Week 6: What’s in the box?

Hardneck Garlic
Note:  Garlic seed is extremely expensive and very hard to come by in quantity, so this garlic is worth more than gold!  (Not kidding!)  It may take up just a little space in your CSA box, but it’s bursting with flavor and it’s a rare treat, so savor every bit!  Instead of harvesting and drying it, we’re sending it out in the shares freshly harvested this week!  I love to eat it when it’s fresh, but if you prefer to let it dry, just leave it sitting out on your counter in a dry, well-ventilated space and the skin will turn papery and thin within a week or so.  It’s definitely easier to peel when it’s dry, but there is nothing that compares with the flavor and juicy texture of fresh garlic. This is a hardneck variety, which is not available anywhere except directly from a farm like ours!  All the garlic you buy in the store is a softneck variety.
Storage: In a dry location on the counter. Uses: Cooked or Raw When to use: Within a month.

Purple Kohlrabi
Now for the purple variety!  Peel the skin with a sharp paring knife and enjoy raw in a slaw or sliced and dipped in hummus or pesto.  Or roasted, grilled or in soup…
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Separate the roots from the leaves before storing. Uses: Raw/Cooked When to use: Within 5 days.  

Romaine Lettuce
A great summer variety perfect for Caesar salads!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator.  Uses: Raw When to use: Within 7 days.

Cucumbers
Here they come!  Get ready for lots of cukes in the coming weeks!  Once the plants produce, they don’t stop for a while.  Nature knows when we need these cooling foods and now is the time!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw in a salad. When to use: Within a week.

Toscano Kale
A sturdy variety that’s great in soup or as kale chips!
Storage: In their container in the refrigerator.   Uses: Raw or cooked.When to use: Within 5 days.

Red Beets
Raw beet salad hits the spot this week.
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Separate the roots from the greens before storage. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 5 days.

Zucchini
Just in time for your summer grilling!  Slice lengthwise, toss with olive oil and salt & pepper and grill until tender – flipping half-way.
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 5 days.