
Hi all, Alli here.
We hope you all enjoyed that massive haul from last week. And get ready, because this week you’re getting another weighty share (with another ~9 lbs of tomatoes, and another quart of cherry tomatoes!). If you didn’t get around to making any sauce or salsa last week, now is the time. Tomatoes freeze really well, too, so check out some info on that in case you are having trouble getting through all of them. For us, weeks like this are what a CSA is all about. As our members, you are there to support us early in the season and you stick with us when troubles arise (like when we were dealing with serious groundhog damage last year!). But it makes us so happy when we are able to return the favor and share the good times and great harvests with you!

August has been a crazy month, as it always it. We’re always trying to keep on top of our weeding and fall planting while also spending sooo much of our time harvesting. And the days just keep getting shorter! Luckily, we’ve had some great help around the farm this month. One of our Gardiner CSA members (and also a farmer!) has been tackling tons of weeds and even doing some of the final tomato trellising of the season. Also, a friend of mine from the city who helped out a lot last summer just came up for the weekend and helped make quick work of a post-market rush to seed and transplant more fall crops before Sunday’s rain. Farming can be so overwhelming and stressful at times, but it’s always more fun and so much easier with more people around!

Here’s what we think you can expect in your share this week:
Tomatoes (obviously)
Cherry Tomatoes
Choice of: Tomatillos, more Cherry Tomatoes, or Shishito Peppers**
Sweet Peppers, Hot Peppers, and Eggplant
Onions
Garlic
Okra
Kale
Lettuce Mix
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Squash
Cucumbers (you’ll notice the squash and cucumbers are slowing down, but we’ve been really happy with the overlap in cucumber and tomato harvests we’ve had this year…which is great, because they are such a good combination!)
**As usual, please leave behind the pint box or return old ones you’ve been holding onto…we’d be happy to reuse clean boxes!

Now that the peppers are full of color, it’s a great time to roast them.
Simple and refreshing, pico de gallo is another great use for all those tomatoes (and would be soooo tasty and beautiful if you used cherry tomatoes, too!).
Eggplant, arugula, AND tomatoes?! Perfect.
Eggplant, Arugula, and Tomato Salad
Enjoy the week everyone! Happy eating (and tomato-ing!).

