A NEW SEASON AWAITS... Hello dear friends! What better day to send out news about the upcoming growing season than during a winter snow storm!
We appreciate your patience as it's taken us a little more time than usual to figure out what our farm and CSA program will look like for the coming year. One of the farm parcels we've been renting for over a decade was sold at the end of 2021, which means that we will now be farming on a bit less than 1/2 of the land we've had in production all these years. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and this has certainly given us the opportunity to rethink our plans for the farm and our family. After farming at full throttle for the past 28 years, we're ready to restructure the farm with a little more emphasis on a healthy work-life balance. We've missed a lot of family time with our two boys and that's time we just can't get back. Hopefully this is just a temporary downsizing!
So... We will continue to grow for our wonderful CSA community, but we will be offering fewer shares than we've had in the past. This will enable us to continuing growing for you while keeping our long-time farm team members employed. We've had to make the difficult decision to close some pick-up locations, but we've tried to keep the sites spread out evenly across Long Island so that we can reach as many of your communities as possible. Please note that we have switched pick-up days and times for some locations. You can preview the 2022 CSA Pick-up sites on our website now.
We are deeply grateful to all of you for your support and love all these years and we look forward to a bountiful growing season ahead!
Love from the farm,
XOMaggie, Matt, Galen & Zinny
This is week #24 out of 25 weeks. Next week is our final week of the season.
It's hard to believe that the season is almost over! The weeks fly by when you're having fun and up to your ears in non-stop work. We're looking forward to a nice break from the wild farming life and to spending some much-needed family time together this winter.
FINAL CALL for Christmas Trees. They are gorgeous and so fragrant! We brought some boughs down to decorate the farm shop this weekend and the whole truck smells like the holidays! Get your orders in here.
This week's harvest
Carrots
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Remove the greens before storing.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Parsley
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Watermelon Radish
When sliced, these look like watermelon with their red and green-ringed flesh. Delicious sliced very thinly raw or roasted. There are some growth cracks in these radishes from the heavy rains a few weeks ago. They have more cosmetic damage than usual - sorry! They're still totally edible and delicious. I love them roasted!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Japanese Salad Turnips
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Separate the roots from the greens before storing. EAT the greens! They are the best.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Romanesco Cauliflower
Who waits all season for this? I DO! Roasted is divine.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
The Fruit Share has ended.
Recipes!
Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower
Roasted Turnips with Wilted Turnip Greens
Fried Rice with Kale, Squash & Chestnuts
Watermelon Radish, Orange & Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted Watermelon Radish with Lemon & Herbs
This is week #23 out of 25 weeks.
Our CSA program ends the week before Thanksgiving this year.
We're expecting a patchy frost to hit on Tuesday and Wednesday night this week. Luckily most of our crops in the fields can handle the dip in temperatures, and in fact, become sweeter from a little frosty nip! Cabbages, collards, kales turn some of their starches into sugars from exposure to freezing temperatures!
This week's harvest
Red Radicchio
This chicory it is not too bitter, but can be cooked to remove any hint of bitterness if that's not something you prefer. Raw in a salad, it pairs very well with a lemon vinaigrette and a shaved hard cheese like Parmesan.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Collards
Collards for breakfast! Try them cut into ribbons, sauteed with garlic and olive oil as a side to your eggs. Greens with every meal!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Leeks
The secret ingredient for all the best soups! A few weeks ago I posted a video showing the best way to prep them Look for it!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Green Round Cabbage
This fall cabbage is super sweet!
Great for warming stir-fries this time of year.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sweet Potatoes
Stick a few in the oven the next time it's on. Baked sweet potatoes are super easy and can be reheated for side-dishes in a snap. Farmer Matt also wants me to mention how much he loves them for breakfast.
Storage: In a cool, NOT COLD dry spot. DO NOT STORE IN THE FRIDGE.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
White Eva Potatoes
These white potatoes are great baked!
