News & Blog
Dear Shareholders,
We have a few important dates and reminders, so please read to the bottom.
CSA end-of-year timeline:
The last regular distributions will be October 28 and 30. We will take a break for the first few weeks in November. On November 18 and 20 we will have a special "Thanksgiving Harvest Share" distribution. Supporting Shareholders will get a few extra items and everyone will get storage items like onions, carrots, beets and other crops depending on the weather. Distribution will take place at out usual York St. and CSA washstand locations. We will also have local artisan items for sale at the last distribuiton for the holidays.
Volunteer: Garlic Planting at Chatfield: Wed, October 22, 9 a.m. - noon
Join the CSA staff to plant garlic and learn about all the different varieties. Please meet in the front parking lot close to the Chatfield Visitor Center. RSVP to
Food Day: CSA Shareholder Gleaning at CSA Washstand: Fri and Sat, Oct. 24-25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Food Day is an annual, national event that features prominent food activists, united by a vision of food that is healthy, affordable and produced with care. We can celebrate our food system when it works and fix it when it’s broken. Thousands of events (small and large scale) take place across the country.
We will celebrate Food Day with a CSA gleaning. Pick up a map at the CSA Washstand to find crops and fields you can harvest plants that still are OK to eat but the CSA is not using anymore. These crops may include kale, potatoes, greens, carrots and squash.
Egg Shareholders:
This is the last week of the egg share. If you are interested in continuing your weekly egg share through the winter, please email .
Fruit Shares:
Oct. 21 & 23 - Apples and cider
Oct. 28 & 30 - 20 lb. box of storage apples. When kept cold, these apples will keep for weeks.
Bulk Apple Orders - If you would like to purchase apples in bulk for sauce making, baking or storage please email . Boxes are 20 pounds and contain various types.
Produce List October 20 - 24
Broccoli Raab
Kale
Carrots
Jerusalem Artichoke!
Easter Egg Radish
Mint
New recipes will be out Saturday! Check our website for a bulk batch of fall recipes!!
Dear Shareholders,
Thanks to all CSA shareholders who volunteered at our Pumpkin Festival this weekend!
Our warm season crops have totally finished now and we are distributing the last of this harvest. Fall crops including bunched greens, lettuces, carrots and beets are doing well.
We plan on running distributions through Thursday, October 30. If the weather cooperates, we can extend our season into November. We have not worked out the specifics, but are aiming to have some crops for a Thanksgiving share so you can celebrate with local food on your holiday table.
Please look for the CSA survey next week in your inbox. We created an online survey to make it easier and faster to participate.
Thanks to those who came to our season extension workshop last weekend! Also a big thank you to the Waste Farmer's of Denver for their soil donation! We will share photos of that event and the farm stand on our website soon.
produce list for october 13-17
Leek
Potato
Watermelon Radish
Choice of butternut squash, delicata squash or pie pumpkin
Hot Peppers
Rosemary
featured recipe: kale potato and sausage soup
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 pound of smoked turkey sausage or any sausage of choice
1 onion chopped
2 -4 cloves of garlic thinly sliced or coarse chopped
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ pounds of potatoes cut in ¼ inch cubes
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
1 bunch of kale, stems removed, and cut or tore into small pieces
¼ teaspoon black pepper
In a large pot heat the oil over a medium to moderate heat. Add the sausage, cook until heated and browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and cut into slices when it is cool enough to handle. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the oil from the cooking pot. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stirring for about 1 minute. Add the milk, half and half, chicken broth and salt. Bring stock to a boil. Add sausage, potatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Cook partially covered for 3-5 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add the kale and bring the soup back to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add black pepper and taste for salt.
Serve hot with rustic bread.
