Shoots. A special sprinkling of radish shoots are coming our way from Ironwood Farm run by Jenny, Lauren, and Ashley. They add a nice bit of spice to any dish (the radishes, not Jenny, Lauren, and Ashley)…or just eat them straight up, especially if you are a radish lover.
Bugs. Bug update here. Why you should welcome spiders in your home. Rob Morrison of the USDA reports that three spiders with names worthy of Games of Thrones, Theridiidae, Pholcidae, and Agelenidae, have been reported to be insecticidal-maniacs with a particular affinity for the dreaded stink bug. In general, cobweb spiders are the most effective predators. Stink bugs like to overwinter in homes, as many of you may have noticed. So please think twice before squashing Charlotte as she is one of the best soldiers in the war on crop-destroying bugs.
Another interesting “who knew?”, RVs are a significant factor in the spread of stink bugs, which makes perfect sense when you consider that stink bugs like houses and these homes have wheels.
Leaves. The herb and alliums subscription this week is an Asian extravaganza and includes Shiso, Chinese Celery, and Japanese bunching onions. Shiso leaves have grassy flavor with a touch of anise and cinnamon. Chopped Chinese celery leaves add a crunchy slightly peppery flavor, while cooking it mellows the taste. Have fun trying all three!
An important organization you should consider supporting… The Pitney Meadows Community Farm!
Pitney Meadows Community Farm project will preserve the last active farm in the City of Saratoga Springs and transform it into a tremendous educational and local food resource for the region. The farm will be run by three of the best organic farmers we know, Sandy and Paul Arnold and Michael Kilpatrick.
They are having a fundraising party from 4-7p this Sunday, August 7th at the farm in Saratoga.
Here’s the event info.
Here’s a video about the project.
Big Week for Your Field Goods Friends
They love us in Nigeria! A delegation of Nigerian business women visited us Wedneday in Athens to see how Field Goods operates and learn from our founder and woman entrepreneur, Donna Williams. The Daily Mail was there covering the visit. Read More
We took on the New York Times! Donna Williams made a rebuttal to a recent New York Times article, which was lacking very important perspectives. Read Donna’s editorial in Modern Farmer here: Local Agriculture Needs the New York Times to Dig Deeper.
Peachy-keen. Pair your fruit subscription of peaches with a song about peaches, a poem about peaches and, last but not least, a Chinese watercolor painting tutorial on how to paint peaches, if you are so inclined. If you make one pie this summer, let it be a peach pie!
This Week’s Field Goods Favorite
Radish Shoots
These delightful radish shoots are tiny, edible greens—the next living stage after sprouts. Microgreens are anything but micro when we’re talking about health. These little babies pack a massive nutritional punch with 4 to 6 times the nutrients of mature veggies. Munch on them as a snack, toss ’em in a salad or top a fancier dish. Eat raw and add to salads, sandwiches, dressings, etc.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Microgreens
Microgreens, Spinach, and Three-Cheese Pesto
Spinach and Radish Shoot Salad
12 Microgreen Recipes Packed with Macro Flavor
How To Use Microgreens