Forkful: August 2021 - Week 13

WHAT'S IN MY SHARE?

• Leeks
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Peaches & Nectarines
• Flowers

PICKUP LOCATIONS & TIMES
​
​Hatfield Area Members 
​Bardwell Farm
49 Main Street - Hatfield, MA 01038

• Tuesdays & Fridays
• 3pm to 6pm
• Choice selected, curbside pickup & delivery

Center Fresh Chicopee Members
Center Fresh Chicopee Farmers Market
31 Springfield St - Chicopee, MA 01013

• Thursdays
• ​1pm to 6pm
• Pre-prepared tote pickup

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WEATHER ALERT
Sunday - August 22, 2021
We're keeping an eye on the remnants of Henri, please stay tuned to email and social media for possible new information concerning pickup days.

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FIELD NOTES

.Weather Channel

First Tropical Storm Fred and now Hurricane Henri... it's been a rough week trying to seed fall crops, plant seedlings, or just get into the fields for that matter. The soil is saturated and we have more precipitation on the way.

As I write this Henri hasn't made landfall yet and watching the weather forecasts is pretty unnerving. Some reports are saying 3 to 5" and others 5 to 8" depending on how it sets up. Honestly, I can't imagine even getting 3 to 5" with how the soil is right now... my fingers are crossed and we're all hoping for the best.

It's been no surprise weather-wise how this season has gone. We are always talking about the risk vs. reward you have whenever you enroll in a CSA. Well folks, this is pretty risky at the moment. We do EVERYTHING in our power to bring you a well-round share every week but it's been increasingly difficult as the summer progresses. Our promise to you is that we will continue to work hard, keep moving forward, and bring you the best product that we can.

​Owner Harrison Bardwell

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WHAT TO USE FIRST​

• Tomatoes - ripe, 1 to 5 days pantry and 5 to 7 refrigerator 
• Peppers - don't wash until use, refrigerate in a plastic or paper bag keeping the end open, 5 to 7 days shelf life
• Kale - 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, longer in water
• Cabbage - refrigerate in a plastic or paper bag keeping the end open, up to 10 days for Green and Red varieties
• Leeks - refrigerate in a closed paper bag, up to 2 weeks​​​
• White Onions -  up to 2 weeks, peeled in fridge, several weeks, unpeeled, cool dry place

DID YOU KNOW: Leeks
Leeks have a mild, onion-like taste. In their raw state, the vegetable is crunchy and firm. The edible portions of the leek are the white base of the leaves (above the roots and stem base), the light green parts, and to a lesser extent the dark green parts of the leaves. The dark green leaves can be used in stocks and soups.

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LETS GET COOKING

HOW TO CLEAN & CUT LEEKS
Clean & Delicious | You tube
A simple, clear cut tutorial on how to work with leeks!
A simple, clear cut tutorial on how to work with leeks.
more recipes:

• Leek Soup - So Delicious
• Roasted Chicken & Leek Pizza - Food & Wine
• Snowball Peaches - Taste of Home
• Brandy Baked Peaches - AllRecipes
• Tomato, Corn & Avocado Salsa - AllRecipes
• Tomato Consommé - BBC Food
• Ground Beef & Kale Casserole - Healthy Recipes
• Coconut Kale Smoothies - Ventray Recipes

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WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE FARM

Buttoning up the wash/pack area in preparation for Hurricane Henri

Precipitation measurement from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred

Navi inspecting the rows just after planting more brassicas

We had to go back into the field and plant more spinach because our previous planting field due to weather

Corn harvests have been abundant

So nice having a cab on days like these

Planting more fall settings, hoping they survive after all the precipitation we are supposed to get

Pulling horn worms from plants is not my most favorite job in the world

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CAN'T MAKE YOUR PICKUP DAY?
If you cannot make your pickup day a friend or family member can pick it up for you or for themselves.

Reminder: pickup days cannot be changed, the day that was chosen on the enrollment form will be your day for the 20 weeks of the program.

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7 DAY SUPPORT
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions, need assistance or want to provide constructive criticism. Also, don’t be afraid to talk with your Bardwell Farm Representative in-person during a pick-up day. You can always contact us by using the links below. 
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(413) 800-5583
[email protected]