I can’t help but let my thanks overflow this week for so many things, but especially for the community that helps keep this CSA program running. Our CSA van died a few weeks ago and our wonderful mechanic Tom took his own time to replace the water pump and get our 10+ year old van running (and even passing smog). Many thanks to the people who host pick up sites and ensure our box distribution runs smoothly. Of course, a huge thanks to the farm workers who are out in the fields 6 days a week, planting, tending and harvesting our food to eat. Sending love to my CSA staff who show up every week to help put our boxes together. There’s so many moving parts that go into making our program run each week, which includes YOU supporting local, organic food grown with the soil in mind.
We have great seasonal items like local walnuts in shell, brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, persimmons, sourdough bread, strawberry jam and more in our CSA store if you’d like any additional items for your lineup this week without waiting in line.
Thanks again for being part of our program. We couldn’t do it without you.
Be good to each other.
Carolyn
CSA Box Contains: CARROTS WHITE CAULIFLOWER BRUSSELS SPROUTS YELLOW ONIONS SWEET POTATOES (GARNET YAM) ITALIAN PARSLEY BABY SPINACH RED BUTTER LETTUCE MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES BROCCOLI BIG BOX ADD: CARROTS, ROMAINE LETTUCE, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, YUKON GOLD POTATOES, LACINATO KALE
JUST the BASICS: CARROTS WHITE CAULIFLOWER BRUSSELS SPROUTS RED BUTTER LETTUCE SWEET POTATOES BABY SPINACH
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE FUJI APPLES LACINATO KALE GREEN CABBAGE ITALIAN PARSLEY FENNEL BUNCHED SPINACH VALENCIA ORANGES
It’s cold enough in Buellton overnight now that all of our summer crops are put to winter’s rest. Luckily, we’re still cashing in on late tomatoes from our Goleta farm. It always feels like a tough transition when strawberries are no longer available for CSA boxes but it won’t be long before we get sweet tangerines to add some color and sweetness.
We will be making boxes next week- the week before Thanksgiving. If you know you will be out of town or would like to put your box on hold, please do so now. This really helps us plan for harvesting as everything will be a little hectic from now until then. We will take our annual break the last two weeks of December to spend time with family and loved ones. We’ll be back in the new year to kick everyone off on the right foot.
We make it really easy to give the gift of organic vegetables. Gift health to someone in your life. You make the payment and add a personal message and we’ll do the rest. You can even add extras, like a loaf of bread, olive oil, or a cut of locally pastured meat to complete the package.
Speaking of locally raised meat. We have a limited quantity of beef and lamb from San Julian in the store. I’m doing my best to keep up a stock, but because of recent closures in FDA facilities, it’s harder and harder for smaller businesses to process meat.
Sending love from our family farm to you.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CARROTS MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES ROMAINE LETTUCE RED ONIONS GARLIC BUNCHED SPINACH MINI SWEET PEPPERS ARUGULA SPAGHETTI SQUASH BROCCOLI BIG BOX ADD: CHERRY TOMATOES, GREEN LEAF LETTUCE, LACINATO KALE, FUJI APPLES, GARNET STYLE YAMS
JUST the BASICS: BUNCHED SPINACH CARROTS MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES ROMAINE LETTUCE BROCCOLI MINI SWEET PEPPERS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CILANTRO FENNEL BUNCHED SPINACH VALENCIA ORANGES
FRUIT EXPANSION: FUYU PERSIMMONS + APPLES LETTUCE of the WEEK: GREEN LEAF MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS (possibly just shiitake. as the cold weather comes in the mushrooms slowed way down)
This is the first box in a while without fruit. John Givens Farm is mainly a vegetable farm, even though we planted an orchard and try to grow (and eat) as many strawberries as humanly possible in a calendar year. We still have some pears and apples for our fruit expansions but will be looking to Avila soon to get some fresh picked apples for the cooler season. I’m also looking forward to our yearly dose of tangerines from our local source right here in Goleta.