Storage: In a cool, dry and DARK SPOT. Keep inside a paper bag if they are exposed to the light. They need to stay dark - don't eat any potatoes with green flesh.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Winesap, Jonagold, Golden Delicious & Red Delicious - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Roasted Radicchio Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Manchego
Sweet Potato Pie
Sauteed Collard Greens with Garlic (for breakfast or any time!)
Indian Cabbage Stir Fry
For those who are counting, this is week #22 out of 25 weeks. Our CSA program ends the week before Thanksgiving this year.
And since so many of you are asking....
No, there will be no official Winter Share, but we expect to have a few winter pick-ups at the farm with pre-ordered boxes of root vegetables. We will send out an e-mail with details about this in December.
YES, we will have Christmas Trees from our farmland in Vermont for sale! Stay tuned for more details coming this week. There is a shortage of trees in the country, so we know that many of you are eager to get on the list!
2022 CSA plans will be coming in January or February, so please be patient. Since you are a member this year, you will receive an e-mail from us in early 2022 detailing our offerings once we decide what they are!
Thank you!
Maggie & Matt
This week's harvest
Bel Fiore Radicchio
This is a beatufiul heirloom radicchio. It is NOT VERY BITTER, but has a mild and nutty flavor. It pairs very well with a lemon vinaigrette and a shaved hard cheese like Parmesan.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Radishes
Anyone else loving their fall radishes with butter and flakes of salt?
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Remove the greens from the roots before storing.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Astro Arugula
Together with the radicchio, this makes a wonderful salad pair. We love this Astro variety for its flavor and soft leaf texture.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Purple Curly Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sweet Potatoes
Storage: In a cool, NOT COLD (No fridge!), dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Cauliflower
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Empire, Winesap and Golden Delicious Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Arugula, Radicchio & Parmesan Salad
Cauliflower & Chickpeas in a Mustard Vinaigrette
Kale Broth with Turkey Meatballs
The weather shifted this afternoon and it finally feels a lot more like fall. Our fields are brimming with fall greens, root veggies and specialty crops like this week's fennel and pointed cabbage. There's nothing better than fall cooking - soups, roasts and stews to warm your kitchens, bodies and hearts. Bon appetit!
This week's harvest
"Sweetheart" Pointed European Cabbage
Sweeter and more tender than its green cabbage cousin.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Toscano Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Parsley
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Fennel
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Butternut Squash
Storage: On the counter in a cool, dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Green Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Nicola Potatoes
The BEST waxy yellow potatoes. So special because you can never find these in stores...just straight from your farmer! Wonderful roasted.
Storage: In a cool, DARK spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Jonagold Apple & Bartlett Pears - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Roasted Fennel & Potatoes
Roasted Pointed Cabbage with Tahini Sauce
This week's harvest
Leeks
HOW TO: How to prepare leeks!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Collards
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Purple Fall Radishes
Oh my, we got two weeks out of one planting! Not intended, but a nice surprise!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Acorn Squash
Storage: On the counter in a cool, dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Green Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
"Charming" Mini Sweet Romaine
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Mini Red Buttercrunch Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Mini Broccolini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Farmer's Choice - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Braised Leeks with Lemon
Orange Romaine Salad
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Look at these pretty salad turnips! They love growing in the cool weather of early June and October and November. We're happy to have them back in the shares this week! Don't forget to cook up the greens!
This week's harvest
Mini Mustard Greens Mix
We're so excited to have our *favorite* mustard greens back this fall! It's best eaten raw in a salad at this tiny size. The leaves are delicately peppery (not spicy) and will not hold up to cooking. Toss with a vinaigrette for a very special fall salad. This is never found in stores...exclusive to your CSA.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Scallions
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Purple Fall Radishes
A wonderful variety with deep purple skin and white flesh. Not spicy when grown in the cool fall weather.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Japanese Salad Turnips
Don't forget that the turnip greens are as delicious as the roots and the roots can be eaten raw. They're back for the fall!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Separate the roots from the greens.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Butternut Squash
Don't be afraid of cutting into your squash. Here's a VIDEO to show you how!
