The Chatfield CSA at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Seeded in Support by Kaiser Permanente
2016 Waitlist




<< Back to main

August 15-19 Chatfield CSA e-news

Posted 8/12/2011 4:19pm by Josie Hart-Genter.



Dear Shareholders,

Many of you may have children that have started school or will start school soon. This can be a stressful transition in the home. Waking up early! Packing lunches! Fitting in distribution to all the other things you do after school and work! Even if you don’t have children there is something that happens to you when you walk into a grocery store and see that summer is ending and the Halloween candy is out!

Please remember – at the CSA summer is in full swing, We are only in the middle of our season here which means the melons are just coming in, as are the tomatoes, peppers, onions and more potatoes. So every week when you pick up your share, think of summertime and how sweet it all tastes.


tips for making the CSA work with
a busy schedule

Here are some suggestions for working the CSA produce into a busy schedule with school kids or other commitments that make finding time for veggies a little harder.

  • If you need a quick snack, this works great for busy people: cut up all the veggies you know can become snack items – carrots, peppers (all kinds), cucumbers, etc. – into bite-sized strips. Fill a large plastic container with water and a tiny bit of lemon juice. Put all your chopped-up veggies into the container. Remind your family that they can pull the container out and instantly have a snack without any prep. I keep a little extra ranch dressing or yogurt around for my daughter use as a dip for her veggies.
  • If you come to distribution right at 4:15 or even 4:30, and have to wait a little because we are still setting up or because of the rush of so many people trying to pick up at the same time, try having dinner early and coming to pick things up around 6 p.m. after the initial rush.
  • CSA veggies make great lunchbox items. You will love all the different melons, carrots, cherry tomatoes and lemon cucumbers if you cut them up into little morsels. You can purchase plastic containers with sections for dressing or honey dips to accompany your veggie in the lunch box.
  • Split your share with a neighbor or friend and have them do the distribution for a couple of weeks while you get used to your new schedule. We are more than willing to help out a neighbor/friend with their first distribution process!

 
this weeks produce (august 15-19)

  • Peppers (sweet and hot)
  • Heirloom tomatoes
  • Salad greens
  • Potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Beets, carrots, turnips, squash
  • Cucumbers (many varieties)
  • Cantaloupe and honeydew
  • Watermelon
  • Green beans
  • Kale, arugula, spinach
  • Basil, Thai basil, mint, parsley

Please note this is a tenative list and is subject to change.


weekly recipe

Both recipes kindly supplied by Meredith Brackney, CSA member. 

Green Fries
Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic (fresh or powdered) and place in single layer on cookie sheet. Roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes until they start to brown.

Gorgonzola Buttermilk Pasta with Arugula
8 oz penne pasta, cooked
4 oz gorgonzola
1/2 c buttermilk
2 T chopped parsley
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
2 c arugula, torn
2 T toasted pine nuts

Stir together gorgonzola, buttermilk, parsley, salt, pepper. Pour over hot penne and toss. Add arugula and toss. Top w/pine nuts and serve.


farm topic of the
week: melons!

Melon Madness
The highlight of this week is going to be the melons! The cucumber family is a large plant family with many delicious varieties in its family tree, from pumpkins to squash to gourds to cucumbers to watermelon and cantaloupe. The cucurbits are overwhelming with their beauty and flavor. Some of the highlights for this week include:

  • Stars and Moon watermelon: Bright pink fruit, light citrus flavors and very unique seeds
  • Orange glow watermelon: Beautiful sherbet-colored on the inside with a fruit punch burst of flavor
  • Snow Leopard honeydew: Unique spotted skin, light and delicate flavor
  • French heirloom cantaloupe, Ein Dor: Light pineapple flavor with a sugary rich texture.
  • Little baby flower watermelon: Tiny personal size with classic red fruit 

We hope you enjoyed tasting the different varieties at last week’s distribution and stay tuned for even more unique and delicious varieties coming up.


f
ood safety note

Please note that although we have washed our produce once after harvesting it in the field, members should wash the produce at home again before eating. Our farm produce should be treated the same way as grocery store produce: always wash before eating! The best way to wash produce is by running it under cool water. Cleaning products are not necessary.

0 Comments »
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be posted to the public and we will not send any emails to the provided address except in direct reply to this comment.



Captcha* This question is used to make sure you are a human visitor and to prevent spam submissions.
Leave this field empty


Check this box to receive updates by email when
new comments are added to this item.