August 22-26 Chatfield CSA E-news
Dear CSA Shareholders,
We are happy to announce that we have donated over 1,500 lbs. of produce so far this season to local community-based organizations. This is just one of the many benefits that you, our CSA Shareholders, help bring to the greater community--THANK YOU!
See details below about our CSA Member/Volunteer Potluck this Monday, August 22 and the Family Fun Night at Chatfield on Friday, August 26!
fruit share information
The anticipated schedule for fruit distribution is listed below. If you have purchased a fruit share, please be sure to check in at the fruit share table at each distribution. You will check off your name and grab a bag (or two) of fruit. There is only one size for the fruit share so all shares have equal amounts of fruit. Please note that fruit shares were pre-sold at the beginning of the season and are no longer available for purchase.
Predicted Fruit Share Schedule
Aug. 16/18 Peaches
Aug. 23/25 Peaches
Aug. 30/Sept. 1 Two bags of fruit: peaches and apples
Sept. 6/8 Two bags of fruit: peaches and apples or pears
Sept. 13/15 Two bags of fruit: apples and plums, pears or peaches
Sept. 20/22 Two bags of fruit: apples and pears or plums
Sept. 27/29 Two bags of fruit: apples and pears
Oct. 4/6 Apples and cider
Oct. 11/13 Apples and cider
Oct. 18/20 Apples and cider
Oct. 25/27 A 20-pound box of storage apples
this week’s produce (august 22 – 26)
• Peppers (hot and sweet)
• Onions
• Heirloom tomatoes, slicing tomatoes and cherry tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Beets, carrots and turnips
• Melons
• Cucumbers and squash
• Salad greens: kale, chard and arugula
• Tomatillos
• Sweet basil, Thai basil, parsley and cilantro
this week’s fruit (august 22 – 26)
More peaches!
weekly recipe
Recipe from Susan Evans, Chrysalis Herbs
Gazpacho
6 medium ripe tomatoes (heirlooms, slicing--any type you have)
1 red onion, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 sweet red bell pepper (or green), seeded and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp chopped fresh chives
1 clove garlic, minced (careful if it’s CSA garlic--go easy!)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (can use wine vinegar--if you do, add more sweetener)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp sugar or agave nectar
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
6 or more drops of Tabasco sauce, to taste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 cups tomato juice
Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend slightly, until most ingredients are blended or in small pieces (some like it very blended until smooth). Place in a non-metal, non-reactive storage container. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Toppings can include sour cream, chives, shredded cheese or croutons. You could also mound some cooked shrimp or crab on the top.
farm topic – potluck!
The CSA potluck is this Monday, August 22. We will be in the Green Barn (big and red) from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Park next to the schoolhouse and walk over. Please bring a dish that will be enough for six people and a recipe if you want to participate in the recipe exchange. Also, please bring your own utensils, napkins, plates and glasses.
Our horticulturist Amanda Wilson will be putting some beautiful bouquets together for the evening that we will raffle off to some lucky winners. All you need to do is fill out a mid-season member survey on how the CSA experience is going for you.
family fun night
Family Farm Picnic - Join us on Friday, August 26 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. for an evening of family fun at Chatfield. The Family Farm Picnic will be held at the Hildebrand Ranch and the CSA Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Families will enjoy evening farm life with the chickens and goats while discovering what kinds of tasty treats come from the CSA garden. Get up close to see insects, spiders and other arthropods from around the world as the Butterfly Pavilion presents a special Summer Bug Safari program. A light, garden-fresh snack will be provided. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to accompany the provided snack. This event is open to the general public.
Cost: $20 member for a family of four, $3 for each additional person. $25 non-member for a family of four, $4 for each additional person. Free admission for children two and under. Please register online or call 720-865-3580 to reserve your family’s spot.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128
food safety note
Please note that although we have washed our produce once after harvesting it in the field, members should wash the produce at home again before eating. Our farm produce should be treated the same way as grocery store produce: always wash before eating! The best way to wash produce is by running it under cool water. Cleaning products are not necessary.
