The Weekly Harvest: Summer smoke and Winter squash

The abundance of fall on display at the Larimer County Farmer’s Market!

Hello Folks, 

The Summer smoke and Winter squash have taken over the farm this month with seasons colliding. Our Summer CSA is winding down with only a couple of weeks left. I can feel the farm stand slowing but fall crops abound and are in their prime. As a reminder, the last day to use your Summer Market Card is October 31st! Any amount left on your card after that will be donated (as food) to the Larimer County Food Bank.

It has certainly been a season for the books and we are all very grateful for your support and enthusiasm! Most of you probably don't know, but, it is my first season here at Native Hill and it has been my pleasure and honor to run the Farm Stand for our wonderful community. In some way, shape and form, food always has a way of bringing people together- and that is something special! Thank you, from the bottom of our fullest hearts, for braving this crazy season with us. To recap, as if you've forgotten, we have dealt with the uncertainty and implications of coronavirus, record breaking heat, probably record breaking smoke and even snow (remember, it snowed last month?!). And, the season isn't even over yet!!

With that, we still have pie pumpkins and squash coming at ya this week, although they've been moved indoors to accommodate the changing weather. With cooler temperatures on the way, and holidays in sight, it's time to break out the soup ladle and pie pan. If you haven't already, get yourself a Blue Hubbard or Baby Pam and go for it! The Farm Stand is busting at the seams with everything inside, and so are our coolers with storage vegetables for our Winter CSA. With animals preparing to hibernate (by eating lots of food, of course) and more of our food moving indoors and under tunnels, dare I say that Winter is close? I don't know about you, but I always feel inspired watching the squirrels eat ravenously as they prepare for the cold that is to come, and I want to do that too! We have lots of hardy and wholesome vegetables to make all your favorite cold day foods, and unlike the squirrels, I encourage you to sit down and enjoy a slow delicious meal with loved ones. On that note... 

We have decided the Farm Stand will remain open through the winter, in some capacity. For those of you who did not get a Winter share, you will still be able to stop by the stand to purchase and enjoy your favorite greens and roots. Keep in mind that we grow less excess in the Winter, so the stand will not be as full as it is in the Summer. And, while you're there, pick up a Native Hill logo beanie to keep those ears warm this Winter! Stay tuned for more information on Winter hours.

Have a good one, folks! Until next time, plant smiles, grow laughter and harvest love. We all need those things no matter what season it is.

Sincerely,
Lasha Guillen, Farm Stand Manager

This Week's Harvest:
Spinach
Arugula
Broccoli Raab
Spicy Mix
Cherry Belle Radish 
Fall Hearty Radish Medley (see below) 
    -Green, Purple, and White Daikon 
     -Nero Tondo (Black Spanish)
    -Watermelon Radish
Fall Greens Mix (petite curly kale, tuscan kale, and swiss chard)
Hakurei Salad Turnips (Sweet Turnips)
Baby Pac Choi
Shallots
Yellow Onions
Leeks
Green Cabbage
Red Beets
Carrots
Walla Walla Sweet Onions
Heirloom Soft Neck Garlic
Red Potatoes
Mix Fingerling Potatoes
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Delicata Squash (last week?)
Blue Hubbard Squash
Pie Pumpkin Baby Pam
Heirloom Pie Pumpkin Winter Luxury
Handmade forever wreaths (farm stand only)
Dried Everlasting Bouquets (market)

Note: Store winter squash in your house or pantry (ideal temps at 50–60°F/10–15°C, with 50–70% relative humidity and good ventilation). If you are decorating with them outside, pull them inside if their will be a low below 40 degrees F.