We always get so excited when raspberry season starts and this year the crop looks really nice. We are working hard at adding natural nutrition to the canes, we use Stella Maris (liquid seaweed) and mulch them well to stay weed free. The patch is showing great promise!
If you are looking for a nutrient-packed superfood that is a deliciously sweet treat, look no further than raspberries. Not only are these vibrant little gems a low-calorie snack, but they also provide a medley of health benefits. Raspberries are a type of bramble fruit, which includes blackberries and loganberries. These fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Raspberries contain high levels of vitamin C, folate, manganese, and copper. Vitamin C helps support our immune systems and folate is known for playing an important role in brain development. Manganese and copper are essential for bone-building, and their levels of naturally-occurring antioxidant compounds protect our cells from damage. It is important to eat raspberries organically grown due to their delicate and thin skin that takes up pesticides quickly. Furthermore, our organic raspberries are hand picked daily to ensure sweet, juicy berries.
Here is what you can expect this week:
Raspberries These sweet and tart beauties are summer-bearing which means they only ripen a few weeks in the summer and then they are gone. If you love raspberries and want more, check out our on-line store. We have “all hands on deck” picking this week and next.
Sour Cherries Sometimes referred to as pie cherries (for obvious reasons), sour cherries are tart and tangy which make them ideal for sauces, cocktails, vinaigrettes and more. Here are some common options to use up your share of cherries:
1. Cherry Pie: Make a classic cherry pie with a homemade crust and a sweetened sour cherry filling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Cherry Jam: Turn the sour cherries into a delicious jam. Simmer them with sugar and lemon juice until thick and then preserve in sterilized jars.
3. Cherry Compote: Cook the cherries down into a compote, adding some sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Serve it over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
4. Cherry Crumble: Make a cherry crumble by layering the cherries at the bottom of a baking dish and then topping them with a crumble mixture of flour, oats, butter, sugar, and spices. Bake until golden and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
5. Cherry Sauce: Blend the sour cherries with a little sugar and strain to make a smooth cherry sauce. Use it as a topping for cheesecake, pancakes, or brownies.
6. Cherry Smoothie: Blend the cherries with yogurt, milk, and a touch of honey for a refreshing and healthy cherry smoothie.
White Turnip Super sweet, delicate almost fruity flavour and crunchy texture make them a new popular variety developed in Japan. Can be pared with almost anything, most commonly grilled, stir-fried, added to soups, roasted, braised or they can also be eaten raw. Grate it into salads or slice it like an apple to eat with dips. No need to peel, simply wash and prepare. The greens can be added to your salad.
Rumar Lettuce Mix Just keep the salads coming. If you want to do something else with your lettuce try a Stir-fry: Add sliced lettuce towards the end of your stir-fry cooking process for a crispy texture. It works well with ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Smoothies: Believe it or not, lettuce can be added to smoothies for an added nutritional boost. Blend it with fruits, yogurt, and other vegetables for a nutritious and refreshing drink. Use as a soup garnish: Add shredded lettuce as a garnish to your favorite soups just before serving. It adds a vibrant green color, texture, and a hint of freshness.
Easter Egg Radish Tend to have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to regular radishes. They are usually less spicy and have a crisp, refreshing taste with a slight peppery undertone. Regular radishes, on the other hand, are known for their sharp, spicy, and peppery flavor. Such colourful beauties to be enjoyed in a number of ways beyond chopping into your salad raw. Roasting radishes brings out a milder flavor and softens their texture. Toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender. Radishes can be pickled to preserve them and add tanginess to their flavor. Pickled radishes are great for adding to sandwiches, tacos, or even as a side accompaniment to meal. Sautéing radishes in butter or oil can soften their spiciness and create a delicious side dish. Cook them until they are slightly tender and lightly browned. Slice radishes thinly, toss them with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings, then bake them in the oven until crispy. These make for a healthy alternative to potato chips. Grate or thinly slice radishes and combine them with other vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or apples to make a refreshing and crunchy slaw.
Zucchini Singles Summers most popular squash with so many ways to prepare. It’s mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile. Last night we cut them lengthwise, brushed with olive oil and grilled them on the BBQ. Served with grated parmesan cheese and squirt of fresh lemon juice….so easy and delicious!!
Fresh Herb Winter Savory Perfect for the potluck BBQ’s, use to complement salads, especially bean, lentil and potato salads. Also, if you can’t use it right away, dry it for using later in the year.
Enjoy.
