Sandy Spring CSA

August 12, 2009: This week’s featured fruits and vegetables are: carrots, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, salad mix OR head lettuce,

and - late breaking news - tomatoes! Here are some special instructions from Farmer Pam:

These tomatoes are ripe and ready to eat - they should be stored on the counter. Many of the heirloom open pollinated tomatoes yield to the touch, not like those hard artificially ripened ones in the grocery store. Handle with care- they do not bounce!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farmer Pam says it was 105 in the shade on Monday up at the farm! Take a moment and think gratefully of all the people all over the country who work to put food on people’s tables in heat like that. Thank you Farmer Pam!

REMINDER: PLEASE RETURN THOSE BOXES! This is the time when boxes get piled up in the garage or trunk of the car. Remember, they are part of your share, so if you want food instead of new boxes for your money, please bring them in when you pick up.

Recipes: Rah Rah Ratatouille

Between last week’s tomatoes and basil and this week’s eggplant, peppers, and zucchini - it’s ratatouille time! Try this tasty-looking ratatouille recipe to sample this well-known vegetable stew delicacy.

For those wanting to turn their corn-on-the-cob into corn-in-something-else, I recommend Vegetarian Enchiladas - substitute sliced zucchini for the broccoli in the recipe and steam the fresh vegetables for a few minutes before you start, and you’re home free. I prepare these enchiladas and then freeze them for a meal in a pinch; it’s one way to preserve the CSA goodness for later in the year.

Food for Thought: Learn Gardening From the Masters!

Do all these fresh veggies get your growing thumb itching? Well, you don’t have to wait until spring!

The Master Gardeners of Montgomery County are holding an Open House at their Demonstration Garden on Saturday, August 29, from 10 am to 1 pm. They say there is still time to plant vegetables for fall harvest - or would-be gardeners can get ideas for late winter/spring 2010. Talk to Master Gardeners at their own garden and see how to plan your most productive vegetable garden—EVER.

This free event is held at the Agricultural Farm History Park at 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Parking is free as well. You can email the event’s sponsors, Montgomery County “Grow It, Eat It!”, with any questions.