Rising River Farm CSA Newsletter
Box 5*** July 19th 2006
13208 201st AVE SW -Rochester, WA 98579
(360) 273-5368
risingirverfarm@yahoo.com www.risingriverfarm.com

Hello,
Every few weeks there is some big project to tackle like trellising and pruning tomatoes, harvesting massive amount of topped beets and carrots for the co-op and market, or putting up a hoop house. It takes us away from the regular routine (and weeding!) which can be a nice change for the crew. Last week it was the big garlic harvest. We tried to pull it 3 different times throughout the week, but rain would come and foil our plans. In past years we have had problems with white rot on the garlic. This year there was some, but damage was minimal. The varieties are Music (same as last year) and Duganski (similar to Music.) Both have big cloves and a strong flavor. A little goes a long way with these guys. This garlic is uncured but usable now. To store (as if it’ll last all week!) keep it out in an airy place in your kitchen.

There are a few new crops this week: bulb fennel, Walla Walla sweet onions, green beans (just a sampling) and fingerling potatoes. The fingerlings were a fun experiment. We planted a small amount of three types: French fingerling, Red Thumb, and Russian Banana. They are all wonderful. This may be the only time you get them, as we didn’t plant much. They are being dug as I type this so I don’t know for sure what the yield will be. If they are all as productive and pretty as the ones Jim dug for dinner last night we will grow more next year.

Sadly we must say good-bye to shell peas. We may attempt to pick once more next week, but the plants are looking sad and bedraggled and the upcoming heat will do them no favors. The sugar snap peas are also done, but the snows are still hanging in there for a bit longer. Don’t despair. More new crops are on the horizon. I found one big pepper (which I ate!) and many tomatoes coloring up.

PAYMENT REMINDER
Payment in full on your CSA share is due on August 1st unless you have arranged another plan with us. If you are unsure what you owe, call me and I’ll look it up.

Recipe Ideas:

Roasted potatoes: Toss whole, washed fingerling potatoes and a few whole carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast uncovered for about 40 minutes @ 425 degrees until fork tender.

The Beet Sandwich. See page 24 in your farm cookbook. Now that you have farm-fresh Walla Wallas, you’ve got to try it!

Fennel Fettucini pg. 28 in cookbook

Green Beans with Walnut Garlic Sauce. pg. 35 in cookbook