A few important updates for this week:
1. Napa cabbages will need to be cut in half as they grew too big; farmer could only fit 8 in the boxes he bought for them. Please make sure there is a cutting board and knife and plastic wrap or bags for the dividers to use.
2. Snow peas have been replaced by sugar snap peas this week at the farmer's request.
3. Blueberries need to be ever-so-gently divided. We recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves and packing them into yogurt containers or something somewhat firm to prevent squishing. Please do not use a scoop as they will definitely squish! You can very gently pour them, however. We buy bulk because we get 25% more this way for the same money.
4. Hepworth Farms is sending spinach as a gift, but not enough for all the groups. If you get spinach, please know that it is a gift from Hepworth Farms. If you don't, the next time a farmer or supplier does something generous like this, we will make sure that the groups that did not get it this time get whatever it might turn out to be the next time it happens.
Some people have been wondering when the local produce will start, or why we are not getting only local produce at this point. The local farms are just starting to harvest some items now, so we can't get more items than they have available! This week, we are getting blueberries, basil, Napa cabbage, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, zucchini and sugar snap peas. That is all that is available from the new crop. So stick with us and you will enjoy a great variety of local, organic summer produce once it becomes available. We work with over 100 small area farmers.
The NJ blueberries are ready now, and more local fruits and vegetables will be coming soon. We are lucky to have a co-op that buys from many farm sources rather than from just one farm as some farmers are getting very low yields due to all the rain. People who are in groups buying from only one farmer who is having low yields will be getting almost nothing right now.We will get peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, apples and pears, and all kinds of greens, squash, tomatoes, corn, herbs, broccoli, caulflower, etc. as the season goes on.
Late in the fall, everything will be harvested and stored, such as apples, potatoes, hard squash, pears and onions, and we will continue to buy those local things as long as they are good. This is what we have done for over 20 years and we will continue to provide a great value in local and organic groceries all year round. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and see what new items arrive in your shares each week!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Purple Dragon Update
A few important updates for this week:
1. Napa cabbages will need to be cut in half as they grew too big; farmer could only fit 8 in the boxes he bought for them. Please make sure there is a cutting board and knife and plastic wrap or bags for the dividers to use.
2. Snow peas have been replaced by sugar snap peas this week at the farmer's request.
3. Blueberries need to be ever-so-gently divided. We recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves and packing them into yogurt containers or something somewhat firm to prevent squishing. Please do not use a scoop as they will definitely squish! You can very gently pour them, however. We buy bulk because we get 25% more this way for the same money.
4. Hepworth Farms is sending spinach as a gift, but not enough for all the groups. If you get spinach, please know that it is a gift from Hepworth Farms. If you don't, the next time a farmer or supplier does something generous like this, we will make sure that the groups that did not get it this time get whatever it might turn out to be the next time it happens.
Some people have been wondering when the local produce will start, or why we are not getting only local produce at this point. The local farms are just starting to harvest some items now, so we can't get more items than they have available! This week, we are getting blueberries, basil, Napa cabbage, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, zucchini and sugar snap peas. That is all that is available from the new crop. So stick with us and you will enjoy a great variety of local, organic summer produce once it becomes available. We work with over 100 small area farmers.
The NJ blueberries are ready now, and more local fruits and vegetables will be coming soon. We are lucky to have a co-op that buys from many farm sources rather than from just one farm as some farmers are getting very low yields due to all the rain. People who are in groups buying from only one farmer who is having low yields will be getting almost nothing right now.We will get peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, apples and pears, and all kinds of greens, squash, tomatoes, corn, herbs, broccoli, caulflower, etc. as the season goes on.
Late in the fall, everything will be harvested and stored, such as apples, potatoes, hard squash, pears and onions, and we will continue to buy those local things as long as they are good. This is what we have done for over 20 years and we will continue to provide a great value in local and organic groceries all year round. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and see what new items arrive in your shares each week!
1. Napa cabbages will need to be cut in half as they grew too big; farmer could only fit 8 in the boxes he bought for them. Please make sure there is a cutting board and knife and plastic wrap or bags for the dividers to use.
2. Snow peas have been replaced by sugar snap peas this week at the farmer's request.
3. Blueberries need to be ever-so-gently divided. We recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves and packing them into yogurt containers or something somewhat firm to prevent squishing. Please do not use a scoop as they will definitely squish! You can very gently pour them, however. We buy bulk because we get 25% more this way for the same money.
4. Hepworth Farms is sending spinach as a gift, but not enough for all the groups. If you get spinach, please know that it is a gift from Hepworth Farms. If you don't, the next time a farmer or supplier does something generous like this, we will make sure that the groups that did not get it this time get whatever it might turn out to be the next time it happens.
Some people have been wondering when the local produce will start, or why we are not getting only local produce at this point. The local farms are just starting to harvest some items now, so we can't get more items than they have available! This week, we are getting blueberries, basil, Napa cabbage, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, zucchini and sugar snap peas. That is all that is available from the new crop. So stick with us and you will enjoy a great variety of local, organic summer produce once it becomes available. We work with over 100 small area farmers.
