Author: Bryan Housel

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – September 22, 2025

Hi Folks! The beautiful weather continues, so long as you are not a duck or a farmer. We have a chance at some precipitation around mid-week, keep your fingers crossed! I will do my version of a rain dance – head out into the field with my little seeding tractor (Allis Chalmers G) to try to do some planting. If there is any moisture up there in the clouds, that is usually a sure-fired way to coax it down. In the meantime, the sprinklers are spinning, and the pumps are humming. (more…)

Leeks

Leeks

Leeks, known scientifically as Allium porrum, are related to garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions. Leeks look like large scallions, having a very small bulb and a long white cylindrical stalk of tightly wrapped, layered leaves.  With a more delicate and sweeter flavor than onions, leeks add a subtle touch to recipes without overpowering the other flavors that are present. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – September 15, 2025

Hello Everyone! So, the drought conditions continue, with no relief in sight. We continue to deal with this challenge as best we can. We are in the process of planting winter cover crops on many acres where crops have been harvested, which creates additional complications. First, we must turn under the plant residue from the crop and any weeds that have grown, so that it can begin to rot and break down. Unfortunately, without moisture the decomposition process comes to a halt because the microbes that do the work need water. When the soil is mere powder on the surface, dragging the disc harrow across the fields raises clouds of dust, and we watch the best part of our soil (the fines) blow away. (more…)

Arugula

Arugula

If you ever see a salad green referred to as “rocket,” it’s simply another name for arugula, or roquette in French.  Yet another brassicaceae along with kale and cauliflower, its delightfully pungent leaves have been cultivated in the Mediterranean since time was recorded.  As such, arugula is a perennial favorite in Italian cooking. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – September 8, 2025

Hello Folks! We received slightly more than an inch of rain from the storms that came through the area late last week. What fell from the sky certainly was heaven-sent (pun intended). Unfortunately, the storms that came through on Saturday night into Sunday did not drop any precipitation on the farm, only soaking both of our Sunday markets and resulting in thousands of dollars of lost income. I guess I am still complaining about the weather, lol. (more…)

Thyme

Thyme

There are actually over 100 varieties of thyme, but only 2 that are used in the kitchen: Garden thyme and lemon thyme. Garden thyme has a woodsy, pungent aroma, while lemon thyme, when crushed, has a distinct lemony smell. Leaves and sprigs are used in salads as garnishes, and in soups, chowders, and in many Cajun and French dishes. (more…)