As we get ready for the last holidays of the year,it feels like the last few months are a blur. Personally, I’m setting an intention to slow down like nature seems to do. During fall and winter it feels like we need to get a little extra sleep even in the midst of the chaos and the holiday push. Sending you an extra nudge to nurture yourself and enjoy the last bits of this year. Here’s wishing you get more time and inspiration to cook at home with all the delicious food from our farm.
A friendly reminder: if you know you’re going to be gone for Thanksgiving, please don’t wait to put your box on hold. Go ahead and log into your account now. This information will be super helpful as we plan for staffing and harvest Thanksgiving week. We will also be taking our annual break the last two Wednesdays of December (20th and 27th) to reboot and spend some serious quality time with our families.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CARROTS MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES RED TOMATOES RED BELL PEPPERS BUNCHED SPINACH GREEN ZUCCHINI (last week for this item) BROCCOLI YELLOW ONIONS YAMS (GARNET STYLE) GREEN LEAF LETTUCE BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, GREEN BEANS, ORANGE KABOCHA SQUASH, ITALIAN PARSLEY, APPLES (from our orchard)
JUST the BASICS: BUNCHED SPINACH CARROTS RED TOMATOES GREEN LEAF LETTUCE GREEN ZUCCHINI RED BELL PEPPERS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS ITALIAN PARSLEY FENNEL BUNCHED SPINACH VALENCIA ORANGES
FRUIT EXPANSION: PEARS + APPLES LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS (possibly just shiitake. as the cold weather comes in the mushrooms slow way down)
We are finally winding down on a lot of crops. This will be the last week for melons, cucumbers and strawberries, and zucchini and bell peppers are close behind. As temperatures plummet during the night in Buellton we’ll look to our Goleta farm for the bulk of our bounty. The land that never freezes and allows us to cultivate food all year round. I grew up with four distinct seasons, so I have deep gratitude for eating freshly picked produce all year.
As we approach the holidays, keep us in mind for the gift of giving health. Pair a gift certificate from us with an awesome local cookbook, like this one from Elizabeth Poett @ San Julian farms or this fun family cookbook by Shawn Stevenson @ model health show. Set someone in your life up for success and off on the right foot in the new year. Find the page to access our gift certificates here and we’ll email a personalized message to the giftee along with instructions on how to start up their box.
A few notes about the holiday season you’ll see on repeat in the coming weeks: if you know you’re going to be gone for Thanksgiving, please don’t wait to put your box on hold. Go ahead and log into your account now. This information will be super helpful as we plan for staffing and harvest Thanksgiving week. We will also be taking our annual break the last two Wednesdays of December to reboot and spend some serious quality time with our families.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES RED TOMATOES ROMAINE LETTUCE LACINATO KALE BABY SPINACH CARMEN and/or RED BELL PEPPER ENGLISH CUCUMBER GREEN ZUCCHINI STRAWBERRIES CANARY MELON BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, LEEKS, CARROTS, GARNET YAMS, FENNEL
JUST the BASICS: STRAWBERRIES ROMAINE LETTUCE CUCUMBERS LACINATO KALE BABY SPINACH MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS ITALIAN PARSLEY CELERY BABY SPINACH STRAWBERRIES CANARY MELON
FRUIT EXPANSION: CANARY MELON + STRAWBERRIES LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS
As we roll through these last weeks of what feels like summer, we continue to cash in on all the bounty it has to offer. Weekly cantaloupe seems eternal, but as everything is starting to cool down in Buellton, the end is on the horizon. We planted extra strawberries this year and they too are starting their dormant cycle. Head to the CSA store to add asian pears and apples picked the morning of or day before you receive them. It’s hard to say that about fruit you get from the store.