The NJ blueberries are ready now, and more local fruits and vegetables will be coming soon. We are lucky to have a co-op that buys from many farm sources rather than from just one farm as some farmers are getting very low yields due to all the rain. People who are in groups buying from only one farmer who is having low yields will be getting almost nothing right now.We will get peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, apples and pears, and all kinds of greens, squash, tomatoes, corn, herbs, broccoli, caulflower, etc. as the season goes on.
Late in the fall, everything will be harvested and stored, such as apples, potatoes, hard squash, pears and onions, and we will continue to buy those local things as long as they are good. This is what we have done for over 20 years and we will continue to provide a great value in local and organic groceries all year round. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and see what new items arrive in your shares each week!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What's Coming on Saturday 07/01/09
This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!
.We expect organic NJ blueberries (Will be in bags in the red cooler so they do not mold. Pick up early!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.
.We expect organic NJ blueberries (Will be in bags in the red cooler so they do not mold. Pick up early!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.
Garlic Scrapes
One of the things I love about participating in Purple Dragon is that every once in a while, I get to try something new - and this week it is GARLIC SCRAPES. This is the green plant that grows out of the top of the garlic. Normally when you purchase a head of garlic what you are actually getting is a bulb. Have you ever put garlic in a basket and within a few days a green shoot comes out of the bulb? That is a garlic scrape.
SO...now that you know what they are - what do we do with them?
* Use them in pesto instead of basil and toss with pasta
* Chop them and use in a stir fry instead of green onions
* Blanche them and toss with a light vinegarette for a summer salad/side
* Add to gazpacho - it give a great light garlicy flavor
* Lightly grill and serve as you would asparagus
SO...now that you know what they are - what do we do with them?
* Use them in pesto instead of basil and toss with pasta
* Chop them and use in a stir fry instead of green onions
* Blanche them and toss with a light vinegarette for a summer salad/side
* Add to gazpacho - it give a great light garlicy flavor
* Lightly grill and serve as you would asparagus
What's Coming on Wednesday07/01/09
This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!
We expect organic NJ blueberries (Our will be in bags - and will be in the cooler on the porch so that they do not mold - come early!!!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.
We expect organic NJ blueberries (Our will be in bags - and will be in the cooler on the porch so that they do not mold - come early!!!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday's Pineapple...
Had a call from one divider Sat. am who thought the pineapples looked iffy.
She cut hers right away when she got home and said it was excellent.
So don't be put off by a bit of surface mold, which is often caused by produce going in and out of refrigeration, but use your pineapple soon.
I suggest washing it (always wash fruit before you cut it) and cut and see how it is. If it is brown inside, obviously overripe and let your coordinator know.
If you think something is ripe or overripe, always a good idea to put in the fridge right away, and use as soon as possible.
It was not our intention to get fruits that were so ripe, but if we have them and they are good, we might as well use them, right?
Also, if you are not ready to use them,. you can freeze cup up fruit for later smoothies, ice pops, daquiries, etc.
Best-
janit
She cut hers right away when she got home and said it was excellent.
So don't be put off by a bit of surface mold, which is often caused by produce going in and out of refrigeration, but use your pineapple soon.
I suggest washing it (always wash fruit before you cut it) and cut and see how it is. If it is brown inside, obviously overripe and let your coordinator know.
If you think something is ripe or overripe, always a good idea to put in the fridge right away, and use as soon as possible.
It was not our intention to get fruits that were so ripe, but if we have them and they are good, we might as well use them, right?
Also, if you are not ready to use them,. you can freeze cup up fruit for later smoothies, ice pops, daquiries, etc.
Best-
janit
Monday, June 15, 2009
What's Coming on Saturday 06/20/09
This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!
We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce, either English OR snow peas and red potatoes, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, California carrots, Valencia oranges and grape tomatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.
We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce, either English OR snow peas and red potatoes, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, California carrots, Valencia oranges and grape tomatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas.
Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.
What's Coming on Wednesday 06/17/09
This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!
We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce and either English OR snow peas, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, parsley and tomatoes, California carrots, Valencia oranges and russet potatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.
Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.
We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce and either English OR snow peas, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, parsley and tomatoes, California carrots, Valencia oranges and russet potatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.
Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Here's what's coming Saturday 06/06/09
This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!We expect NY organic cilantro, baby lettuce, spinach and radishes, Georgia blueberries, Florida eggplant, grape AND roma tomatoes and yellow squash, Washington Fuji apples, California carrots, celery, white peaches and romaine lettuce hearts, and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.
Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get red Bartlett pears, Valencia oranges, a honeydew melon and a pineapple.
Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.
Fruit shares: I am planning to get red Bartlett pears, Valencia oranges, a honeydew melon and a pineapple.
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