Upon eating his first Husk Cherry, one apprentice remarked ‘they’re like sour gummy bears from the garden!’  We all agree that they’re one of the most candy-like things from the farm.  Some people don’t like them, but as the official farm sweet tooth I can happily snack on them for hours, then feel a little sick afterwards.  But in addition to being delicious they’re also beautiful.  When the fruit is fully yellow they’re ready to eat.  Pop them out of their little husks and  enjoy!

It’s been a really exciting tomato year so far.  This winter we decided to spend extra money on tomato seeds that would produce delicious, plentiful tomatoes in the greenhouses, and it seems to have really paid off.  My favorites are the Pink Wonder tomatoes.  Don’t be scared off by their sometimes green and cracked tops.  If you let the bottoms get really deep pink before slicing, they may be the best tomato you ever eat. They’re  sweet, flavorful, and not too acidic—perfect, in my book.

As fall comes our way it’s time to start thinking about our annual CSA Financial Aid fundraiser.  Last year we had an amazing donation of pottery seconds from potter Hanako Nakazato, which raised a significant amount of money for the fund.  In 2012 we helped organize a fundraising dinner at In Good Company, and the year before that we hosted a pizza event at the farm.  There’s no question that the CSA Financial Aid Fund plays a huge role in making the CSA affordable to a wide range of the  Midcoast community.  The question is… what to do this year?  I loved working with Monohanako to plan the pottery fundraiser last year, and if anyone else has ideas, something to donate, or the desire to help make a fundraiser happen this year, please let me know! 

Have a great week!

Reba and the HCF crew  

CSA Week 11 of 18:  Big Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Husk Cherries, Ailsa Craig Onion, Mesclun Mix, Garlic, Basil, Cucumbers, Zucchini and/or Zephyr Squash

This is a Duck egg share week  

This week’s recipes:  Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant and Pepper Dip), Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Jam, Viennese Cucumber Salad

Click here for Cheese CSA Notes Week Eleven

Big Tux believes himself to be the indisputable boss of the farm. A bit of a bully and a bit of a love, he tends to find the most in-the-way spot on harvest days and settle in.