As a mom and someone who finds themselves generally busy and overwhelmed, I continue down the path of fast-food options. Not the kind you drive through to order in your car. I’m talking about whole food, wholesome recipes that are quick and easy from start to finish. There are nights where I absolutely relish the meditative practice of spending time in the kitchen to prepare a meal. But most nights I’m just trying to get something healthy on the table. These are the kinds of recipes that have inspired the blog this week. Please feel free to email me any recipes you have used in the past that continue to work as a quick and nutritious meal and we will add it to our files. Thanks in advance!
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CARROTS HEIRLOOM TOMATOES ENGLISH CUCUMBERS RED BELL PEPPERS GREEN ZUCCHINI BABY SPINACH STRAWBERRIES CANTALOUPE ROMAINE LETTUCE BASIL BIG BOX ADD: RED BUTTER LETTUCE, PEARS, MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES, RED ONIONS, LACINATO KALE
JUST the BASICS: BABY SPINACH CARROTS STRAWBERRIES HEIRLOOM TOMATOES GREEN ZUCCHINI ROMAINE LETTUCE
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CILANTRO CELERY X2 BABY SPINACH RED BELL PEPPERS
FRUIT EXPANSION: PEARS + STRAWBERRIES LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED BUTTER MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS
My Favorite Green Smoothie
(I halved and froze an avocado for this smoothie – but warning it’s a lot less sweet in a good way. I also used water and a vanilla protein powder instead of almond milk. This recipe felt good for inspiring you to make your own version.)
Ingredients: 1 medium banana (previously peeled, frozen and quartered) 1/2 cup mixed frozen berries 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal 1 heaping Tbsp natural, salted peanut butter 1/2 – 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 2 cups fresh spinach (Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Minimalist Baker)
Paleo Pizza Bowls
(I’m going to use real cheese, but I like the option to use a nutritional yeast based “cheese” sauce) Ingredients: cheese sauce: 3/4 cup raw cashews no need to soak 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup water or plain dairy free milk 2 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp sea salt 1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast pizza bowls: 2 Tbsp olive oil divided 1 lb sweet Italian sausage meat or ground meat of your choice* 1 medium onion thinly sliced 8 oz mushrooms thinly sliced 2 red bell pepper thinly sliced Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 cloves garlic minced 3/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, no added sugar 1 tsp Pizza Seasoning or Italian seasoning blend 1/4 cup sliced black olives optional Crushed red pepper optional Fresh chopped basil or parsley optional Sliced tomatoes (Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Paleo Running Momma)
Creamy Zucchini and Mushroom Soup
Ingredients: 1 lb. fresh mushrooms chopped One large zucchini chopped One medium onion chopped Two cloves garlic minced Several sprigs of fresh thyme or one tablespoon of dried thyme Two bay leaves 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock 1 cup coconut milk 1 tbsp. ghee Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Paleo Leap)
Dark Chocolate Chunk Zucchini Blondies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond butter 1/4 cup nondairy milk 2/3 cup coconut sugar 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 4 tbsp water) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup shredded zucchini 1 cup oat flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 2 tsps baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 60g chopped Simple Hu Dark chocolate (Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Hu Kitchen)
If you’ve had an egg subscription with us a full year you are probably aware that we have a major decline in egg production as we head into the cooler months- yes, eggs are seasonal too! I was so focused on the rainy season I had a lapse in getting new chicks so we are really feeling the seasonal swing. I like to give my chickens rest when they are ready for it. I just saw one of our newest chickens lay her first egg today, so hopefully we will keep the operation running through the winter, even if on a smaller scale. It’s time to really vibe with the season and make shifts in your meals as nature intended. This also allows us to experience a full spectrum of nutrition as well as different protein sources.
Speaking of nutrition through food, I keep coming back to this thought: every bite you put into your mouth is more powerful than anything you will ever find in a prescription bottle. So choose wisely. Food is also more efficient, better and less expensive than medication with nothing but positive side effects. Especially when it comes to preventing or managing certain chronic conditions. Using farm fresh, organic produce and including lots of fresh herbs in your kitchen can have profound effects on your health. Nutrient dense whole foods and phytonutrients can protect the body and the risk of chronic disease. Plant foods play into a healthy gut microbiome which we know is linked to better health outcomes. Proper nutrition helps regulate our blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. Nutrient rich food can also positively influence mood, mental health and the list goes on.
