This is the time of year when everything is being harvested simultaneously. Careful planning is needed to capture all the crops at their best. Very busy, long days followed by fine tuning the next day’s tasks after prudently reviewing each garden. During one of our recent evening farm walks, Marc and I noticed those familiar large dark green pods appearing in our well-worn melon patch. The Bradfords have arrived! We were first introduced to this variety by one of our CSA members, Mike. He got his hands on a few stamped seeds from the original blood line in the US. From those few seeds we coaxed 4 melons to ripen that year. After saving those seed, the next year we were thrilled with a bountiful crop. From there we have gathered a following of those that look forward to this old style watermelon.
The legendary Bradford was one of the sweetest melon varieties ever created in South Carolina. Prized in the 1800’s they all but disappeared by the 1920’s because its tender rind didn’t ship well. The Bradford family kept their heritage stock alive for all these years and now eight generations later the variety is making a comeback with chefs and food enthusiasts everywhere. Find the Bradford boys @bradfordwatermelons on Instagram and Facebook. These large melons are great for family get together’s or just celebrating the last bit of summer. Great news, we are including a sample of our bradfords in your basket.
Here is what you can expect this week:
Coronation Grapes These seedless blue grapes have a tart skin and a burst of juicy sweetness that makes them ideal for any occasion. Great ready-to-eat snack and lunch box treat for the kids. Refrigerate grapes in a container loosely covered for up to 10 days. They make a luscious jam or jelly, great added to a smoothie or yogurt. Delicious in sauces or added to your salad.
Bradford Melon Teaser A sample of our famous Bradford watermelon, gives you a chance to try it and if you like it……we still have some left in our store for sale.
Big Beefsteak Tomato Large Heirloom tomatoes are big on flavour and colour. Perfect for slicing into a sandwich or cutting up for a tasty tomato salad. They can be sliced thick and baked with herbs and olive oil.
Rumar Farm Hearty Salad Blend A fall mix of tender lettuce and mustard greens for a wonderful salad starter. A simple oil and vinegar would work well as a dressing; add seeds, dry fruit and of course feta to start your meal off with a bang.
Zucchini Singles Summers most popular squash with so many ways to prepare. It’s mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile.
White Turnip Back by popular demand, it’s like two vegetables in one. The greens are nice a fresh and high in iron. Try soul food turnip greens for something new that is easy. Chop into small pieces and simmer in chicken broth with onions, garlic, red pepper, pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce. Season with salt & pepper. Simmer for about an hour and serve. Delicious!
Garlic Chive Blossoms Edible white flowers with a garlic flavour. Add to your salad or use as a garnish.
Enjoy