Storage: On the counter in a cool, dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
Green Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
"Charming" Mini Sweet Romaine
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Seckel Pears, Red Delicious and Gala Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Romaine Salad with Apples, Red Onion & Cider Vinaigrette
Butternut Pie (better than pumpkin!)
Skillet Scallions
It's a week to celebrate the sweet crunch of fall lettuces, cabbage, hand-picked green beans and kale. If the greens are too much for you to manage this week, remember that the kale freezes beautifully for you to use in soups and cooked dishes later in the season. Just wash the leaves and toss in an air-tight container in the freezer. Ziplocs work well. The lettuces and cabbage should be eaten fresh this week! Enjoy the fall greens bounty!
This week's harvest
Green Cabbage
Extremely sweet variety. Great raw for slaws and salads or in soups.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Toscano Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Spaghetti Squash
This is to EAT! Not for decoration. Please eat within the week.
VIDEO: Here's how to prepare spaghetti squash!
Storage: On the counter in a cool, dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
A FESTIVAL OF LETTUCE!
Why so much lettuce, you say? Are your farmers trying to punish you with endless salads this week? No, no, no! These three lettuces were planted to be harvested in succession, not all in one week. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and we had to harvest them all this week or they would bolt, rendering them inedible. Here's my recommendation.... Wash them up and enjoy crunchy fall salads at every meal. We are nearing the end of the head lettuces for the season, so they will be gone before you know it!
Red Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Green Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Mini Pomegranate Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett Pears & Gala Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup
Romaine Salad with Oranges & Walnuts
We have a beautiful box of fall salad and cooking greens this week and some last-chance summer gems. This is the end of the tomatoes and watermelon for the season. Coming up? Winter squash, root vegetables & more!
This week's harvest
Baby Arugula
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Purple Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Parsley
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Yellow *Seedless* Watermelon
Storage: In the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Surprise! - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Purple Kale Salad with Apples & Pecans
10 Lovely Parley Recipes from the Guardian
It's just the third week of September and the shares are screaming "fall"! Acorn squash, broccoli and kale is back! Farmer Matt planted some fall radishes for me (because I love them so) and I'm sharing them with you.
Bon appetit!
This week's harvest
Toscano Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Kohlrabi
These are exceptional when peeled and sliced thinly as a snack.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Acorn Squash
An early fall season winter squash. Slice in half (lengthwise) and place face down on a baking sheet or dish. Bake at 350F until the flesh is soft. Serve with butter and salt & pepper.
Storage: On the counter for up to 5 days.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Mini Broccoli (Broccolini)
Eat the whole thing - stems, florets and leaves!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Radishes
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett, Red Bartlett Pears, Gala & Zestar Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Braised Kohlrabi
Roasted Acorn Squash
Garlicky Broccolini
I'm not sure if anyone is missing my chatty newsletters, but I've been taking a little break to get my life in order, the kids back to homeschool and all that comes with busy weeknight evenings in the farmhouse: cooking, laundry, piano practicing, chess games, baseball and romping around the garden. I'll be back with an update from the fields (and yes, photos!) within the next week or so. Until then, I hope you're all enjoying my favorite month...September! -Maggie
This week's harvest
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Nearly a pound of cherries!
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within a day when ripe
Red Beets
The green tops got damaged from the rain the past few weeks. You can compost... they are not great for eating this time around.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Long Green Peppers
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Walla Walla OR Red Onions
These are very perishable and need to be eaten immediately!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 2 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett Pears & Zestar Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Green Beans with Tomatoes
Beet, Goat Cheese & Walnut Tart
Roasted Tomato Soup with Broiled Cheddar
This week's harvest
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Nearly a pound of cherries!
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within a day when ripe
Cilantro
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Long Green Peppers
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Baby Leeks!
We've tried growing these summer baby leeks. Super tender and sweet.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Potatoes
Storage: In a cool, DARK place.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Some members may also receive an additional ITEM IN ROTATION.
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Yellow & Donut Peaches - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.