First, I need to confess that I forgot to take a photo of the CSA harvest for this month. So the photo pictured above is actually from the September 2020 CSA…. but the items pictured are similar to what was included in the September 2021 except there was actually more produce and only one dozen eggs in 2021. With that in mind, picture if you will:
APPLES – Even though our apple harvest this year is a bit small due to the hot, dry summer, I am happy to say that I am still able to include some apples in your bag this month. You’ll find a variety of different apples, ranging from small (crab apples) to large (pie apples). Some are beautiful, some are not so beautiful, but all are tasty for you do enjoy as juice, baked in apple crisp or pie, or as a snack.
GRAPES – The hot, dry weather also impacted the grapes this year, but I am able to harvest a good handful of these tart, juicy, treats. They small, have seeds, tart, and they are not at all what you find in the grocery store.
LEEKS – If you’re not familiar with leeks, they look like giant scallions (green onions). They have a mild onion flavor and aroma, and I highly recommend finding a good recipe for potato leek soup.
EGGPLANT – I know, some folks love it, and some folks hate it. I personally love it. For those of you who don’t like it, you can exchange it for something else in the yellow grab-bag bin.
VINE-RIPENED HEIRLOOM TOMATOES – My tomato crop this year is abundant and beautiful. You can expect more tomatoes this month, which are especialy delightful for home-made tomato soup – an autumn favorite here in our household.
PEPPERS – a smaller portion this month of a combination of sweet and hot peppers.
BEETS WITH GREENS – Last I checked I did have some nice looking beets… but that can change quickly if the critters find them and start munching on them. I’ll know for sure tomorrow when I start the harvest. So if you find them in your bag, it’s because they looked great. Otherwise, you may find them in the “optional” bin… meaning that they might be critter munched and you can grab some if you’d like. For what it’s worth, we do enjoy critter-munched beets, but I completely understand if you don’t want them. As always, the greens are always great.
KALE – A nice bunch of this nutrition-packed greens
SAGE – a fall favorite herb, especially great with poultry or pork.
GRAB BAG – A random grab bag of goodies, also used as a way to exchange an item for something you might prefer instead.
EGGS – compliments of the ladies in the hen house
BEVERAGES – Three four packs of your choice, mix-and-match as you please, cider, root beer, or kombucha, or substitute for honey or maple syrup.