CSA Week 19

Thank-you to everyone who has expressed interest in our 2017 season! I plan to have our website updated and ready for orders by mid- to end of November. Or, you are welcome to give me a post-dated cheque at our last pickup to hold your spot. 

As the diversity of produce decreases these last couple of weeks, we try to increase the quantity of that which you do receive. As you may have noticed, potato quantities increased last week and will continue at this amount until the end. This week, all shares will see an increase of winter squash as well. This week is the last of the salad greens (except for lettuce add-on members who will receive some next week as well) and, due to the cold weather, there isn't a huge quantity. But cool weather makes lettuce delicious, so enjoy!

Chickens
This is the last week that I can bring a chicken order. On our last week, the truck will be too full with extra produce to squeeze in any chickens. If you'd like to order some chicken please let me know asap so that I can have it ready to bring. 

Fall Boxes
Thank-you to everyone that ordered a Fall Box - we have sold out for this year! I will be bringing these boxes on the last share pickup (week of October 31st). I will also be sending an email to all that ordered a box with more information. 

Winter Deliveries
Last year, I made a couple trips to Guelph during the winter to allow share members to purchase items like honey, eggs, chicken, and storage produce. I plan to do this again this year approximately every 6 weeks or so. My first trip will be in early December. A few days prior, I will send an email to all previous share members to take orders.  

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The lowly potato isn't the most glamorous or nutritious of vegetables but it is still a well-loved vegetable among many of our share members. We love growing potatoes and they generally perform well in our soils. Conventional potatoes are one of the worst crops for pesticide residues and, in fact, are treated with various chemicals (many of which have been shown to be carcinogenic to humans and toxic to honey bees) at all stages of production. Prior to shipment, conventional potatoes are sprayed with a sprout inhibitor that absorbs into the potato and cannot be eliminated by simply peeling. This is why, if you are shopping for potatoes in April or May you will see that most of the organic choices have started to sprout whereas the conventional potatoes still look the same as when harvest.  Thankfully, none of these treatments are allowed in organic agriculture and our potatoes have had nothing but organic soil and water touching them! If you are looking to add to your potato cooking repertoire, check out these recipes!