Dear Shareholders,
Please remember that all York St. shareholders will pick up at St. John's for the rest of the season. We are having a Volunteer Appreciation Party in early December so please look for invitations soon!
visit pumpkin festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 10-12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at our Chatfield location. The 10-acre patch offers the perfect pumpkin for everyone. Families can enjoy live music, express face painting, pumpkin carving demonstrations and giant Jenga games. Kids can enjoy pony rides, carnival games, monster hand craft, a photo opportunity with a live bull, and much more. Pumpkin prices vary by size. Chatfield is at 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO, 80128.
produce list for Oct. 6-10
*this list is tentative and subject to change
Dill or Cilantro
Carrot
Kale
Pie Pumpkin
Bok Choy
Arugula
Garlic
Red Onion
grower's perspective: sharing your voice
by Josie Hart
The experience of picking up food directly from a farmer or farm is only one aspect of community agriculture. There are other expereinces each shareholder and farmer go through together such as waiting before a frost night is over, the joy that's felt at a bumper crop of tomatoes or pride when we master a new recipe. There is also an aspect of this community that has to do with your voice.
Last Tuesday at St. John's distribution, I got the strong sense that we were all in this together and I hope some of you feel that too. I had a conversation with a shareholder about how we select our crops each year, how we decide how many shareholders to have or what the share size will be. A major contributing factor in crop selection and quantity process has been you. What you like, what you simply can't have more of or what you would have liked to see more of. How much you are willing to spend on food or how involved you want to be in the process. Of course we can't accomodate 250 individual voices, but your input is extremely important to us. We like discussing these topics with our community and asnwering questions about next year. If you are wondering about something - just ask!
Some of you recently sent 'thank you' emails! We appreciate even the simpliest forms of feedback and encourage all of you to let us know how we are doing. Next week, we will send an end-of-year survey and hope to hear back from everyone!
Thanks.
Season Extension Workshop At DBG Chatfield Sat, Oct 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of season extension from all-star high altitude growers Penn and Cord Parmenter. A hands on afternoon portion will teach you how to build season extension structures like hoophouses and low tunnels. $34 members, $39 nonmembers
The Waste Farmers/Maxfields will be donating the soil for the season extension workshop as part of a research project The Chatfield CSA is starting on the amount of bio-nutrients found in the soil and passed onto the plant to increase the nutritional value of the crop.
Dear Shareholders,
Welcome to the cabbage cooking week! We have some pretty skilled CSA members that will be demonstrating how and what to do with a large cabbage. If you would like to see these ladies in action at our outdoor kitchen please head to the farm on Thursday for distribution and join in on the cabbage cooking demo.
Produce List for Sept. 29 - Oct. 3
*this list is tentative and subject to change
Cabbage
Potatoes
Leeks
Tomatillos
Bok choy
Spaghetti squash
Spinach
Cilantro
Beets
Chard
Rosemary
Weekly Recipe: Potato Leek Gratin
5 Tbs. unsalted butter
3 Tbs. minced fresh chives
4 lb. leeks, white and light green portions, cut into 1/4-inch rings
1-1/2 Tbs. kosher salt
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup heavy cream
6 oz. Gruyère cheese, grated (or whatever your cheese preference is)
3 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch slices
Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet or frying pan. Add the leeks and salt, stirring to coat the leeks. Cover and cook, about 20 minutes. Add the thyme, nutmeg, pepper and cream, then simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a bowl, combine the cheeses. Layer one-third of the potatoes in the skillet and spread one-third of the leek mixture on top. Sprinkle with one-third of the cheeses, then 1 Tbs. of the chives. Repeat layering 2 more times. Cover the skillet, transfer to the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking until the potatoes about 30 minutes more. Let the gratin stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Grower's Perspective: Rust Belt
by Phil Cordelli
This year we're happy to be part of a study by the Colorado Department of Agriculture studying biocontrol of Canada thistle, one of the major noxious weeds in our fields. Today we spread spores of a host-specific rust fungus over a patch of Canada thistle in our far fields. One of the unique aspects of the rust is that it affects only the one species. If the rust takes hold, next fall we will collect spores to hopefully make this biocontrol more widely available through the Department of Agriculture's Palisade Insectary.
