🌞 From the Field: Farming Through Minnesota Weather
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that no two growing seasons are ever alike. This summer has been defined by an extended stretch of hot weather, with many days climbing well into the 90s. While the sunshine has certainly helped crops like sweet corn and summer squash thrive, those temperatures also bring their own set of challenges.
During periods of extreme heat, plants use much of their energy simply trying to stay healthy. Just like people, they can become stressed when temperatures remain high for long periods. That’s why our crew starts harvesting early in the morning while it’s still cool. Not only is it easier on our team, but vegetables harvested during the coolest part of the day stay crisper, lose less moisture, and maintain their quality longer.
Keeping crops healthy during hot weather also means paying close attention to irrigation. While summer thunderstorms can help, they’re often unpredictable, so we carefully monitor soil moisture and provide supplemental water when needed. Our goal is to keep plants growing steadily without overwatering, helping produce develop the best possible flavor and quality.
Of course, farming in Minnesota means preparing for more than just heat. Some years bring cool, wet springs. Others are marked by drought, heavy rains, hail, or early frosts. Every season presents a new set of challenges, and every year requires a different game plan. That’s one of the reasons farming is equal parts science, experience, and a little bit of optimism.
One of the unique parts of being a CSA member is that your weekly box tells the story of the season. The vegetables you bring home each week reflect the weather we’ve all experienced together. Some crops flourish during hot summers, while others prefer cooler temperatures, and every growing season has its own personality. That’s part of what makes eating locally grown, seasonal produce such a rewarding experience—you get to enjoy the harvest exactly as nature provides it.
While we can’t control the weather, we can adapt to it. With careful planning, early mornings, healthy soil, and a dedicated crew, we work every day to bring you the freshest produce possible. Thank you for being part of the journey and for experiencing another Minnesota growing season alongside us.
What’s in the Box? 🌽🥒
This week’s CSA share is a great example of what makes a Minnesota summer so special. With sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, tender summer squash, hearty kale, earthy beets, and crunchy kohlrabi, your box is filled with fresh-picked produce that’s perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to fresh salads and simple weeknight meals.
Here’s what’s inside:
- 🌽 Sweet Corn
- 🥒 Cucumbers
- ❤️ Beets
- 🥬 Kale
- 💛 Yellow Squash
- 🥒 Zucchini
- 🟢 Kohlrabi
Need a few ideas to get started? Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this week’s harvest:
🌽 Sweet Corn: Nothing says a Minnesota summer quite like fresh sweet corn. Enjoy it boiled, grilled in the husk, or roasted in the oven with a little butter and salt. For the sweetest flavor, refrigerate it as soon as you get home and try to enjoy it within a day or two.
🥒 Cucumbers: Crisp, cool, and refreshing, cucumbers are perfect for summer salads, sandwiches, or a quick snack with your favorite dip. They’re also easy to turn into homemade refrigerator pickles. Store them in the refrigerator and wash just before using.
❤️ Beets: Beets are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed roasted, steamed, boiled, or even grated raw into salads. Their naturally sweet, earthy flavor pairs well with goat cheese, citrus, walnuts, and fresh herbs, making them a delicious addition to both simple side dishes and hearty meals.
🥬 Kale: Kale is one of the most versatile greens you’ll receive all season. Massage it with a little olive oil for a tender salad, blend it into smoothies, sauté it with garlic, or add it to soups and pasta dishes. Store it in the refrigerator in a loosely sealed bag to keep it fresh.
🥒 Zucchini & 💛 Yellow Squash: These summer favorites continue to produce in abundance, making them a staple of the mid-summer harvest. They’re delicious grilled, roasted, sautéed, or added to pasta dishes and stir-fries. If you find yourself with more squash than you can use, try shredding it into muffins or quick breads, or freeze shredded zucchini to enjoy in recipes long after the growing season has ended.
🟢 Kohlrabi: One of the most unique vegetables you’ll receive, kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s often compared to broccoli stems. Peel away the tough outer skin and enjoy it sliced for snacking, shredded into slaws, roasted, or added to stir-fries. It’s just as delicious raw as it is cooked.
One of the best parts of being a CSA member is discovering new ways to enjoy seasonal produce. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones you make year after year.
We also love seeing what our members create, so don’t forget to share your favorite meals with us!
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