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  • Published on

    Forkful: June 2021 - Week 3

    Forkful forkful
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    WHAT'S IN MY SHARE?
    • Romaine Lettuce
    • Salanova Lettuce Mix
    • Lacinato (Dino) Kale
    • Bok Choy
    • Baby Beets
    • Spring Onions
    • Garlic Scapes
    • Fresh Dill
    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
    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
    WEATHER ALERT
    Sunday - June 13, 2021
    Looks like thunderstorms on Tuesday folks, keep those umbrellas handy!
    FIELDS NOTES
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    Troy, Jona, Jonathan, and Navi planting brassica seedlings
    ​
    We're thankful that the temperatures dropped significantly this weekend. Not only were we racing against time to plant, maintain, irrigate, and harvest crops, we were battling personal dehydration and heat exhaustion. Several of our crew were definitely feeling the affects.

    With the temperature change of course we received lots and lots of rain, just about 4" total to be exact. We're still bailing out parts of the farm believe it or not. It was a lot of precipitation to fall in a short amount of time. On the plus side the heat and rainfall REALLY moved our crops along, so there were some benefits. One other disadvantage of the heat and rain are WEEDS and lots of them. In farming you are always fighting something and this will be the new battle moving forward.

    Enjoy Week 3 and all it has to offer folks!

    Owner Harrison Bardwell
    WHAT TO USE FIRST
    • Bok Choy - 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, store in a plastic bag, do not wash or process until you are ready to use
    • Baby Beets - 3 to 4 days, greens removed, crisper drawer 2 to 4 weeks
    • Lacinato 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
    • Lettuce - 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, do not wash or process until you are ready to use
    • Bunching Onions - 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator, store in a plastic bag
    • Lettuce Mix - 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
    • Dill - 10 to14 days in the refrigerator, wrap in a damp paper towel and put in a plastic bag
    • Garlic Scapes - 2 to 3 weeks in a plastic bag, refrigerator crisper drawer

    ​DID YOU KNOW...
    Garlic, by cutting off the scape you are asking the plant to send all of it’s energy in to increasing the bulb size, rather than in putting energy toward flowers and seed. Since the bulb is what we eat, we pull the scape a month or two before harvest. Plus, scapes are delicious and can be used just like garlic, it's a win-win!
    LETS GET COOKING
    Garlic Scape Pesto
    YouTube | Food Wishes
    A quick and easy recipe to make a really tasty dish!

    ​more recipes:
    ​WHATS GOING ON AT THE FARM
    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. 
    ​
    (413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com
  • Published on

    Forkful: June 2021 - Week 2

    Forkful forkful
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    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
    ​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
    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!
    FIELD NOTES
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    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.
    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:
    WHATS GOING ON AT THE FARM
    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. 
    ​
    (413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com
  • Published on

    Forkful: June 2021 - Week 1

    Forkful forkful
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    WHAT'S IN MY SHARE?
    • Asparagus
    • Butter Lettuce
    • Bok Choy
    • Radishes
    • Bunching Onions
    • Spring Parsnips
    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
    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
    WEATHER ALERT
    Sunday - May 30, 2021
    It looks like we will be receiving some rain days toward the end of the week, don't forget to bring your umbrellas in case there's a line folks!
    FIELD NOTES
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    "til' dark day"

    Welcome to Week 1 all, it's finally here! Are you excited? Your food adventure is about to begin!

    There are a so many things going on at the farm on any given day of the week. This is where we will keep you updated about all of these things including the progress of our shared 2021 investment.

    The fields are prepped and planted! We laid miles of biodegradable plastic and planted thousands of seedlings and seeds. We had many cold winter days of planning and when the snow and rains stopped, we got out in the fields as early as we could and stayed out there as long as we could. There were so many "til' dark" days with more yet to come. We have a well-rounded crop plan this year and can't wait to show you the fruits of our labor.

    Just a short week ago we would have asked you to do a little rain dance, but we were blessed this weekend with much-needed rainfall. Things were really dry out there but our prayers were answered. The early warm weather has really helped pushed some of our crops along though and we're all going to enjoy the benefits!

