SM23 (W9): Going Strong, even with the heat
Dear CSA Members + Farm Community,
The summer trudges on! We’re finding innovative ways to beat the heat (shoutout to Farmer Andrew for the cool hats in the first pic of the newsletter), and keep up with the pests. The squash bugs have been intense this year, affecting all of our cucurbits like cucumbers, melons, and squash. Luckily, with some intense pest management, we’re feeling hopeful about our most recent planting of melons, so hopefully you’ll be seeing those later this summer.
The heat and smoky conditions last week took a toll on farm workers everywhere. In the south, we are more prepared for extreme temps, and at Diamond Hill we’re encouraged to take breaks and take care of our bodies, but not all workers on farms are so fortunate. As farmworkers across the country continue to work to produce food in these often dangerous conditions, please consider learning more about issues facing farmworkers, and supporting organizations like UFW and RAFI that work to advocate for safe working conditions and fair treatment on farms.
The tomatoes are still going strong, even with the heat! We’ll be offering 10 lb. boxes of seconds (tomatoes that are still perfectly good to eat but may have some bumps and bruises that mean that they’re not good enough to sell full price) for $25. Email diamondhillfarmcsa@gmail.com to reserve a box at your CSA pickup, or look out for them at market! These ‘maters would be perfect for a batch of sauce or salsa, if you’re looking to make a bunch and freeze it for the winter months!
Don’t forget to get tickets for the farm dinner at Diamond Hill Farm! Proceeds benefit Athens Farmers Market. Take a tour of the farm with owner-operator Carter, and enjoy food and drinks featuring produce from our farm. Seats are limited so get tickets while they’re available!
CSA this week will get Roma tomatoes. These beauts are perfect for sauce-making with their lower water content and intense flavor. Try out this food science-y recipe from Serious Eats, combining oven roasted and barely cooked tomato flavors. If you just love the roasted tomato flavor, try out this recipe- and throw some of your Italian sweet peppers on the baking sheet too for an easy twist! Or, with those sweet Italian peps, fry them up with capers, olives, and garlic, and serve on sandwiches with mozzarella for a quick no-oven needed dinner!
Happy eating!
Diamond Hill Farmers
This week’s farm share:
$25 Share: Onions, garlic, Roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, Italian sweet peppers, choice of basil or microgreens
$35 Share: Onions, garlic, Roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, Italian sweet peppers, choice of basil or microgreens, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers