Are you concerned about climate change but feel like there is nothing you can do about it? Think again….if everyone just ate local seasonal foods it would make a significant positive impact. Food transport, packaging and processing make up a whopping 6% of CO2e emissions from rich countries. Never eat air freighted goods, for the climate it is a disaster. The CO2e emissions of transporting one ton of food for one mile is roughly 25g by train, 48g by boat and 1527g by plane. Think about that the next time you pick up your CSA basket or shop at a local farmers market.
What is seasonal food? Its produce that is purchased and consumed around the time that it is harvested. Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. When produce is allowed to ripen naturally on their parent plant, studies have shown it contain more nutrients.
Need more reasons to buy local food? It helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community. It supports the local economy because money you spend on products from local farmers and growers stays in the community and is reinvested with other local businesses. You also know where your food is coming from and who grew it.
Here is what you can expect this week:
Romaine Lettuce – An amazing way to transform romaine lettuce into something delicious is to grill it. Slice the head vertically, which keeps the leaves connected to the core. Drizzle with olive oil and on medium high to give it sear marks and infuse a smokiness. After, splash of lemon juice and shaved parm, you have a wonderful dish.
Strawberries – Who would say no to another quart of fresh sweet strawberries? They are at their peak right now so enjoy.
Boston (Butter) Lettuce – Try this go-to summer salad – Strawberry Butter Lettuce. Just add sliced strawberries, pumpkin or sunflower seeds with feta cheese to your washed pieces of boston lettuce then top with a strawberry vinaigrette. You can also use the large boston leaves for wraps. There are so many great lettuce wrap recipes that you won’t even miss the bread.
Garlic Scapes – Because there are so many ways to enjoy garlic scapes, we added them in your basket again this week. One of our past members shared her pickling recipe. We have done a few batches in the past and really love having them on our epic charcuterie board during the holiday season. If you are feeling ambitious and want to order extra, visit our online store. We will add them to your CSA basket.
Bok Choy – A type of Chinese cabbage that is tender, sweet and perfect for stir frying. Sauté with chicken or shrimp and add soy sauce or oyster sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a fast tasty family meal.
Peas – A great source of vitamins C and E, zinc and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system.
Wild Flower Bouquet Our wildflower strip in the middle of the farm attracts beneficial insects and honey bees. They help us pollinate the fruit while offering a colorful floral show. We want you to have a small sample of its beauty for your home.
We are just finishing our plant sale for the year and have some field tomatoes left over that we will have available for CSA pickup day. Grab one or two for your garden (if there is room) or for someone you know. They are free for a good home:)
Enjoy
