Seven Shades of Green | 2023 CSA Week 4

From Our Farm

• Carrots
• Fennel
• Strawberries 
• Eggs 
• Herb Bundle

FROM FRIENDS

• Seeded Bread | Hinkle’s Bakery 
• Arugula | Love Light Farm
• Radishes | Love Light Farm
• Onions | Hamm Farms
• Asparagus | Habersham Farms
• Shiitake Mushrooms | Grandview Farms

Farmers Keith Canton and Jen Dunbar own and operate Love Light Farm. We have known both of them for many years and love their like-minded determination to provide organic delicious vegetables to our community. First we have arugula. Peppery and slightly bitter, arugula brings bold flavor to salads and sandwiches. Or, try it as a pizza topping or wilted in pasta dishes for a gourmet twist.

Arugula is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate. It contains antioxidants like glucosinolates and quercetin, which may have anti-cancer properties. Lastly, it is a good source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Love Light Farm radishes are crisp, super peppery and add a crunch to your salads, slaws, or tacos. One of our favorite side dishes is roasted radishes. Roasting them gives them a more mellow, earthy flavor.

Our strawberries are just getting started ya’ll! Nothing says spring like a batch of juicy, ripe strawberries. Indulge in their natural sweetness as a snack, or incorporate them into desserts, salads, and more. We grow 3000 strawberry plants to share with you, pickle or freeze so we will have fresh strawberries all year. 

Our strawberry jalapeño preserves is one of our top sellers in our food in jar line. This year we have entered the champagne, pickled strawberries into the Specialty Foods Association competition. The last three years we have entered our drinking vinegars and received a gold, or silver Sofi award for our entries. Fingers crossed!

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, and folate (vitamin B9). They are loaded with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which may help protect against chronic diseases. Lastly they are a good source of dietary fiber for digestion.

Strawberry Panini

Back when we had the pantry, one of our favorite sandwiches to make was our strawberry Panini. You can toast your seeded bread, slather in goat cheese, top with strawberries, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. You can also add arugula, and make it really bright and special.

Fresh garden carrots are one of my favorite foods to grow at the farm. These colorful, vibrant, crunchy carrots are as versatile as they are tasty. Enjoy them raw, steamed, roasted, or added to soups and stews for a burst of color and nutrients. Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, essential for good vision and a healthy immune system. These power packed veggies contain antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, that may protect against chronic diseases. They are a great source of fiber, vitamin K1, and potassium.

From our farm we have young Fennel, tender, aromatic and sweet. Fennel adds a unique flavor to your dishes. It is High in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber and it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, it is also believed to aid in digestion and reduce bloating. Enjoy the crunchy, unique taste of the bulb raw or in salads. Roasting it delivers a more mellow, caramelized flavor.

Brought to you by the SHF Hens!

Our chickens roam freely without antibiotics or hormones to slow them down, living out on the land where grass, bugs, and other natural offerings make up most of their diet. This combination creates richly flavored eggs with firm, thick whites and bright yellow yolks that stand tall. 
Impress your guests with a perfectly aesthetic fried egg that won't run around the pan, with buttery-golden centers high in protein that are absolutely delicious. 

This fragrant assortment of parsley and mint will elevate your culinary creations. Use parsley to add a fresh, green note to savory dishes, and mint to enhance sweet or tangy recipes. Did you know Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and contains antioxidants like luteolin and apigenin.

Mint contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. May help relieve indigestion and soothe an upset stomach.

Farmer Hab of Habersham Farm brings you fresh Asparagus. I can’t stress enough the value of fresh, just picked veggies, but when it comes to asparagus it really makes a world of difference. Stand your bundle up in a jar with just a little bit of water and let them rest in your refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Change the water out daily. They will continue to grow and also stay firm and crispy until you have a plan for them. These tender, green spears are a true delicacy of spring. Enjoy them steamed, roasted, or grilled with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Asparagus is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate.

I know, I said last week that we would only have baby Vidalia onions for one week. I was wrong, thankfully! But this will unfortunately be the last week. I have included an overview of the history of the Vidalia onion at the end of this blog post. 

Baby Vidalia onions are special! It’s the young uncured Vidalia onion. They are tender and will add a delightful touch to your dishes. Be sure and use the greens too!  We are currently pickling these very short season specialties, so that we will have them for months to come. Caramelize them for a rich, savory-sweet flavor or use them raw in salads for a gentle oniony bite.

Try our recipe for 'All Dressed Up Asparagus' here

The History of the Vidalia Onion

They are a sweet variety of onion, known for their mild flavor and low sulfur content. The history of Vidalia onions dates back to the 1930s in the town of Vidalia, Georgia, which is where they get their name.

During the Great Depression, farmers in Georgia were searching for new crops to grow to diversify their income. In 1931, a farmer named Mose Coleman discovered that the onions he was growing in the Vidalia area were sweeter and milder than other onions. It is believed that the unique combination of the region's soil composition, climate, and low sulfur content contributed to the distinct flavor of the onions.

The popularity of Vidalia onions began to grow as people discovered their unique taste, and they became a staple at local markets. In the 1940s, the Georgia state legislature officially named the sweet onion "Vidalia," solidifying its regional identity.

The Vidalia onion industry continued to grow over the years, and in 1986, the Vidalia Onion Committee was formed to help promote the onions and establish quality standards. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted a Federal Marketing Order for Vidalia onions in 1989, which provided the legal framework for the Vidalia Onion Committee to establish and enforce regulations.

Today, Vidalia onions are recognized and enjoyed for their sweet, mild flavor and are protected by federal and state laws to ensure that only onions grown in specific areas of Georgia can be called "Vidalia." The onions are typically available from April through August, and their unique taste and story have made them a beloved and sought-after product.

Oyster Mushrooms from Grand View Farms are another local delicacy. This medley of oyster pink and white will add an earthy, umami-rich depth to your dishes. Try them sautéed, roasted, or added to stir-fries, soups, and pasta. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein, vitamins B and D, and minerals like iron, potassium, and phosphorus. they contain beta-glucans, which may support immune function and have anti-cancer properties.

Seeded Loaf Bread from Corey Hinkle of Hinkle‘s bread. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with nutritious seeds, this hearty loaf will become a staple in your kitchen. Toast a slice and top it with your favorite spread, or use it to create the ultimate sandwich. Whole grain breads are high in dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They contain B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients. The seeds in the bread provide healthy fats, proteins, and additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

We hope you enjoy the incredible flavors and textures of this week's CSA box as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Thank you for supporting local farms and fostering a thriving, sustainable food community. 

Happy cooking!

Roasted Carrots with Pesto & Burrata

Roasted Radishes with Dill Dip

1. Savory French Toast & Breakfast Radishes | Justine Snacks

Use your seeded bread, fresh hen eggs, AND radishes for this lux breakfast

2. Springtime Pizza with Chipotle Romesco, Eggs, Shaved Asparagus Salad | Half Baked Harvest

Use asparagus and fresh hen eggs!

3. Citrus-y Arugula Salad with Fennel and Parmesan | Bon Appetit

4. Shaved Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts | Healthy Seasonal