Share In the Harvest Newsletter Archives

Welcome to Week 5 of the CSA season! 

Friendly Reminders
Before you grab your share this week, please take a moment to double-check the share size listed at the top of this newsletter. We deliver the exact number of each share size to every pickup location—so if someone accidentally takes the wrong one, it means another shareholder will receive the incorrect size as well. Thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!

Also, a quick note for those who purchased the Week 5 mushroom add-on: Your mushrooms will be delivered to your pickup location, but not inside your CSA box. Please make sure to grab them separately before you leave!

The Weather Behind the Harvest

If you’ve been paying attention to the weather—and it’s hard not to here in Minnesota—you’ve likely noticed that this summer hasn’t followed a steady rhythm. Instead, it’s been a mix of sudden downpours, short dry spells, stretches of heat, and cooler-than-average nights. These fluctuations might seem inconvenient when you’re planning a weekend barbecue, but for growers, they shape everything—from germination to ripening. This week’s CSA share is a direct reflection of that pattern: a blend of crops that are thriving in the moisture-rich soil and others just beginning to catch up after waiting out the clouds.

Crops like zucchini, cucumbers, and kale have loved the balance of rainfall and warmth. The zucchini and squash especially seem to be in their happy place right now—pushing out fruit at a pace that’s almost hard to keep up with. Cucumbers are crisp and refreshing thanks to steady hydration, and the kale is rich in color and size from cool nights and consistent soil moisture. These crops don’t mind a little variation; in fact, they seem to thrive in it when conditions stay within a healthy range. Their success in your box this week is a testament to how quickly the farm responds when nature gives us a good window.

On the flip side, peppers are taking their time this season. These sun-loving plants are full of potential, but they need steady heat and long days of full sun to kick into high gear. Right now, the plants are loaded with blossoms and small fruit, but they’re holding back just a bit—waiting for the warm, dry stretch that will push them into full production.  This pause, though sometimes frustrating, is a natural part of growing in Minnesota where late-July and August tend to bring the long, hot days that tomatoes, peppers, and melons truly crave.

What’s special about CSA is that you get to see this story unfold. Your box isn’t just a list of produce—it’s a living snapshot of the season. These vegetables weren’t shipped in from a climate-controlled region or timed for perfection in a warehouse. They were shaped by the same weather you’ve experienced all summer, rooted in nearby fields, and harvested just for you. That connection is what makes seasonal eating so grounding—reminding us that food isn’t just about nutrients or convenience.

What’s in the box?

This week’s share is bursting with summer flavor and garden-fresh versatility—a true celebration of peak-season produce!

First up is a seasonal favorite: Pahl’s own Minnesota-grown sweet corn.  You know the drill—Minnesota sweet corn needs no introduction. It’s the crop we wait for all season, a familiar favorite that still manages to impress. Grown just down the road and picked at its peak, it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest things really are the best.

You’ll also find yellow onions, cucumbers, and a mix of zucchini and yellow squash—perfect for roasting, slicing into salads, or grilling up as a colorful side. These staples are easy to prep and even easier to enjoy all week long.

Our savoy cabbage brings a tender, crinkly texture that’s ideal for slaws, stir-fries, or cabbage wraps, while the hearty bunch of kale is your go-to for sautés, soups, or smoothies. And last but not least: vine-ripened tomatoes, full of rich flavor and just begging to be turned into bruschetta, fresh salsa, or the perfect BLT.

With this mix of vibrant veggies and classic summer favorites, your kitchen is set for a week of delicious meals made from the best of what’s growing right here in Minnesota.