    The long and short of it? It's going to be a busy summer!

    Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions what-so-ever about the CSA or your share, call (413) 800-5583 or email us at bardwellfarm@gmail.com.

    Thank you again for investing in our farm and we'll be seeing you soon!

    Owner Harrison Bardwell
    CSA TOTE BAGS
    Bardwell Farm tote bags will be distributed every week. A large share will receive 2, a medium share will receive 1, and a small share will also receive 1.

    Important, please remember to bring these back when you return the following week because you will trade these in for new sanitized bags. We will repeat the same process every week.

    If you forget your bag or bags, more can be purchased at $5 each.
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    YOUR CSA EXPERIENCE
    Having these items will help you make the most of your CSA farm share
    • a sharp knife that feels like it was made for your hand
    • a large cutting board
    • a good recipe tool
    • an open mind (this is important), we know you may have never tried some of the items in your share, but part of the experience is the "adventure" and trying something new
    • we also know you like your veggies prepared the way you like them, but you may find a new family favorite trying them a different way
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    WHAT TO USE FIRST
    • Bok Choy - 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, store in a plastic bag, do not wash or process until you are ready to use
    • Asparagus - 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, cut ends and place in large mason jar filled with a cup of water
    • Lettuce - 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator crisper drawer, do not wash or process until you are ready to use
    • Bunching Onions - 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator, store in a plastic bag
    • Radishes - 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator, trim greens, place in a container with a cup of water
    • Spring Parsnips - 4 to 6 months in the refrigerator, wrap in paper towels and store in a plastic bag
    ​
    ​DID YOU KNOW...
    that before harvesting, asparagus spends up to three years in the ground for the crowns to mature?
    LETS GET COOKING
    HOW TO COOK ASPARAGUS
    YouTube | Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen
    Asparagus is a crispy, earthy, woody vegetable that starts growing in spring. Chef Gordon Ramsay prefers to sautee them raw, which intensifies the asparagus flavor. He leaves the savory skin on, then he blisters them in a hot cast-iron pan skillet.
    ​
    more recipes:
    WHATS GOING ON AT THE FARM
    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. 
    ​
    (413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com
  • Published on

    Forkful: Welcome

    Forkful forkful
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    Start getting excited! We want to thank and welcome our newest CSA farm share subscribers.
    ​
    Your contributions will support local farms and make programs like this one possible. We're a little over a week away before all of the fun starts and we can't wait :)     

    We've outlined some important information below, so please take your time and read through carefully.
    HARD DEADLINE | CSA FARM SHARE PAYMENT
    For those who have completed the enrollment form but have not paid, payment must be received no later than Thursday - May 27th in order to pick up your first weeks share. Non-payment will be considered a forfeiture of enrollment.

    To make payment please click here or if you need help call (413) 800-5583
    CSA FARM SHARE REMINDER
    • Program runs for 20 weeks from June 1st to October 15th
    • Pick-up days are held weekly, Hatfield area members Tuesdays and Fridays, from 3pm to 6pm and Center Fresh Chicopee area members, Thursdays, 1pm to 6pm 
    • If you cannot make your pickup day a friend or family member can pick it up for you or for themselves
    • 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
    • All CSA members receive tote bag(s) for the share, please return them each week to be sanitized, a new one will be issued to you each week
    • All CSA members will receive weekly reminders and Forkful CSA Guide complete with share offerings, value added products, recipes, field notes, and more
    WHAT WILL BE IN MY SHARE?
    Of course your favorites will be there as well as lots of new items too. We have so much planned for this season!
    STAY CONNECTED
    Be sure to bookmark this blog for the latest CSA member information. Every week we will email you a pick-up reminder which will include a link to the Forkful CSA member blog. It will detail what’s in your share and include recipes, storage tips, food preparation, farm news, photos, videos and more!
    PICKUP LOCATIONS & TIMES
    Hatfield Area Members 
    ​Bardwell Farm
    49 Main Street - Hatfield, MA 01038
    • Tuesdays & Fridays
    • 3pm to 6pm
    • Choice selected, curbside pickup & delivery (HATFIELD AREA ONLY)
    Chicopee Area Members
    Center Fresh Chicopee Farmers Market
    17 Springfield St - Chicopee, MA 01013
    • Thursdays
    • ​1pm to 6pm
    • Pre-prepared tote pickup
    WHATS GOING ON AT THE FARM
    PLEASE SHARE THE L♥︎VE
    Please tell your friends and neighbors about us. By spreading the word our program will grow and that’s good for everyone!

