We have made it to the true end of another season at the Food Farm. Where there used to be pallet boxes of root-vegetables stacked to the (very high) ceiling there are now only a few, with dribs and drabs left in them, hither and thither, with much room to spare in the cooler. The potato room is more full of stacks of empty pallet boxes and stored machinery than potatoes.
Now is the time for looking ahead to the coming season. Onions, leeks, inside tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli have all been started already. It is nice to have a change of scenery by walking into the greenhouse after being in the root cellar all day. It is like getting to the land of Oz, with less singing. Dave was mowing the rye grass cover crop in the newest green house the other day and the smell wafted over to the driveway where I was standing- fresh mown grass has got to be in the top 10 best smells.
We hope you like the note the winter share is ending on. Expected root-staples and some greens and spinach to brighten up your tables. I am always hungry for the first greens out of the green house- it’s almost like the first raspberry. But greener.
I tell ya, the few 60 degree days we’ve had ruin me. Even being from here, it still makes me lose my mind. I want to pack away all my sweaters (which is silly, because of course they stay out all year)- put the screens back in the windows and hang all my jackets in the closet. The little hints of warmth are a joy- but there is a lot of spring left. I’m trying to have patience. I’m waiting for the warm part of spring like my little boy waits for toast to pop out of the toaster. Only he’s cuter.
Maybe these last cool weeks will give you a chance to make another great veggie soup, or some other warm and roasty concoction with your share.
If you also have a summer share this year, we’ll see you at the season-turn with more greens, and ever growing color and variety.
Thank you for coming along with us through, what felt to me, to be a rather long and dismal winter. We hope yours was made better at least by the food on your plate.
‘Til next time, and for the farm crew,
Karin
In your share this month:
Beets – Purple and Orange Carrots – Onions – Parsnips – Russet and Yellow Potatoes – Rutabaga… and Spinach & Greens Mix! Happy Spring!
Using the spinach: wash spinach well by dunking at least twice (or until water is clean) and spinning or draining in between. Remove stems if you want – and eat it sooner than later as some of it was frost damaged, as you will see. Store in a bag loose, with a tea towel.
There is about 3/4 pound in your share, and it could be used in a small batch of Saag, or spanakopita, or used in a quiche or with eggs during the week. If you don’t think you’ll get to it this week, blanch it for about 2 minutes, dunk in cold water and freeze in a baggy for later. This crop was planted in September and managed to survive even through the extreme cold we had in February. Overwintered spinach is almost like a different vegetable, and it’s one of our favorites even though it takes a little prep work to trim off the frosted tips.
Indian-Spiced Carrots with Yogurt
From the Leek and the Carrot
½ cup Greek yogurt, divided
1 tablespoon curry powder
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound carrots tops trimmed, cut in half if large
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix together ¼ cup yogurt, curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 minced garlic clove, and olive oil in a large bowl until smooth. Season well with salt and pepper. Add carrots and toss to coat. Roast on a baking sheet in a single layer, turning occasionally, for 30 minutes. You’ll want them to be lightly charred in spots and very tender.
- Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice, remaining garlic clove and remaining ¼ cup yogurt in a small bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Place cooked carrots on a platter (along with any crunchy bits left on the baking sheet). Drizzle with yogurt mixture. Serve warm.
Food Farm 