CSA Update

Happy Summer!

I apologize for the missed update last week, but we hosted another wedding here on Saturday. This time, it was the farmer’s sister who tied the knot!! (Many of you probably saw the tent on the lawn when you came to pick up your food) – Such an idyllic site to hold an event!

We will be hosting another event presented by Maysie’s Farm and The Chester County Chapter of the Weston A Price Foundation…. It is a presentation by Jerry Brunetti entitled “FOOD AS MEDICINE”.
Jerry is an international speaker on the topic of nutrition- becoming an expert through his work as an agronomist and his journey to cure his lymphoma. Jerry will discuss the importance of having REAL, NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS in your diet to treat and prevent disease, as well as how to attain and maintain access to these crucial foods (by belonging to CSA’s, supporting local producers, developing a local economy). This event also kick’s off Chester County’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Week! We will be serving a locally produced lunch to all attendees to highlight the abundance of foods available in our area. Please plan on joining us, as Jerry is an inspiring and extremely knowledgeable speaker.
Information regarding the event is attached. There will be a sign up sheet in the barn if you are interested in attending…. Please pass the information along to your friends!!


Also, please be sure to look at the information in the store. We have flyers regarding upcoming events at local venues (the opening of a healing center down the road!) We also have the new BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL Food Guides available for the taking- your source for where to access local foods in Chester County.

OK, now onto the crops- we hope you have been taking advantage of the fava beans. These beans are incredibly popular in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe and are now catching on here… and good thing, because they are delicious!!
When picking the beans, look for mature pods. When you get them home, peel back the shell. You will see a waxy covering surrounding the pod. To remove that, drop the beans in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then plunge in ice water. Peel and then drain them. Now you’re ready to cook!!
Fava beans lend themselves to herbs such as thyme, oregano, dill and mint. An easy way to prepare them is to sauté them in olive oil and garlic and finish with some mint and parmesan cheese- a delicious side dish. Here are some other recipes you can use:

There are many recipes for fava bean purees, which are spread on crostini and used as pasta sauce, among other things. This recipe, adapted from The New Basics by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins (Workman 1989), is quick and easy, and is nice with roast lamb. It's rich, so a spoonful or so is enough for one serving.

Makes 4 servings
3 cups shelled fava beans (roughly 3 pounds unshelled)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the beans, reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the beans and puree them in a food processor or blender. Add melted butter, cream, and salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Fresh Fava Bean and Pecorino Salad


Makes 8 to 12 servings
2 pounds fresh unshelled fava beans (about 2 cups shelled beans)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, snipped with scissors
1/8 teaspoon crushed red peppers (hot red pepper flakes), or to taste
8 ounces soft sheep's milk cheese such as a pecorino or a soft fresh goat's milk cheese, cut in small cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, and toss to blend. Taste for seasoning.

This week, you can also look forward to basil, greens, carrots and scallions.






Please be sure to look at the blog, as the update is posted there … some of you have been responding to the blog and giving some wonderful recipes…. Don’t miss out- it’s easy to find us
www.maysiesfarm.org/csa/index.html . You will be sent to The Maysie’s Farm CSA page. Click on the blog on the right hand side , and voila. You can subscribe to the blog by clicking on the big orange button on the right hand side of the page. It should lead you to directions to subscribe. If you are having difficulties, please contact Amy Guskin, our webmaster at muse@fjordstone.com
Remember, if you subscribe to the blog, the update will automatically come to your email.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!

Annmarie


Chester County Weston A. Price Chapter Presents:
An Afternoon with JERRY BRUNETTI
Agronomist, eco-consultant, cancer survivor and international speaker.
FOOD AS MEDICINE
Come listen to Jerry as he talks about the links between healthy soil, truly nutritious food, profitable and sustainable farming practices and rebuilding local food systems.

Learn how use real food to treat disease and maintain optimal health.
July 11th: 11am- 3pm
$25 per person
A Locally sourced lunch will be provided
Maysie’s Farm Conservation Center
15 St. Andrew’s Lane
Glenmoore, PA. 19343

Kick off Chester County’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Week with this exciting presentation!!
Local vendors will have tables set up- bring your coolers!!
RSVP to Annmarie Cantrell at 610-458-8129 or ambutera@verizon.net