    Thank you again for investing in our farm. We can’t wait for you to enjoy our fresh produce this season.

    Owner Harrison Bardwell
    7 DAY SUPPORT
    Please stay in touch. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions, need assistance or want to provide constructive criticism. Also, when the program starts, don’t be afraid to talk with your Bardwell Farm Representative in-person during  pick-up day. You can always contact us by using the links below. 

    (413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com 
  • Published on

    Forkful: Fall & Winter

    Forkful forkful
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    ARE YOU ON THE CALL LIST?
    If you are interested in the 2021 CSA farm share and want to be notified before open enrollment becomes public, please message us by clicking the button below!
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    2ND ANNUAL CSA PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
    Don't forget to enter your pumpkins, it's going to be spooktacular!

    • carve your pumpkin and drop it off with your name written on the bottom and drop it off at the farm by Wednesday - October 28th
    • October 29th, 30th, and Halloween we will display the pumpkins and light them at dusk for the public to see
    • photos of the pumpkins (that will be taken by us) will be uploaded to the Bardwell Farm Facebook Page on October 29th and the public will have 2 days to vote for their favorite design
    • we will announce the winner on November 1st
    • winners will receive a Bardwell Farm gift tote with goodies
    • members can use their own pumpkin not provided by our farm if you so wish
    • store bought pumpkin carving kits can be used
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    IT'S HAPPENING!
    We will be taking down the farm stand tent (weather permitting) the first or second week of November, but that doesn't mean we are closing.

    For the first time EVER we will be open year round!

    Along with our normal storage crops and farm to table goodies, we will have an assortment of other vegetables that will be grown and harvested directly from our high tunnels. 

    B    eginning November 17th we will remain open 3 days a week for all www.online-farm-store.com pickup orders!

    Tuesdays and Thursday's will be for pickup only, but Saturdays we'll be offering a mini market inside with fresh farm to table items to browse, including holiday goodies and more!
    ​
    • Tuesdays 12-6 (pickup porch only)
    • Thursday 12-6 (pickup porch only)
    • Saturdays 10-4 (walk-in pickup & mini market) 4-6 (pickup porch only)​
    ​
    ​Vegetable Offerings
    • spinach
    • arugula 
    • red + green sweet crisp lettuce
    • red+ green butter leaf lettuce
    • baby swiss chard
    • winterbor kale (green)
    • white + red russian kale
    • bok choy
    • radishes
    • beets
    • turnip
    • butternut
    • storage carrots
    • celery
    • storage onions
    • potatoes
    • garlic
    Market Offerings
    • grass-fed beef
    • pasture-raised chicken
    • pasture-raised turkey
    • artisan breads & cheese
    • cookies & sweet breads
    • ice cream
    • jams, butters & spreads
    • raw honey
    • pickles & salsa
    • popping corn
    • granola
    • candles
    • wreaths
    • ornaments
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    PRE-ORDER THANKSGIVING TURKEYS
    We have limited Thanksgiving Pasture-Raised Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys from our friends at Mondego Acres Farm!
    ​​
    • pasture-raised
    • humanely-raised & no antibiotics
    • 15lb to 35lb birds available 
    • $6 per pound 
    • birds will be selected by the closest requested weight

    To pre-order your holiday bird please message us by clicking the button below!
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    ICE CREAM SALE!
    All Bart's 16oz pints are on sale this week, just $5 each, stock up and save!
  • Published on

