Share #8 August 6th & 8th

Crop List: Cosmic Mix, Kale, Shell Peas, Parsley, Napa Cabbage, Head Lettuce, Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Turnips, Maybe Radish, Sugar Snaps and/or Sunflowers

The beginning of August is a mile stone on the farm. It marks Lammas, the traditional "beginning of the harvest season" and the peak of summer. Lammas, August 2nd, is the day in the middle of the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox. In ancient times communities would gather to celebrate if it was to be a good harvest year. When things were looking bleak, the gathering would consist of planning how a community was to survive a winter with less food then hoped for. Sometimes it was agreed to plant more short season crops that could be grown quickly to boost the late fall harvest. Sometimes it was a joyous gathering and an excuse to take a break and be grateful for the upcoming harvest. Even though we can have a good guess of how crops are looking for the fall harvest, we still don't know if the crops will truly come to fruition. Drought, storms, freezing temps and hungry critters can still ruin a beautiful harvest. It is a time of being grateful for what we have, what is to come and to put good intentions out there for a bountiful harvest and stocked larder for winter.
For our crew, August 1st is the official halfway point in their season. We start May 1st and work until October 31st. We are so grateful for our coworkers. They work hard to plant, weed and harvest food for their community. They make us laugh, teach us things and quickly become friends. We truly enjoy the folks we work with. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to be a part of our dream.
In an effort to introduce you to some of the workers I sent out some questions to them! Introducing the fabulous Roberta, Emma and Deb! These three work at jobs with lots of customer interface, so hopefully you have met them at some point.
Roberta is our truck driver and chore helper (she takes care of the animals in the winter so Jed has some nights off).
Emma works at the Driggs markets on Fridays.
Deb is the Tomato Queen (this important title has only been bestowed upon Deb, she manages and harvests all the tomato greenhouses) and she works at the People's Market on Wednesdays in Jackson.
Why did you want to work at Cosmic Apple?
Roberta: I wanted to work at Cosmic Apple because local organic agriculture is something I deeply value, and I’m of the persuasion that it may just save the world! I found the biodynamic practices both mysterious and intriguing. Also Cosmic Apple has been serving the people of the Tetons for nearly 30 years!  
Emma: To learn, to connect with awesome people, and to act on my deeply held beliefs about local food.
Deb: I’ve always loved gardening. I’m happiest when my knees are dirty. It may be genetic — I come from a long line of gardeners and farmers on both sides of my family.
Years/seasons working at Cosmic Apple?
Roberta: 4 years
Emma: Two at the market. I had a workshare (volunteer) years ago too.
Deb: 9 years
Favorite item we grow?
Roberta: Sunflowers, Tomatoes and Potatoes
Emma: Beans
Deb: It’s a toss up between Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes & Green Zebra Tomatoes
Favorite item you wish we could grow?
Roberta: Corn or Lychee! 
Emma: Pomegranates
Deb: If only . . . Sweet White Corn
The thing about farm work that is the most rewarding?
Roberta: Knowing that Cosmic Apple takes the time and effort to  build healthy soil to grow the most nutrient dense vegetables to share with our community. 
Emma:  Being a part of something I truly believe in.
Deb: I love seeing the excitement people have when they pick up their share or come to the market to buy veggies.  Plus I love working with all the young folks at the farm ‘cuz I’m old enough to be their grandmother.
The thing about farm work that is the most challenging?
Roberta:  When I used to work in the fields, the long term squatting to harvest and the heat of the sun midday were the most challenging for me. 
Emma: Grappling with the unjust, systemic problems that small farms are up against.
Deb: Trying to stay ahead of the weeds.
One thing you wish all the farm CSA members knew?
Roberta: their support is crucial, it allows the farm to continue working its magic.  CSA members role model mindful citizenship to their communities and the next generation! 
Emma: That I'm currently running for Teton County (ID) Commissioner and can be reached at 781-929-0148.
Favorite recipe on the Cosmic Apple Recipe page, or one we need to add?
Roberta: Leek & Potato Gratin
Emma:  Zucchini cakes and dill sauce!
(One to add: smashed turnips! Boil whole turnips until tender, then smash/flatten with a spatula on a towel and let drain 20 mins, then drizzle both sides with olive oil and salt and pepper and coat with grated cheese. Bake at 375 for about 10 mins per side until golden. So yummy!)
Deb: Sorrel Cream Sauce with Zucchini Cakes as a close second
Favorite farm job?
Roberta: Milking the cows! 
Emma: Keeping the Driggs market stand looking beautiful and chatting with the customers about recipes!
Deb: I got to milk the cows a few times and you really have to be totally present to them when you are doing it.  You get to let go of everything else in your life and just focus.  Very peaceful and centering. 
Something you want to learn more about or how to do at the farm?
Roberta: the Vortex Brewer! 
Emma: Caring for the cows.
Deb: When do I get to drive the tractor?
Something farm related that makes you happy/proud to be part of our crew?
Roberta: I love to help steward all the animals (cows, pigs, chickens, and Dumbledore the cat) through our harsh winters! 
Emma: How wonderfully well the soil is cared for! I am so grateful to the farm family and crew for your commitment to the holistic health of land, animals, and people.
What does our food do for you?
Roberta: The food provides real, healthy  nourishment and a remembrance of the infinite generosity of Mother Earth. 
Emma: It brings me joy, nourishment, and the freedom of being able to live more fully in line with my values. 
Is there a question I should have asked?
Roberta: Favorite Farm Animal or Pet? Cosmo the dog!! 
Emma:  What else do we do in the community? I'm on the boards of Teton Valley Housing and Teton Valley Community Recycling, and I'm a full-time mom to my two-year-old daughter, Poppy.

Lunch on the Farm this week: Zucchini Cakes
Recipe Ideas: Napa Cabbage Salad; Chimichurri Sauce (parsley page); Zucchini Frittata

Click the button below to access our collection of Cosmic Apple CSA inspired recipes!

Recipes

There will be no coolers or eggs at the Jackson pick up site on 8/6.
Sorry for the inconvenience. Email me an order if you want something reserved for you after the 7th. 
We have lots of extra goodies available at your pick up. If you want something specific, please email me and I will make sure it is in the cooler, reserved just for you. Dinner just got easier!
The coolers at your site are stocked with a selection of Lifeline Cheese and Cosmic Apple Pork and Beef (listed below). I don't send every cut every week, they simply won't all fit!
​Pork Available: Grandpa's Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, Pork Chops, Shoulder Roast, Spare Ribs, Tenderloin, Bacon, Neck Bones (make the real deal Ramen!) Hock and Fat
Beef Available: Tenderloin, Sirloin, Eye of the Round, Patties, Stew Meat, Ground Beef, Sirloin Roast, Tongue and Liver
​Hunters and Huntresses: We have pork fat for your wild game sausage making. Let me know if you want to order any and I can send it to your pick up location.

WASH YOUR VEGGIES!!
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Bring Bags to pick-ups!

If you can't make it to pick up your veggies, send a friend!
Missed shares are forfeited for the week. 
Members get 10% off at the Farmer's Markets!
The Driggs Market: Fridays 9-1
JH Farmer's Market: Saturdays 8-12
The People's Market: Wednesdays 4-7
Questions? Comments? Recipes to share? [email protected]