Sweet flavors of summer

19 Aug Sweet flavors of summer

We were getting complacent- it was starting to feel like fall for a minute. Not the case, for mid-August’s soaring temperatures reminded us otherwise. It’s been a hot one on the farm. There’s nothing better than a sweet juicy watermelon on a hot steamy day- and we’ve been harvesting watermelons steadily the past few weeks. The share this week includes a choice of a red or orange watermelon or a cantaloupe. I personally am in love with the orange watermelons, called new orchid- they are sweet and fleshy with minimal seeds and a depth of flavor, and unlike the yellow watermelons, these grow to a nice size (though not as large as some of the whopping red ones). We’ll be growing more of those next season for sure.

The first of the sweet Italian peppers have arrived. We love these peppers for both their flavor and their prolific harvest. They make a great snack enjoyed raw, or sautéed with other veggies like onions, tomatoes, and tomatillos (toss this sauté with fresh herbs and top your roasted spaghetti squash for a delicious dinner).

8/18/15, on-farm share #12 (week B).

In the next few weeks our farm crew starts to diminish in size as our high school and college students head back to school. We will miss their energy and added enthusiasm (especially on Fridays when we harvest and pack for three farmers markets!).

Getting ready for our weekly team meeting.

Thank you Byron, Emma, Daniel, Robbie, and Spencer, as well as Mr. Grace, our resident fourth grade teacher. It’s always a rough couple of weeks as we adjust to less hands on the farm, but we’re so grateful for your hard work and dedication this summer!

Spencer and Byron planting cilantro.

Save the Date! Blooming Glen Farm’s annual Harvest Fest is coming up in October. This year’s farm gathering is on Sunday, October 11, at 3pm, community potluck at 5:30pm (that’s Columbus Day weekend). Start planning your winning pie entry for the annual pie bake-off contest! More details to come. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate another bountiful season of good food and community connections.

Post and photos by Tricia Borneman, Blooming Glen farmer and co-owner. Tricia and her husband Tom have been farming together since 2000. Blooming Glen Farm is entering its 10th season bringing high quality certified organic vegetables, herbs, fruits and cut flowers to our local community. Tricia is passionate about food, art and nature and the intersection and expression of all three.