It's looking more like fall each week. We still haven't had a frost and the days have been mild and even hot in the direct sun. There's been a lot of cloud cover and we notice all the plants growing at a slower rate as as result but for the most part things are happy and healthy.
Preparing for next season
This week at the farm we've had some machinery doing some digging and levelling at the entrance to our field. In preparation for next season we're transforming this area into the primary working space for our field operations. This will host our washing stations, cold storage, tools, and more.
These upgrades will improve our operational efficiency by reducing the space travelled between various working areas, and allow us to more comfortably accommodate new team members.
This week's bags
Due to some supply chain issues affecting the procurement of the compostable bags we normally use to distribute our shares, some of this week's shares will be distributed in clear, non-biodegradable plastic bags. We expect our next batch biodegradable bags to arrive tomorrow afternoon, so next week we should be back to normal.
Acorn Squash
This week's share will include an Acorn Squash!
If you're not familiar with preparing this kind of squash, we recommend you try this simple roasting:
Cut the squash in half
Scoop out the middle containing the seeds
Lightly salt and pepper to taste
Add a drizzle of oil or a knob of butter to each half
Roast at 375F until the flesh is tender (30-50 mins)
Enjoy!
Are elastics necessary?
Throughout the last couple of weeks we've experimented with not bunching veggies that we've traditionally bunched before. Carrots, Turnips, and this week Radish. A major reason we decided to try this (and now ask what you think) is because the elastics we use to bunch are a not biodegradable or sustainable.
If bunching is truly something that people value, there are other avenues we can explore, but not using elastics was the simplest thing to try first.
In addition to producing less waste, this method has a few other implicit advantages. By removing greens from root vegetables, they tend to store better and last longer. They're also easier to wash since trying to keep the greens dry is not a concern.
We recognize that a loose assortment of root veggies can make for a more haphazard bag, but we also think this may be a situation where function takes precedence over form.
If you have any thoughts about this, let us know by email or through the feedback link found in your weekly email.
This Week's Share
Salad Mix
Radish
Beets
Red Onion
Cherry Tomatoes
Acorn Squash
Garlic
Chives
Food Bank Support
So far this season we've donated just shy of 3,300 pounds of fresh produce to our local food banks through the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. Thanks to all of you who support our operation and make this possible :).