Hi everyone! I hope you are all taking advantage of the weather. Summer really goes by too fast. Crops come and go rather suddenly as well. This week the raspberries are done, but they are bi-annuals and should produce another crop in the fall if we cut them back. The new chutes that the mature raspberry bush plants by itself bear in the fall, and they will be the main bush come next season.
We should have some watermelon next week! They are almost to size and are already starting to develop the big yellow spot that indicates that they are ripe and bright pink inside. The tomatoes in the field are starting to ripen, and there are loads of them out there that just need another few weeks to ripen.
We are onto a new field of peas now that were planted later. Beets are finally ready- I have been eager for these to be ready for weeks now and we’ve just had a few that were ready. Remember, the beet tops are delicious. Add them to your spinach to make the greens go farther or even try them in your salad to mix things up.
The whole shares are receiving spanish onions this week. This is the first time we’ve grown them since I’ve been around, as I thought they would be very useful to everyone. Also, okra is new this week. They are another Carribean favorite which I prefer cooked and they look awesome (star-shaped) when sliced widthwise. Some recipes are provided below as well as your list of vegetables.
Half Share
- carrots
- beets
- green beans
- snow peas
- cucumber
- zucchini
- cauliflower (from Kawartha Organics)
- spinach or green/black kale
- saladette or grape tomatoes
- green leaf lettuce
Whole Share
- carrots
- beets
- green beans
- snow peas
- cucumber
- zucchini
- cauliflower (from Kawartha Organics)
- spinach or green/black kale
- saladette or grape tomatoes
- green leaf lettuce
- green onions or garlic scapes
- okra or mini field tomatoes
- red swiss chard
- red leaf lettuce
- spanish onions
- kohlrabi or eggplant
- radish
Roasted Okra from Fatfreevegan.com
Okra- note the awesome star shape! It’s a source of protein, potassium, zinc, fibre, Vitamins A, B6, C & K, Calcium and Magnesium…and that wasn’t even the whole list!
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray shallow baking dish with cooking spray, place washed okra on top, and spray again with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or try garam masala, curry powder, chili powder, creole or jerk seasoning for a variation. Bake for 15 minutes or until okra is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
Okra Curry from Simply in Season Cookbook
Why not try will green beans if you have a half share? Remember to reduce cooking time though! Now this recipe is more true to the Jamaican style!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1/4 tsp. garlic (or a couple garlic scapes), minced
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder
- 1 lb. okra (there is less in your box- try adding carrots or zucchini to make the full pound)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup tomatoes, sliced
Directions
1. In frypan saute onion in 2 tbsp. oil until golden. Add ginger, garlic and spices and saute a few minutes.
2. Add okra and salt and cook as few minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and fry a few minutes until liquids evaporate.
Zucchini Cookies from Simply in Season
(These tasted more like muffin tops to me but they were still delicious and decadent! Peel the skin off if you are trying to be sneaky about feeding someone zucchini. You can’t really taste the zucchini but it adds nice moisture and nutrition). Add spices, raisins and nuts for one version and chocolate chips and vanilla for the version I made.
A little indulgence infused with zucchini! Make your own baked treats and save on calories, salt, sugar and money!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. ground cloves OR 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups zucchini, shredded (about 2 small zucchini)
- 3/4 cup raisins and 3/4 cup walnuts OR 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Directions
1. Cream butter and sugars together.
2. Add egg and beat until fluffy. (and vanilla if using)
3. Mix together flours, baking powder, salt and spices (if using) in separate bowl.
4. Add zucchini, then dry ingredients, then raisins and nuts OR chocolate chips to batter and mix well.
5. Bake immediately at 375 degrees for about 12 mins (mine were still soft at this time).
Why not share your recipe ideas or ways to modify the recipes above to make them tastier or healthier?
Your fellow veggie enthusiast,
Jennifer