Farm News – July 15, 2019

Hello Everyone! So, Solanaceae is the name of the family of plants that includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, as well as tomatillos and their cousins. You might infer from the “sol” in their name that they are sun and heat lovers, which is true (although the etymology is unclear).

Also known as the Nightshades, they are mostly New World species so it’s interesting that these plants play such a big role in European and world cuisine, since they have only been known for a few hundred years. This family also plays a central role in the middle part of the CSA season which is the reason for the unsolicited botany lesson. We begin this week with eggplant, next week there will be peppers, and after that the potatoes and tomatoes will make their appearance. I know how much many of you are waiting for those tomatoes! Patience! Soon!

The peas have succumbed to the heat and the beans are just beginning, so some groups will receive them this week and others the week after. We still have some nice cauliflower and broccoli to distribute and some beautiful beets. The red onions will likely be an heirloom red torpedo type.

The share for this week will be: lettuce, summer squash, cukes, either cauliflower or broccoli, kale, eggplant, beets, red onions, possibly beans and choice of an herb (cilantro, dill or parsley). Tomatillos as an “extra”. Premium shares will also receive a choice of arugula or chard and kohlrabi.

We will have to skip the fruit share for this week – there is just not enough local fruit available yet.

Enjoy! Farmer John