Wishing you and yours all the health and vitality from our humble box of fruits and veggies.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: GREEN LEAF LETTUCE MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES ENGLISH CUCUMBERS GREEN ZUCCHINI GREEN CURLY KALE CARROTS YELLOW ONIONS RED BELL PEPPERS CANTALOUPE STRAWBERRIES BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, BABY SPINACH, CHERRY TOMATOES, BARTLETT PEARS, BASIL
JUST the BASICS: GREEN LEAF LETTUCE MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES GREEN ZUCCHINI CANTALOUPE STRAWBERRIES CARROTS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLES GREEN CURLY KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CELERY X2 BARTLETT PEARS BABY SPINACH ITALIAN PARSLEY
FRUIT EXPANSION: STRAWBERRIES + PEARS LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE MUSHROOM MIX: Shiitake + Oyster from WOLFE FARMS
October heat waves seem to be the norm now. Even though it was quite hot for us, it was a great push for the crops on the farm. Summer crops get a chance to hold on a bit longer and our winter crops get a boost. As the days get shorter and the weather inevitably gets cooler, the winter crops seem to slow to a crawl. We rely on a little extra sunshine this month to keep everything on schedule. We’re rolling right along into cooking season, in time for fennel to hit the scene. Fennel is (in my opinion) an underrated flowering plant species in the Apiaceae (carrot, celery) family with an anise flavor. It contains potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients with an antioxidant effect. It may have various health benefits, such as digestion support, it may be anti-inflammatory and promote healthy skin. Just another addition to your box of farmaceuticals. Using the CSA box as inspiration to eat “outside the box” will help you get a much-needed variety of vitamins and minerals the body needs. We also have lots of garlic, onions and herbs in our CSA store if you’d like to add a boost of flavor and nutrition to your experience.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: HEIRLOOM TOMATOES RED ONIONS CARROTS RED BUTTER LETTUCE FENNEL MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES STRAWBERRIES CUCUMBERS GREEN BEANS RED BELL PEPPERS BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, BI COLORED SWEET CORN, FINGERLING POTATOES, BABY SPINACH, BROCCOLI
JUST the BASICS: RED BUTTER LETTUCE CARROTS MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES GREEN BEANS CUCUMBERS RED BELL PEPPERS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GALA APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS ITALIAN PARSLEY CELERY X2 BABY SPINACH FENNEL
FRUIT EXPANSION: STRAWBERRIES + YELLOW PEACHES LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE MUSHROOM MIX: Shiitake + Oyster from WOLFE FARMS
It’s been a busy week on the farm. The weather is starting to cool down but we’re still harvesting summer and fall crops while planting for the winter. As the temperatures drop, Buellton will transform into mostly cover crops and our farm in Goleta will carry us through the winter time. If you’ve ever lived anywhere besides California you know how amazing it is that we have fresh produce available year round.
