Week of September 1st

PUGET SOUND FARM BOX
half shares + base shares + large shares

Eggplant - Hedlin’s Family Farm, La Conner, WA - This spongy, absorbent vegetable (botanically a berry!) is bitter when eaten raw, but becomes tender when cooked, developing a rich, complex flavor. Known for its versatility, try it stir-fried, roasted, barbequed, curried, or turn it into a sauce! Eggplant pizza, anyone?

Zucchini - Hedlin’s Family Farm, La Conner, WA - Summer’s favorite squash is here! Whether grilled, sautéed, or baked into muffins, zucchini is a versatile veggie that shines in both savory and sweet dishes.

Fennel - Ralph’s Greenhouse, Mount Vernon, WA - A farmer’s favorite, this veggie has a very mild anise flavor. The entire thing can be eaten raw, sauteed, roasted, or in soups. Thinly slice the bulb and marinate in a vinaigrette before tossing in a salad, sauté it for a pasta accompaniment, or roast wedges for a side dish. Don’t toss the tops — chop ‘em up for an aromatic garnish!

Cherry Tomatoes - Regino Farms, Burlington, WA - Juicy, sweet, and thin-skinned, these little tomatoes get their namesake from the fruit, being the same size and shape.

Caraflex Cabbage - Spring Time Farm, Everson, WA - This cone-shaped cabbage is both fun to look at and fun to eat! Sweet and crunchy, Caraflex is more delicate than its green, red, or Savoy counterparts, but can be used as a substitute. Try it braised, roasted, or raw. (okay, I also can’t not share this: Filderkrautfest, a festival in Germany where locals ride communal bikes dressed in pointy-cabbage costumes).

Green Leaf Lettuce - Spring Time Farm, Everson, WA -  Soft and tender with a mild flavor, this lettuce is best eaten fresh in salads or sandwiches. Try in a BLT or sneak into a smoothie for a vitamin K boost.

Baby Broccoli - Westwind Organics, Carnation, WA - A tender, milder cousin of traditional broccoli, baby broccoli (a.k.a. broccolini) is quick to cook and perfect for stir-fries, pastas, or simply steamed with lemon and olive oil.