CSA Week 20; Living classroom

Last weekend we had a wonderful gathering of people who hoofed it around our hay fields in support of the animals and programs at StoneLedge Stables. This felt like the epitome of neighbors helping neighbors, and exactly the sort of event that we love. Our neighbor Sandy has been a CSA member at Sweetland since we fledged the business. Her support for our farm has been sincere and heartfelt, and when she started buying our hay to feed her menagerie of rescue animals her exclamations of “this is the BEST hay in the Upper Valley” warmed our hearts. Since then, as I’ve learned more about her background in early childhood development and her commitment to farm-based education, our connection has deepened. When we deliver hay to StoneLedge, we back the trailer between brightly colored rocks painted by toddlers and a pumpkin patch tended by preschoolers. Laying hens peck among the riot of flowers, and the ancient mare, Pearl, samples our goods while we unload into the hay loft. This homestead-cum-farm-cum-classroom is a bustle of activity and discovery.

Farm-based learning and discovery has always been the reason I love our CSA model of farming. Sure, the veggies are delicious (you’ll be staggering home under this week’s harvest!) and our stewardship of the environment is important. But stimulating wonder, questions, and delight about the earth is what really makes my heart sing. I love watching kids poke around the pick-your-own gardens in search of cucamelons and ground cherries. I’ll always make time to “dork out” with home gardeners about shared successes and challenges. And I live for comments like “I had never tried tatsoi before and now I LOVE it!” There is so much to learn through the lens of farming. Biology. Math. Empathy. Environmentalism. Problem solving. Planning. Perseverance. The list goes on. So here’s to a living, growing, messy, complicated classroom and all the lessons learned in it. I, for one, will be learning out here for the rest of my life!

Cheers, Norah and the Sweetland Crew

Week 20 Harvest

Half Pint

Delicata squash, 2

Corn, 2 ears

Shallots, 1 pound

Radicchio or Cabbage, 1 head

Hakurei Turnips, small bunch

Bell peppers, 3

Carmen Italian peppers, 3

Kale, small bunch

Tatsoi, small bunch

Tomatoes, 1.5 pounds

Cherry tomatoes, half pint

Garlic, 1 head

Brimming Basket

Delicata squash, 3

Corn, 4 ears

Shallots, 2 pounds

Radicchio or Cabbage, 1 head

Hakurei Turnips, medium bunch

Bell peppers, 4

Carmen Italian peppers, 5

Kale, medium bunch

Tatsoi, medium bunch

Tomatoes, 2 pounds

Cherry tomatoes, half pint

Garlic, 1 head

Veggie Monster

Delicata squash, 4

Corn, 6 ears

Shallots, 3 pounds

Radicchio or Cabbage, 2 heads

Hakurei Turnips, large bunch

Bell peppers, 5

Carmen Italian peppers, 7

Kale, large bunch

Tatsoi, large bunch

Tomatoes, 3 pounds

Cherry tomatoes, pint

Garlic, 2 heads

What’s Cooking This Week

You can find ingredients for all of these recipes in our farm store! We source meats, dairy, grains, beans, sweets, and more from local and sustainable producers. Don’t forget to use your CSA member discount!