The Golden Earthworm Farm CSA NEWSLETTER

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and
the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money." -Cree proverb

this week's
HARVEST

1/4 lb. Lettuce Mix
Also known as salad or field mix, this blend of 5 different lettuces and greens is harvested at its baby stage when it is the most tender. It has been washed & dried once, but needs to be washed again before serving.

1/4 lb. Baby Arugula
This is one of our favorite greens- its peppery, spicy thick leaves are delicious in the spring and add a mild bite to salads & pasta dishes. Due to all the rain we've been having, some of the arugula has been damaged (yellow leaves and spots.) These leaves are still edible, although the flavor is a little off. We have gone through the bags, but if you find a damaged leaf or two in your bag, you may want to throw it out. We apologize for the inconvenience, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate!

1 bunch Chive Blossoms
Many people don’t know that these are edible, but when broken apart, their mild onion flavor is an excellent (and beautiful) addition sprinkled on salads or added to dressings.

1 bunch Baby Salad Turnips
The white parts are best eaten raw, and the greens can be cooked just like spinach. Delicious!

1 bunch Rhubarb
(1.75+lb.)

Week of May 22, 2006 ~ Issue #1

HAPPENINGS news & musings from the fields

After a long winter, we are all excited for the first CSA day to finally arrive! We would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new & returning members who have joined our farm community this season.

Please note...This first week is the week of the "Baby Box". Due to all the rain and colder temperatures, our spring crops have been growing very slowly. Lucky for us, "baby" versions of arugula and turnips are sweeter and more tender! The boxes are on the light side this week as there is always limited availability at the beginning of the season. Please be assured that the boxes will fill up quickly and as we move into the month of June with warmer temperatures and (hopefully) less rain!

News from the farm...We have lots of news this year! However, since our bi-weekly members won't be joining us until the week of June 5th, I'm going to keep you all in suspense...
We'll feature our *new* 2006 CSA newsletter the week of June 5th. - Maggie

RECIPES from the farm & from our friends

VINAIGRETTE IN A JAR
This is the perfect accompaniment to the baby arugula and lettuce mix.

2 tsp chopped garlic
2 Tbs Dijon-style mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup red- or white-wine vinegar
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Put all the ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid, and shake very well. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more oil or vinegar, as you like. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks, and shake to blend before using.

RHUBARB COMPOTE

4 cups 1/2-inch pieces fresh rhubarb (from about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rhubarb is tender, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Transfer rhubarb mixture to bowl. Cover and chill until cold, about 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

THIS JUST IN...tell us how you cooked your CSA box!

BEST SALAD EVER
Submitted by Jess P.

You said somewhere on the site that we can send in recipes.
Here was my dinner... The best salad ever... seriously...

handful of washed lettuce mix loose
handful of washed arugula loose
two sliced white turnips (cut in half, then slice each as thin as you can, save greens for next meal)
avocado (quartered, peeled, and slice each quarter short wise into 1/4 inch wide chunks)
six kalamata olives cut in half (remove pits)
1/2 inch sized cube of ginger (slice with knife as thin as you can)
2 table spoons of shelled hemp seeds (sprinkle over)
2 chive blossoms (sprinkle over)

Sprinkle over olive oil since the veggies are flavourful as they are. This can all be done directly onto your plate with a paring knife free hand (no cutting board needed -- minimal dishes!).

The hemp seeds provide any vegan with the full spectrum of amino acids and fatty acids and have a slightly nutty flavour (they are tiny in size, like the size of sesame seeds). They can be bought mail order. Non-vegan's love them too, they have beneficial fats!