Gettin' Dirty

We love opening each week's produce delivery. Luke from Brookford Farm brings us a bounty and every week we can't wait to dive in. There is a little bit of dirt, a grit that lingers on some of the vegetables. It's beautiful to see it there, a reminder where these products come from. Local farms, local dirt.

We doubled down on the long red onions this week. They're a whimsical looking vegetable and the taste just can't be beat. Slice the bulb lengthwise and sauté it lightly in butter, or eat it raw in the fattoush below. When Luke dropped them off he said "I've been telling everyone about these onions. Aren't they amazing?" We totally agree.

WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

HALF SHARE

Protein and Dairy - Heritage Pork Hot Italian Sausage from Feather Brook Farm; Maple Greek Yogurt from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Summer Squash, Zucchini, Red Italian Onions, Green Garlic, Romaine Lettuce and Cucumbers from Brookford Farm
Grains - Focaccia Loaf from Iggy's
Special Treat - Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes from Union Square Donuts

WHOLE SHARE

Protein and Dairy - Heritage Pork Hot Italian Sausage and Rack of Ribs from Feather Brook Farm; Maple Greek Yogurt from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Summer Squash, Zucchini, Red Italian Onions, Green Garlic, Romaine Lettuce and Cucumbers from Brookford Farm; Radishes and Carrots from Hutchins Farm; Cherries from Kimball Fruit Farm
Grains - Focaccia Loaf from Iggy's
Special Treat - Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes from Union Square Donuts

RECIPES
Fattoush Salad : This delicious Mediterranean salad is a great way to highlight your raw veggies; cucumbers, onions, etc. This recipe from Ottolenghi is a masterpiece. Its also highly forgiving. Use the veggies and herbs you have on hand.

Stuffed Zucchini: This recipes calls for larger squash and zucchini than we have on hand.  Those from Brookford are smaller and thinner but contain less water and more flavor. If you don't want to core and stuff the sausage, layer the sausage on grilled squash or make the whole thing into a scramble. Choose your own adventure!

Shaved Zucchini Salad:  Raw zucchini and yellow squash are a wonderful treat in the summer. This salad is delightful, fresh and easy to make.  If you don't have Parmesan, try it with Feta or Blue cheese crumbles. 

TIPS AND TRICKS 
Throwing away spoiled food is the worst. If stored properly, even leafy greens can last a really long time. The key to proper storage is controlling temperature, moisture, and ripening. Your refrigerator will keep food cold, but it will also dehydrate your greens and vegetables if they are left out in the open (ever seen a wrinkled zucchini?). Your cucumbers, zucchini, and squash should be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator so they can stay cold while not losing moisture. Leafy greens should be washed and stored in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel. The towel will ensure that the greens don't dry out and wilt. Fruits, tomatoes and avocados will ripen more quickly if they are stored in a bag because they emit ethylene. If the ethylene is trapped, it will cause these foods to ripen more quickly.  Here are a couple of guides from the V Spot Blog and UC Davis on how to properly store all of your fresh produce at home.