Biological controls, especially those host-specific controls such as this rust, have great advantages. For one, the control does not affect any other plants or bugs, and we would be able to cultivate the soil less, saving us time as well as helping maintain soil health and structure. If the rust proves viable for wider use, it has the potential to greatly decrease the amount of chemicals entering the environment. We're excited to be part of this research!
Dear Shareholders,
We are glad the weather is warming back up again so we can keep our fresh veggies coming home to your plate. Below there is a great photo from last week's Thursday distribution - the volunteer team with Josie were all pretty happy with the bounty of 15 items in one week! Thanks to our fantastic growers for all their hard work!
Produce List for Sep.8-12
*this list is tentative and subject to change
Winter Squash: acorn and delicata
Spinach
Potato: all 3 varieties
Leeks
Chard
Watermelon Radish
Tomatoes
Peppers - sweet and hot
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Garlic
Mint or Tarragon or Lemon balm
Yu choy … like a cross between bok choy and broccoli raab – brassica rapa, so related to both, as well as canola and tasty! Treat this like any other Asian green: stir frys, soups or steamed with rice.
Featured Recipe: tomato jam
Peg Montagne, CSA Core Flower/Distribution Volunteer
4 medium tomatoes - coarsely chopped
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 Tbls. honey
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2 garlic cloves
1-2 Tbls. fresh basil
In a medium saucepan combine all except basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil - then simmer over moderate heat until thick, stirring occasionally about 45 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cool then add the basil plus salt and pepper. Keep in the fridge and use as a condiment.
Grower's Perspective: Fall Classes/Events for CSA Folks
Introduction to Water Bath Canning
At DBG Chatfield during distribution- pick up your share before or after Thurs, Sept 18, 4 – 6 p.m. Interested in learning how to use all those copious amounts of cucumbers, hot peppers, and tomatoes? Join us in our new outdoor kitchen for a hands-on simple instructional on how to preserve all your seasonal garden delights with water bath canning.
$36 CSA members
Colorado Foodways: A Celebration of our Food History At DBG Chatfield
Sat, Sept 27, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sample traditional Coloradan food and recipes and sip on some locally crafted drinks while listening to a live band - The High Plains Honky. Take tours of the historic Hildebrand Ranch House. Stroll the fields of organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers with our Community Supported Agriculture farm staff. All while watching the sun set over the foothills!
GET A TICKET AT HALF OFF!!! Only $21.
Email [email protected] to register at discounted price.
Season Extension Workshop At DBG Chatfield
Sat, Oct 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of season extension from all-star high altitude growers Penn and Cord Parmenter. A hands on afternoon portion will teach you how to build season extension structures like hoophouses and low tunnels. $34 members, $39 nonmembers
The first of the season's Chatfield honey is now ready today at distribution. We accept cash or check. This honey is from the beehives at Chatfield where your vegetables are grown. We will have more as the season progresses.
Make checks out to:
Bob and Josie Dolezal
We also accept cash. Today we will have mushrooms and flowers for sale as well!
See you soon.
Dear Shareholders,
We sure hope you enjoyed all different types of tomatoes last week. We are in our normal location next Tuesday for pick up unless there are more storms. Please check your email Tuesday mornings if you are a York St. member.
Produce List: August 25-29
* As always, this list is tentative and subject to change
Tomatoes
Peppers
Leek
Summer squash
Potato
Arugula
Chard
Cucumber
Garlic
Herbs
Featured Recipe: Gazpacho
Gazpacho Ideas from the New York Times - Some of you may have seen this already, but this fun guide has really great gazpacho ideas. Some of our members have tried several and they seem to check out as a good resource.
Fruit of the Week: Peaches (may be the last week for peaches)
Grower's Perspective: Farm Stand at Denver Human Services
by Josie Hart, CSA Manager
I have begun to see the small tender roots of the community that is growing at our DHS farm stand. I am starting to see the same faces each week. Some come to the farm stand because we've got great prices, some come because it's the only place in a pretty large radius that accepts food stamps for fresh produce and fruit and some come because they have a different home country and the farm stand is the only location they find fresh curry plants, amaranth or Thai basil.
