A few words on patty pan squash. We are growing ten different varieties, so take a moment to appreciate the individual shapes, colors, and sizes. They basically taste pretty much the same and all have the same texture. The patty pans can easily be combined with the zucchini in dishes. The first fruit on any plant is always the largest and then they get a bit smaller the farther down they grow from the main stem.
During the month of July, we are going a little Forrest Gump with the patty pan squash! You can have raw squash, steamed squash, stir-fried squash, sautéed squash, baked squash, fried squash, oven roasted squash, stuffed squash, grilled squash(for the larger ones). Squash with zucchini, squash with onions, squash with Parmesan, squash with pasta, squash sandwiches, squash chips, squash chilaquiles, squash with tomatoes (not ours as they won’t be ready until August). Squash casserole, squash bread, squash soup, julienne squash, shredded squash, chopped squash, diced squash, whole squash (for the smaller ones—place on the side of a plate of spaghetti!) Squash with coconut, squash with EVOO, squash with butter, squash with Ghee, squash with pesto, squash on pizza, squash with shrimp, squash with chicken, squash with pork, squash with beef, squash with tofu.
In case you get “squashed out,” consider stuffing squash, baking them until fork tender, freezing them, and then popping them into freezer shrink-wrap bags. They will defrost in the oven and be just as delicious next winter!
Your July CSA Boxes will also contain potatoes. We are starting with the Yukon Golds because they seem to be the most mature. I have notes about “new potatoes” on the web site under “P” for “Potatoes.” Also, there will be green zucchini and yellow zucchini and even a random green and yellow zucchini.
And cucumbers! We believe we grow the best cukes in the county! We think the soil and micro-climate have something to do with this and the specialty seeds which we plant. I won’t Forest Gump you with cucumbers, but do a Google Search and you will find many great salads available.
The garden beets are too small to harvest, but they look good at this time. Robert has spent hours weeding them so they can mature. (Note the weeds on either side of the beet row.)
Weeds are the ONE THING that were not affected by the May rains! And weeds have taken over the farm. We have concentrated on saving those crops which we think will be able to grow to maturity! We have always prided ourselves on the great variety in our CSA Boxes, but this year too many crops have died, rotted, or gotten the blight or rust. Below is our third attempt at planting tomatoes! They are looking good, but will be late which should make them sweeter.
We are pleased to have what we believe will be a bountiful supply of cukes, patty pan squash, zucchini, and potatoes. Hang in with us and in August they will be joined by sweet bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes.
By September we will be adding sweet potatoes and a variety of winter squash—at least all of these crops are looking good at the moment. As long as a hurricane front does not settle over the gardens, we should be fine! Every year is different. Every year presents its own challenges!
This photo enhancement is called “Sahara” which is rather appropriate considering the recent temperatures! The last plantings are on the left of this picture. Will they survive? One can only try and drip irrigate when it is not raining—at least we can control the irrigation amounts.
Cane Creek Asparagus & Company CSA 