As Monday rolls around again, I consistently need a reset to keep myself focused on meal planning. It can feel so easy to get off track some weeks. Setting an intention at the beginning of the week really helps me refocus. Remembering how food makes me feel and gives me the energy I need keeps me on track and makes sure I include plants in most of my meals. Diets have never resonated with me, but finding joy in connection with the farm and feeling good in my body set me on a journey of health. I hope our recipes inspire you to eat more plants and have an amazing week.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CUCUMBERS GREEN ZUCCHINI RED BELL PEPPERS STRAWBERRIES CARROTS ROMAINE LETTUCE HEIRLOOM TOMATOES SPAGHETTI SQUASH CILANTRO GREEN KALE BIG ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, CANTALOUPE, BI-COLORED SWEET CORN, MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES, GREEN BEANS
JUST the BASICS: ROMAINE LETTUCE CARROTS STRAWBERRIES HEIRLOOM TOMATOES GREEN ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI SQUASH
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CILANTRO CELERY X2 BARTLETT PEARS ITALIAN PARSLEY
FRUIT EXPANSION: STRAWBERRIES + BARTLETT PEARS LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF MUSHROOM MIX: Shiitake + Oyster from WOLFE FARMS
When I stepped outside this weekend I could feel a distinct shift in the air. There was a certain smell, a crispness. Can you feel fall in the air? We are nearing the end of summer crops, but not this week. We’ll continue to bask in all the glory that summer has to offer. We’re fortunate enough in this climate to reap summer’s rewards a while longer. Then there will be one day as we approach winter where the temperature drops and freezes all those colorful crops, and winter begins. It’s fascinating to stay connected with mother earth and flow through these cycles by paying special attention to what your body craves as the days get shorter and toying with the idea of getting some extra sleep. Leaning into the subtleties of the body can help us stay healthy as we roll into the colder and shorter daylight seasons.
We’re sending a box of colorful summer fruits and veggies your way to get you through your week on the right foot.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CARROTS HEIRLOOM TOMATOES ROMAINE LETTUCE CUCUMBERS GREEN ZUCCHINI STRAWBERRIES CANTALOUPE GARLIC BUTTERNUT SQUASH BASIL BIG BOX ADD: RED BUTTER LETTUCE, HASS AVOCADOS, BARTLETT PEARS, ITALIAN PARSLEY, CELERY
JUST the BASICS: ROMAINE LETTUCE CARROTS STRAWBERRIES HEIRLOOM TOMATOES GREEN ZUCCHINI ENGLISH CUCUMBERS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CILANTRO CELERY X2 CANTALOUPE LIMES
FRUIT EXPANSION: BARTLETT PEARS & STRAWBERRIES LETTUCE OF THE WEEK: RED BUTTER MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE & OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS
As we approach the fall season, we are savoring the last of our summer crops. I hope you’ve been enjoying all the colors that the season brings. I’m happy to have strawberries back in our boxes this week. The ones from our farm have set the bar for all berries.
Have you ever thought about how food gets onto grocery store shelves? Why are some brands stretched across the aisles with little competition? Even stores that seem to promote local food usually do it in the packaged foods aisle. Small farms have been quietly pushed out of your grocery stores, possibly without you even noticing. Wholesale outlets that we used to rely on are now requiring insurance practices that focus more on “cleanliness”(read: monoculture) than the realities of farm life itself. Focusing on heavy amounts of paperwork, removing animals and compost from the scene and totally disconnecting from what a working farm should be.
It’s small farms that generally pay more attention to the soil and the ecosystem of the farm instead of only trying to crank out as much crop as possible for the bottom line. We live in a world that depends on the diversity of microorganisms in the soil. When an ecosystem is working properly then the health of the farm translates to the health of your body.
Thanks for supporting our CSA program. A work of the heart. And it continues to be a reliable outlet for produce on our farm.
Be good to each other.
CSA Contains: CARROTS MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES GREEN LEAF LETTUCE RED BELL PEPPERS GREEN ZUCCHINI STRAWBERRIES CANTALOUPE RED ONIONS CHERRY TOMATOES DELICATA SQUASH BIG BOX ADD: BASIL, HONEYDEW MELON, CARROT, ROMAINE LETTUCE, STRAWBERRIES
JUST the BASICS: GREEN LEAF LETTUCE CARROTS STRAWBERRIES MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES DELICATA SQUASH RED BELL PEPPERS
JUICE FEAST: CARROTS x2 ROMAINE LETTUCE GRANNY SMITH APPLES LACINATO KALE ENGLISH CUCUMBERS CILANTRO CELERY X2 HONEY DEW MELON LIMES
FRUIT EXPANSION: STRAWBERRIES + ASIAN PEARS LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTER from WOLFE FARMS
