Forkful: June 2021 - Week 2

WHAT'S IN MY SHARE?

• Asparagus
• Arugula
• Butter Lettuce
• Salad Mix
• Radishes
• Kale
• Rhubarb

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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​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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WEATHER ALERT
Sunday - June 6, 2021
It looks like thunder-boomers will be in the forecast this week, don't forget to bring your rain gear just in case folks!

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FIELD NOTES

Brassicas are looking great!

We want to thank all of our farm share members for an exceptional first week! It was wonderful meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. Your excitement and enthusiasm is inspiring :)

The heat wave we've been experiencing has been a blessing and a curse. It certainly has sped the crops along, but some of them so much so that they are beginning to grow too fast and bolt. We'll also have to irrigate crops if we don't get the rain they are calling for, all eyes are on the weather forecast right now.

Staying hydrated and eating right has been a priority for the crew. It's brutal working in direct sun as well as the high tunnels and greenhouse. We're constantly monitoring and keeping each other safe.

The high tunnel tomatoes love this heat and have taken off, almost doubled in size, and we're already starting to see baseball size fruit! Nothing says summer like a juicy well-ripened heirloom tomato. We can't wait to share these with you!

While we're on the subject of hot weather, we've added all kinds of new frozen treats to www.online-farm-store.com, goodies like Barts Ice Cream, Dove and Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Bars, and Crooked Stick Pops. If you need a cool down you can always order ahead and we'll have them ready when you pick up your share or stop by the stand anytime between 10am and 6pm!

Here's to Week 2 everyone, see you soon :)

Owner Harrison Bardwell

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WHAT TO USE FIRST

• Asparagus - 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, cut ends and place in large mason jar filled with a cup of water
• Kale - 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, do not wash or process until you are ready to use, place them in an open plastic bag
• Rhubarb - 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, up to 12 months in the freezer
• Lettuce - 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, do not wash or process until you are ready to use
• Salad Mix & Arugula - 10 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, do not wash or process until you are ready to use, wrap leaves in a paper towel and place them in an open plastic bag
• Radishes - 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator, trim greens, place in a container with a cup of water

​DID YOU KNOW...
The redder the stalk of rhubarb, the sweeter the flavor! Green rhubarb can also be eaten, and is just a different variety. All rhubarb is quite bitter in taste and therefore a great substitute for cranberries, and a good match with a sweeter fruit like strawberries and apples.

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LETS GET COOKING

RHUBARB: 1 ITEM 5 WAYS
YouTube | SheKnows EATS
Rhubarb is delicious when properly prepared. If you’ve ever whipped up a recipe using it, you know that it’s highly underrated and underused. Rhubarb, in strawberry mimosas, BBQ sauce and amazing desserts, gets the close-up it deserves on this 1 Item, 5 Ways.
​
more recipes:

• Easy Rhubarb Relish - Taste of Home
• Contest-Winning Rhubarb Meringue Pie - Taste of Home
• Sippin’ Green Gazpacho - Bon Appetit
• Pork, Mushroom, and Arugula Salad - Bon Appetit
• Easy Skillet Kale with Lemon & Garlic - Kitchn
• Cool Ranch Kale Dip - Food & Wine
  

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WHATS GOING ON AT THE FARM

The crew ran irrigation line to the river to give our crops a much needed drink!

Will our sweet corn be knee-high by the 4th of July?

Fresh Spring Onions, sooo sweet!

Karlie at our Thursday CSA farm share location, Center Fresh Chicopee!

New year, new CSA tote bags!

Our new John Deere in Hatfield's 350th Birthday Parade!

Cultivating the brassica plants!

I-spy a Green Zebra Heirloom Tomato!

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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
bardwellfarm@gmail.com