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From the Field: When the Harvest Ends, the Planning Begins

When the last CSA member heads home and the market begins to quiet down, you might think the workday is over. In reality, the farm is already getting ready for tomorrow.

The first order of business is putting the day’s harvest to bed. Any remaining produce is moved into our refrigerated coolers to remove field heat and preserve its freshness. As the day winds down, the focus shifts from harvesting to preparation. Harvest wagons are emptied, tomorrow’s supplies are staged, equipment is put away, and everything is set up so the crew can hit the ground running the next morning.

Next comes the planning. Our farmers walk the fields to see what’s ready for harvest, they estimate how much each crop will produce, and begin building the harvest list for the next day. Sometimes the plan is straightforward. Other times, a surprise thunderstorm, a hot stretch of weather, or a crop that ripened faster than expected means everything has to be adjusted.

If rain hasn’t done the job, irrigation systems are checked and moved to where they’re needed most. Throughout the evening, we’re also keeping an eye on the weather forecast. A chance of storms, overnight temperatures, or tomorrow’s high can all influence when the harvest begins and which crops get picked first.

By the time most of us are settling in for the evening, the plan for the next day is already taking shape. As the sun comes up, the harvest crew will be back in the fields, putting that plan into action so the freshest produce possible is ready for your CSA share.

While the market may close at the end of the day, the work of growing great produce never really stops, and that’s one of the things we love most about farming.

What’s in the Box? 🍅

August continues to deliver some of the best flavors of the season, and this week’s CSA share is packed with a great mix of fresh-picked vegetables. Sweet corn and vine-ripened tomatoes are in their prime, while green beans, potatoes, and beets provide plenty of options for hearty side dishes. We’ve also included crisp cucumbers along with Anaheim peppers for those looking to add a little extra flavor to their meals.

Here’s what’s inside:

• 🌽 Sweet Corn
• 🌶️ Anaheim Peppers
• ❤️ Beets
• 🫛 Green Beans
• 🥔 Potatoes
• 🍅 Tomatoes
• 🥒 Cucumbers

Need a few ideas to get started? Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this week’s harvest:

🌽 Sweet Corn: Few things say Minnesota summer like fresh sweet corn. Enjoy it boiled, grilled in the husk, or roasted with butter and your favorite seasonings. For the best flavor, refrigerate it as soon as you get home and try to enjoy it within a day or two.

🌶️ Anaheim Peppers: Mild with just a touch of heat, Anaheim peppers are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious grilled, stuffed, roasted, or sliced into fajitas, tacos, omelets, and stir-fries. Roasting them brings out a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or homemade salsa.

❤️ Beets: Naturally sweet and earthy, beets are excellent roasted, steamed, boiled, or pickled. They also pair beautifully with goat cheese, walnuts, citrus, and fresh herbs for a simple summer salad.

🫛 Green Beans: Fresh-picked green beans are delicious steamed, sautéed with garlic, roasted in the oven, or simply blanched and tossed with butter. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator and rinse them just before cooking to help preserve their freshness.

🥔 Potatoes: Roast them with olive oil and rosemary, boil them for a classic potato salad, or dice them into a breakfast hash. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect companion to nearly every vegetable in this week’s box.

🍅 Tomatoes: Fresh garden tomatoes are one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Slice them onto sandwiches, toss them into salads, make a fresh salsa, or simply enjoy them with a little salt and pepper. For the best flavor, keep tomatoes on the counter until fully ripe.

🥒 Cucumbers: Crisp, refreshing, and one of summer’s simplest pleasures, cucumbers are perfect for salads, sandwiches, veggie trays, or quick refrigerator pickles. For the best texture, store them in the refrigerator and wash just before using.

One of the best parts of the CSA season is seeing the harvest change from week to week. Every box reflects what’s at its peak in the fields, giving you the opportunity to enjoy vegetables at their freshest and most flavorful.

Looking for even more inspiration? Be sure to browse our CSA e-Guide for additional storage tips, preparation ideas, and recipes. As always, we’d love to see what you’re creating in your kitchen, so don’t forget to share your favorite meals with us!