As we approach another fresh season at Arrows Farm, we are excited to give you a preview of the delicious, farm-to-table produce that could be waiting for you in your first Veggie Box. While the exact contents may fluctuate depending on weather and growing conditions, this blog post will give you a sneak peek into what you might receive in your box and some practical tips to help you make the most of each vegetable.
Arugula: The Peppery Green
What to Expect: Arugula is one of the earliest greens to appear, offering a peppery flavor that adds depth to any dish. It’s great as a salad base, on sandwiches, or as a topping for pizzas.
Recipe Ideas:
Arugula Salad with Carrots and Walnuts: Toss fresh arugula with shredded carrots, toasted walnuts, and a simple lemon vinaigrette for a crunchy, refreshing salad.
Arugula Pesto: Blend arugula with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese for a peppery twist on the classic basil pesto.
Arugula and Beet Sandwich: Layer arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar between slices of sourdough bread for a satisfying sandwich.
Tips to Make the Most of Arugula:
Use a wooden cutting board and a sharp knife to preserve the tender leaves.
If you’re storing arugula for a few days, use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture, then store it in a plastic bag or airtight container with a damp paper towel to maintain freshness.
Purple Hull Beans: Hearty and Nutritious
What to Expect: These beans are rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. They’re perfect for hearty stews or light salads.
Recipe Ideas:
Southern-Style Purple Hull Beans: Cook beans with smoked ham hocks, onions, garlic, and a bit of cayenne pepper for a hearty dish perfect for a cozy night in.
Purple Hull Bean Salad: Toss cooked beans with fresh chopped tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and a vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying summer salad.
Bean and Rice Bowl: Serve the beans over brown rice with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, and avocado for a filling and healthy meal.
Tips to Make the Most of Purple Hull Beans:
If cooking in bulk, use a large pot for an even cook. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers to use later.
Lettuce: Versatile and Crisp
What to Expect: Lettuce is always a crowd favorite. It can be enjoyed as a salad or used in wraps, sandwiches, and more. We will have quite a variety including romaine, Cervaneck, Jericho, Freckles, Red Salad Bowl, Igloo, and Endive.
Recipe Ideas:
Classic Caesar Salad: Combine chopped Romaine with homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan, and Caesar dressing for a fresh twist on a classic.
Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a gluten-free wrap alternative, filling them with your favorite fillings like grilled chicken, veggies, and a tasty sauce.
Lettuce Soup: Yes, lettuce can be cooked too! Simmer it with onions, garlic, and broth for a light, savory soup. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly ground pepper.
Tips to Make the Most of Lettuce:
Always store lettuce in a produce drawer of your fridge and use a salad spinner to remove excess water, preventing wilting.
Keep the lettuce wrapped in a damp towel or plastic bag to prolong its freshness.
Carrots: Sweet and Crunchy
What to Expect: Carrots add a sweet crunch to any dish. Whether raw, roasted, or incorporated into dishes like soups or stews, they’re always a favorite.
Recipe Ideas:
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Roast carrots in a mix of honey, olive oil, and thyme for a sweet, caramelized side dish.
Carrot and Ginger Soup: Blend roasted carrots with fresh ginger, garlic, and vegetable stock for a smooth, warming soup.
Shaved Carrot Salad: Shave carrots into thin strips and toss with lemon, olive oil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a simple, refreshing salad.
Tips to Make the Most of Carrots:
Trim the greens off carrots if you’re not using them right away to prevent moisture loss. Save the greens for a pesto.
Store them in a crisper drawer or in a plastic bag to maintain their crunchiness.
Parsley: The Herb That Adds Brightness
What to Expect: Fresh parsley is a fragrant herb that adds brightness to salads, soups, and marinades. It can be used for both garnishing and cooking.
Recipe Ideas:
Parsley Pesto: Blend fresh parsley with garlic, lemon juice, almonds, and olive oil for a vibrant pesto perfect for pasta or roasted veggies.
Tabbouleh: A classic Middle Eastern salad, tabbouleh features finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur, all tossed in lemon juice and olive oil.
Herbed Rice: Stir fresh chopped parsley into cooked rice with a squeeze of lemon for a quick and tasty side dish.
Tips to Make the Most of Parsley:
Use a sharp knife to finely chop parsley without bruising the leaves.
To keep parsley fresh for longer, store it in a jar of water in the fridge or wrap it in a damp towel and place it in a plastic bag.
Radishes: A Peppery Crunch
What to Expect: Radishes are perfect for adding crunch and a bit of spice to your dishes. Their versatility is unmatched, and they’re great both raw and cooked.
Recipe Ideas:
Radish and Cucumber Salad: Thinly slice radishes and cucumbers, then toss them with dill, lemon juice, and a dash of olive oil for a light salad.
Roasted Radishes with Garlic: Roast halved radishes with garlic and olive oil until tender and slightly caramelized for a simple yet delicious side dish.
Radish Toast: Spread butter on toasted bread and top with thinly sliced radishes, a sprinkle of sea salt, and cracked black pepper for a crunchy, savory snack.
Tips to Make the Most of Radishes:
For an easy snack, slice radishes thinly with a sharp knife and store them in an airtight container for a ready-to-eat treat.
Roast radishes with a wooden spoon to prevent any metal tastes from altering the flavor.
Making the Most of Your Produce: Essential Kitchen Tools
To make your Veggie Box experience even better, consider investing in a few key kitchen tools that will help you maximize the potential of your fresh produce:
Wooden Cutting Board: A sturdy wooden cutting board is gentle on your produce and prevents bruising, which is especially important for delicate greens like arugula or lettuce.
Sharp Knife: A good-quality, sharp knife is essential for easy, clean cuts. This will make prepping all your veggies faster and safer.
Salad Spinner: A salad spinner is perfect for removing excess water from leafy greens, ensuring they stay crisp and fresh.
Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large, heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven is great for cooking hearty dishes like stews and beans, where even heat distribution is key.
Veggie Box Pricing & Sign-Up
At Arrows Farm, we’re proud to offer you fresh, local produce delivered right to your door. Our Veggie Box program is available in two options TILL MARCH 31st:
20-week subscription: $22.50 per box (after a 10% discount)
10-week subscription: $31.50 per box (after a 10% discount)
Don’t miss out on fresh, farm-to-table produce! Whether you’re new to the Veggie Box program or a returning customer, sign up today and enjoy the seasonal bounty from Arrows Farm.
Ready to savor the flavors of the season? Sign up for your Veggie Box today and enjoy fresh, local produce every week!
Additional Tips: Remember, the beauty of Arrows Farm’s Veggie Box is that it brings the season’s best right to your table. While each week may vary, the freshness and quality will always remain top-notch. Embrace the seasonality of our produce and enjoy exploring new vegetables with every pick up!
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