As you all know, food is important not only to the health of your body, but emotional well-being too. Imagine if you didn't have regular access to fresh food. Many farm stand customers continually face this challenge and that is why the CSA has committed to being at Denver Human Services every Friday.
The CSU Nutrition and Expanded Food/Nutrition Education Program also does cooking demonstrations, tastings and an educational series on healthy eating/cooking for people who can also buy produce they are learning about in the class directly from us.
We don't pull produce away from CSA shareholders in order to supply the stand. We planned the acreage and crops accordingly so we have enough produce for all of our community. I hope you can feel the power behind helping others access food that you and I have the privalege of eating every day.
HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!!!
Dear Shareholders,
We wanted to give you a quick list of the tomatoes we have been harvesting this season. We hope you are enjoying the bounty!
Today: We will be downstairs today in the lower level of the parking garage due to the rain storms starting at 4p.m. Please enter off York St. and look for us directly to your right as you enter on the ground level.
tomato varieties available this week:
Orange Blossom: Heirloom quality fruit, ripens early with a great taste and beautiful orange color for salsas and salads.
Martha Washington: The fruit has a pinkish skin with a melting texture and medium sweet flavor.
Beefsteak (Big Beef): Largest variety - deep red and very round. One tomato can weigh a pound or more.
Brandy Wine: A variety of beefsteak that has a pink/light red color. Very sweet and tasty in anything! A fairly large tomato great for caprese salad!
Urbanite: A pure classic "tomato" flavor and acidity. Developed by our former grower, Jenny Thomas and her farming family.
New Girl: A small red tomato that holds up great in sauce. Also a good slicing tomato for sandwiches, etc.
Cherokee Purple: green on the top and purple on the bottom – exceptional complex flavor. Slice and serve on its own or in simple tomato dishes no need to cook this beauty.
Striped German: A huge full tomato often large enough to feed a family with one fruit. Eat these right away as their skin is very thin and they tend to over ripen quickly.
Prudens Purple: A smaller purple tomato with rich flavor and thicker skin – great for roasted or cooked dishes.
Black trifele: Deep purple alomst black in color. Unique shape like two pears put together. Usually very ripe. Deep sweet flavor, good in sauces or fresah salads for a unique color and flavor.
Striped (or speckled) Roman: A very odd shaped tomato with long stripes of different color, looks like a round chile. Great paste consistancy for sauce making. (Roma)
Green Zebra: This smaller, green striped tomato is supposed to be green. It has exceptional sweetness - great for snacking. A fresh addition to the top of any taco or quesadilla as well!
sauce recipe: Anna's (or Rao's) Sauce
Phil Cordelli - CSA Head Grower
Years ago I lived in New York City and worked with community gardens throughout Manhattan. One was near a legendary Mafia-owned Italian restaurant in East Harlem named Rao's. The elderly woman who cooked the red sauce for the restaurant was named Anna and was always sitting outside the garden in a folding chair, no matter the weather. One day during tomato season she told me her sauce recipe which she had been making for the restaurant for decades.
I went back to visit the garden last winter and saw that there was a small plaque outside the garden in her spot commemorating the passing of Anna, "the mayor of 114th St." Of course there are no precise measurements in her recipe. Feel free to substitute olive oil for fatback. I don't have a saucepan big enough, so I break her rule about not using a pot.
Recipe:
-Drop tomatoes in boiling water for a minute, then peel off skins and chop
-Brown and discard fatback pork in a sauce pan or large frying pan, not a pot
-Sautee chopped onions until golden, then add diced garlic
-Simmer all afternoon
- Add chopped basil at the very end and you're done!
Sorry about the confusion, the CSA distribution will be held at St. John's today (1350 Washington St). There is a concert tonight at York St. and parking will be capital-T Trouble! We will see you there at our regularly scheduled hours, 4-7p.m. Hope this reaches you all in time!
Thanks!
