Westfield Area CSA Blog

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 1, 2019

Hi Folks! So summer is here and the heat is on! Nothing too extreme on the horizon just yet- mid-80’s and dropping mercifully into the 60’s at night. This type of weather is tough on the lettuce, peas, broccoli, and other cool weather crops but it’s just the ticket for the peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and the melons. We should have plenty of sunshine now and hopefully a little rain from a passing thunderstorm now and then. (more…)

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard, along with kale, mustard greens, and collard greens, is one of several leafy, green vegetables often referred to as “greens.”  It belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile.  Chard is a tall, leafy vegetable with a thick, crunchy stalk (akin to celery but less stringy) that comes in white, red, or yellow, with wide, fan-like, ruffled leaves that are similar to spinach but chewier.  Regardless of the stalks’ color, they have similar flavors and cooking properties, although the white stalks are most tender.  Very tender leaves can be added directly to green salads. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 24, 2019

Hello Folks! So, it was a wet spring and the final week of the season was even wetter. It’s been a challenge to get our planting done and now all the moisture is starting to affect the crops a bit. We lost hundreds of heads of lettuce to rot before it was even close to maturity. The spinach is turning yellow. Anywhere there is a low spot in the field where the water collects the crop is stunted or has died. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 17, 2019

Hi Folks! Just got in from the field; trying to get some winter squash planted ahead of the next round of rain. I’m late getting this update out so I will make it brief. (more…)

Stir-Fried Garlic Lettuce

Stir-Fried Garlic Lettuce

Here’s an easy recipe that’s great if you have a head of lettuce that you have to use right away.  Even if you don’t, it’s still a delicious side dish to any Asian meal.  Simple to make, with common ingredients, it’s a keeper for sure.  Try different lettuce varieties.  Serves 4-6 as a side dish. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 10, 2019

Hello Everyone! So, we have arrived at the week many of you have been anxiously waiting for – the first CSA share delivery. In spite of the weather-related challenges we have faced this spring, we have a nice share for you to start out the season. (more…)