes and photos of their delicious meals on our Member Only Chat Group. Use the link in the email you received from me today.

Veggie E-Books

Download these collections of tips and recipes for each veggie. You’ll use these as a reference throughout the season.

Swiss Chard E-book
Potato E-book
Sweet Corn E-book
6 Types of Onions and How to Use Them

 

 

Don’t Miss Your Farm Events:

Open Gate Farm Tour
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 14 & 15. 1 pm – 5 pm. 

 

Market Box Value!

Five of our Top Tips to get the most value out of your Market Box and enjoy the most food you’ll love. Read Here.

Your List of What to Return:

Please return the packaging we sent you for your last delivery.  Here’s how and what exactly we’ll take back: Read Here.

 

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