CSA SUMMER SHARE WEEK #4 We loaded the van this morning with jumpers on! While we would not complain about the rain we have had this summer, last night felt like Autumn was coming...and we only just started harvesting corn! The cooler weather has slowed the zucchini and the tomatoes a bit. They are still producing but they do produce quicker when it is warmer.

Speaking of Autumn, the Autumn crop seeding continues as does the planting of crops for Autumn harvest. The next broccoli crop is in the ground now and the leeks are growing strong! We are approaching the time when the whole farm is filled with crops. The farm looks like a patchwork with Summer, Autumn, Winter and next seasons Spring crops all planted. That happens about mid April. And it is just a small window of time before crops are tilled in and the winter cover crops planted. The fields are always changing.

NOTES ON WHAT'S GROWING

We have started harvesting the first crop of melons. We are a bit worried about them. Although we harvest when the plant slips the fruit from the vine, some of the melons we have tried are a bit over ripe and others are not as intensely flavoured as we like. The flavouring is due to all the rain we have had and also the cooler weather. Melon flavour intensifies with the heat of summer and a bit of water stress. We have started putting them in the boxes as we cannot tell what they will be like without trying every one. We hope you receive a good one and apologise in advance if it is not quite right. The second melon crop is looking much healthier than the first and hopefully they will have some hotter days to ripen.

We have also started harvesting the Sweet Corn! We harvest this right before the truck leaves to ensure you receive really fresh corn. EAT IT TONIGHT as it will be the best now!

The next bean planting may be ready for Friday harvest but was not ready for Tuesday harvest.

Farm Pick Up times are Friday 2-5pm and Saturday 8-11am. Pick up is available at other times by appointment only.

There are boxes of cucumbers available for preserving. If you are interested, please email us at petercarlyon@gmail.com.

NOTES ON STORING THE HARVEST Please check out our Vegetable & Fruit page on the website to find tips on maximizing the life of your veggies. We envisage that many of the vegetables you are receiving this week will last for two weeks with careful attention to storing upon arrival. Although we do wash all the greens after harvest, we are washing to take the heat out of the plants and wash away some surface dirt, not to prepare them for consumption. We also spray a seaweed/herb brew about every ten days. While this will not harm you, it does have a taste. We do suggest washing your produce prior to eating.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX The following are the items harvested this week. Items and quantities in your box may vary depending on your harvest day and the total harvest of each crop. The boxes are completely governed by what is ripe and ready for harvest and how much of it there is. We endeavor to divide the harvest fairly. 1/4 share: 5-7 items 1/2 share: 8-10 items Full Share: 10-12 items

Basil Bunches– Large bunches for making pesto. Capsicum Carrots Chilies Corn Cucumbers Garlic Lettuce Potatoes Rocket Silver beet Tomatoes Zucchini

Extras Cherry Tomatoes Chilies – 'Pimiento de Padrons'. Melons Onions Squash

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS Simply Perfect Steamed Corn Spanish Truita - Potato Omelette Spinach and Chicken Curry Black Rice, Rocket, Grilled Zucchini, Fresh Tomatoes and Caper Salad - I took this recipe and substituted ingredients to make a great tasting and pretty salad.

You can search our recipes by looking for the key ingredients on our website recipe page.

Please note - Photo is a randomly selected full share box.