    Forkful: Oct 2020 - Week 20

    Forkful forkful
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    WHAT'S IN MY SHARE?
    • winter squash
    • spinach
    • cauliflower
    • mixed potatoes
    • tomatoes
    • bell peppers
    • onions
    • apples
    • beets
    • contest pumpkin
    DAYS & TIMES
    Tuesdays & Fridays
    3:00pm to 6:00pm

    PICK-UP LOCATION
    Bardwell Farm
    49 Main Street - Hatfield, MA 01038

    CAN'T MAKE YOUR PICKUP DAY?
    Please call or message us and we'll make arrangements for you to pick-up your share at another time.
    ​
    ​(413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com
    WEATHER ALERT
    Sunday - October 11, 2020
    It looks like we may have some rain this week folks, keep those umbrellas handy!
    FIELD NOTES
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    Jack-o-lanterns from the 2019 CSA Pumpkin Carving Contest

    This is the last week for the CSA farm share, 20 weeks have flown by, and it is always a little bittersweet. In a way we feel a bit of relief that we made it through the craziest part of the season and we all get a little break, but we are also sad that we won't see all of you until next year.

    We really appreciated your early commitment to our farm and can't emphasize enough how you all made it possible for us to weather this really challenging season. We are always at the mercy of something, mother nature, politics, pandemics, you name it, and that means there is an element of unpredictability to every season. Your membership brought so much stability to our farm. It helped us increase our growing acreage, hire more people, and invest in the infrastructure needed to make our farm more sustainable.

    A big thank you to everyone who placed their trust in us and helped our farm grow!

    Lastly, even though we will be taking-down the farmstand sometime in November, that doesn't mean we are closing. We will be open year round through our online farm store. You will be able to enjoy fresh greens, storage veggies, and all of our farm to table goodies right through spring. More details will follow, so stay tuned!

    Oh, and don't forget about the CSA Pumpkin Carving Contest! This week we will give participating members a large pumpkin for carving and a medium one to those who are not, and would like to decorate their step. Be sure to review the rules and dates below. We can't wait to see what you all create!

    Thank you again,

    Owner Harrison Bardwell 
    WHAT TO USE FIRST 
    • spinach - 2 to 5 days, eat as soon as possible ​
    • tomatoes - 5 to 7 days room temperature
    • bell peppers - 1 to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer 
    • beets - up to 10 days in the fridge crisper drawer
    • cauliflower - up to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer
    • apples - up to 2 weeks room temp, 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge
    • mixed potatoes - 3 to 5 weeks in the pantry, 3 to 4 months in the refrigerator
    • onion - 6 weeks at room temp, 2 months in the fridge
    • winter squash - up to 6 months in a cool dry place
    ​
    DID YOU KNOW
    You can roast the seeds of any kind of winter squash, the same as you would for pumpkin seeds? You can! Clean the strings off by rinsing under running water, toss with 1-2 tsp of oil and season. Try seasoning them with salt, cumin, and chili powder. Tamari with a little wasabi powder is another yummy variation.
    LETS GET COOKING
    BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH BROWN SUGAR
    Martha Stewart | YouTube
    This easy and delicious fall side dish only requires a few minutes of hands-on time, leaving you free to work on the rest of your meal!

    more recipes:
    PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST RULES
    Picture
    • participants will receive a carving pumpkin in this weeks share
    • carve your pumpkin and drop it off with your name written on the bottom and drop it off at the farm by Wednesday - October 28th
    • October 29th, 30th, and Halloween we will display the pumpkins and light them at dusk for the public to see
    • photos of the pumpkins (that will be taken by us) will be uploaded to the Bardwell Farm Facebook Page on October 29th and the public will have 2 days to vote for their favorite design
    • we will announce the winner on November 1st
    • winners will receive a Bardwell Farm gift tote with goodies

    ​Also...
    • members can use their own pumpkin not provided by our farm if you so wish
    • store bought pumpkin carving kits can be used
    6 THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK
    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. 
    ​
    (413) 800-5583
    bardwellfarm@gmail.com