This week feels very out of body, especially with the fires raging in the gorge. Our minds are on the many folks, animals and farm friends out there that have either had to evacuate or are in the process of. The gorge is such a special place for all of us and it is heartbreaking to see the damage being done. It is also a reminder that for forest ecosystems to be healthy they must burn and as we choose to play and live in these spaces that are not ours we must also be prepared to deal with what goes along with it. There are cycles in life that are bigger than we are. That being said, the smoke and ash in the air is really making this week a bit trickier than anticipated (though we aren't complaining). Our crew went home early as it was a rough harvest and today we are trying out the masks to see if that works. I do think we have a lovely share none-the-less!
ASIAN PLUMS: So yummy! These didn't actually come from our farm but from Zenger Farm in outer Portland. I used to work there back in the day and was always in love with these plums. They call them Ullie's Italian Plums named after Ullie Zenger who owned the farm back in the day. If you haven't heard of Zenger, check them out! They are an amazing non-profit doing a lot of cool education and policy work. We have been trading things with them this season to help their CSA so now we get some extra fruit! These plums can be eaten fresh, dried or used for jam.
PURPLE MAJESTY POTATOES: Straight from the ground! Purple on the outside, purple on the inside. Add pizzaz to mashed potatoes, potato salad or a mixed veg dish! Lots of chefs like to use them for chips or fries!
ROASTING PEPPERS: More of our Italian heirloom friends. Great raw, chopped up, used for rosmesco sauce and more! No purple here.
LETTUCE: Italienischer or Carmona! Carmona is a lovely butterhead we've seen before and Italienischer is my new favorite summer lettuce, they say it is truly magnificent and boy would I agree. Even at its most mature size, this lettuce is sweet and crisp when others have become bitter in summer's heat. Great texture, I think it would be super tasty with a citrus-y dressing.
EGGPLANT or CABBAGE (farm)!
Also in your share GREEN BEANS, SUNGOLD CHERRY TOMATOES, SQUASH, CUCUMBERS, RAINBOW CHARD and YELLOW ONION(S).