CSA #24

Dear CSA-ers,

This week’s Preassembled Bag will contain Malabar Spinach, Ahi Dulce Peppers, Pesto Portions of Basil, Carrots, Garlic, Banana Peppers, and Oregano. Orders may now be placed on the online market at: https://magneyfarm.locallygrown.net/market

We have reached the point in the year where each day brings noticeably less daylight. Though it is still hot, the edge of Summer feels somehow blunted. Cool mornings laden with the spicy-sweet aroma of ripening walnuts and juniper foretell the coming of Fall. At this time, the aggressive Summer weeds become more reluctant to sprout and managing outdoor plantings becomes easier. The high tunnels become more frequently pleasant to work in. Lots of change-over of planting beds is taking place. Yes, the worst of Summer is likely over, but that also means we are looking backwards at the worst of summer.

The farm had some misses last week. For these, we apologize. We anticipated much better results on our beans, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Additionally, it was not initially our intention to forego the Paducah Farmers’ Market. Yet the yields just weren’t there. It is hard to talk about failures. They make us question our own competence, and at times, our very identities. Failures tend to blot the successes from our minds and make us forget how far we have come. The CSA membership has grown a lot this year. For that we are grateful, but it has brought with it some growing pains. There are things we have excelled at this year, and others that we have devoted a lot of time to that have come to naught. That is the nature of agriculture. Yields are always looking backwards. So those most difficult parts of the Summer through June and July are reflected by what comes out of the farm right now. There may still be difficult weeks ahead but know that we are pulling together and working diligently towards an excellent Fall.

On the topic of excellence, we have a featured vegetable this week, the Ají Dulce Pepper. This is a sweet variety, with individual peppers ranging from completely heatless towards the lower end of Jalapeño-like heat. You wouldn’t guess that by looking at the Ají Dulce as they resemble their close botanical cousin, the fierce Habanero. What they do share with the Habanero is their distinctive smoky-fruit flavor. If you’ve always wanted to get the delicious flavor of Habanero in a dish without the oppressive heat, this is your pepper! This variety came to us as a suggestion from team member Caroline who recalled them from Venezuela and the cuisine of her youth. We decided to give them a go and they have become remarkable plants. Use them in salsa, roasted peppers, soups, stir-fries, or as cream-cheese stuffed “poppers”. The possibilities for this one are endless, and we hope you fall in love with them the same way that we have!

As always, we thank you for your enduring support of our farm. Through good times and difficult ones, you make what we do possible. Organic agriculture will never be easy, but it is made fulfilling the beautiful souls of our community.

Sincerely,
The Magney Legacy Ridge Farm Team