Farm News – October 23, 2023
Hello Folks! So, there will not be any sweet potatoes in the share this week (they will be back in the mix next round). There will be a tuber that looks a lot like a sweet potato but is not. It is called Yacon and is a member of the sunflower family native to South America. It is sweet and juicy and has a slight orange color (carotene). The sweetness comes from a sugar called an FOS (fructooligosaccharide) which is not digestible and hence does not affect blood sugar level. It is known as a prebiotic and contains beneficial antioxidants. It also contains inulin, which in some can cause gas and bloating. Wikipedia says that it can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. I don’t have much experience cooking with it – I have mostly eaten it raw. What I can tell you, is that once peeled it begins to oxidize and turn brown quickly, so use it quickly or keep it submerged in water until use. It will keep in a bag in the fridge for quite a while, although it will start to lose some sweetness. I would love to have feedback from members about their experiences cooking with it.
We finally have nice broccoli heading up and more cauliflower as well. If the cauliflower is insufficient for all groups there will be Savoy cabbage instead (and cauliflower next week). I think you know the drill by now.
The share this week will be: Yacon, colored peppers, Honeynut squash, Blue gold potatoes, lettuce, bok choy, leeks, choice of arugula, broccoli raab or another mustard green, parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage, and choice of cilantro or dill. Premium shares will also include escarole and shishito peppers.
We are waiting for fruit to be ready in November to finish up the fruit share.
Bon Appetit! Farmer John
