SP26 (WK6): Strawbs are HERE!!!!
Dear Farm Community -
There is one thing we grow that really makes it feel like the year has BEGUN. Not the Gregorian New Year January 1st, not getting a new planner, not even, really, the first 70 degree day. What makes it feel like a new year has begun, with all its hopes and promises (and work to be done) is STRAWBERRY SEASON! 🍓
When strawberries roll around, it’s because the earth is warm again, life is bursting from the ground again, and we’re back on that harvest grind!!! The best most yummiest crops we grow ~ strawberries, tomatoes, pink eyed peas, cucumbers, green beans ~ all involve some level of zen mastery on the part of our farmers. The ability for us to lock in and say “I’m gonna be doing this for 5 hours and thats okay.” Strawberries are a sweet re-introduction to this part of farming. On our hands and knees shuffling through the beds hunting for that deep ripe red, the sun isn’t yet oppressive, our bodies are still fairly well-rested from winter, and the occasional sweet bite from a too-soft berry serves up a little reward as we go.
Yes, this is the true start of another year of farming. Another indicator? Our little creature pals are back :) It’s the little things on the farm that make us smile. Little as in ~ frog, jumping spider, tiny bird-egg, worm, butterfly, grasshopper, baby field mouse. Our friends are back after their long winter rest, and we’re so happy to see them.
Before we get into your CSA shares this week, a quick ask for your help: We’re applying for a USDA grant to help us grow our CSA and expand access to fresh, local food. A big part of this is showing real community impact, and your voice matters.
If you’re a current or past CSA member, would you take 4 minutes to fill out this short survey? Your experience helps show why this program matters and plays a direct role in whether we receive this funding. Thanks for helping us do what we do 💚
Okay enough business, time to party! CSA shares get strawberries all around this week!! 🍓 Hand-picked by your very own CSA coordinator Averi (& the rest of the Morton Rd crew), these berries are un-freaking-believably sweet.
While chances are they may not even make it home, they’re a treat if you do save a few for the kitchen. Those little gems in your share are perfect for a strawberry salad. While the recipe calls for spinach, we say swap in Little Gem lettuce and let it shine alongside feta, pecans, balsamic, and poppy seeds. Chef’s kiss! If you’re leaning sweet, go simple: chop your berries into a bowl of milk, add a little sugar, and let it sit overnight in the fridge. You’ll wake up to the dreamiest strawberry milk.
Sweet as can be,
Diamond Hill Farmers
spring tastes amazing tho:
standard share: arugula, bok choy, little gems, carrots, strawberries
large share: arugula, bok choy, little gems, carrots, strawberries, radishes, beets