Appleton Farms Blog: Week 9: Rain Provides Relief and it's Time for Watermelons!

We received some much needed rain over the weekend, which allows us to give the irrigation pump a rest, at least for a few days. Our sandy soil, which is great for growing vegetables, dries out quickly in hot, dry summer conditions. Some of our crops were showing signs for water stress, as storm after promised storm seemed to pass north of us over the past few weeks. Luckily, we are well set up to to get water on our crops in an efficient and effective manner. We had irrigated most of the driest fields on our farm by the time the rains came on Saturday.

This week we start harvesting watermelons! Our sandy soil and the slightly dry conditions help with sweetness and make for some pretty tasty fruit. We also start harvesting potatoes and green bell peppers this week!

The share will include:

Head lettuce
Rainbow chard
Carrots
Beets
Cucumbers
Yellow squash
Zucchini
Onions
Eggplant
Tomatoes
Green peppers
Watermelon
PYO herbs
PYO flowers
PYO cherry tomatoes

Despite our best efforts to keep a good stash of scissors for the pick your own field, every week many go missing. We encourage you to bring your own scissors if you plan on picking.
As a reminder, our hours for pickup have changed to Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:30-6:30PM. We are also open for pick your own on Saturdays, 8AM-Noon. Shareholders are free to pick up their share any day that best suits their schedule, and do not need to commit to the same day each week. Additionally, shareholders do not need to tell us which day they will be picking up.

Vegetable of the week!

Eggplant is part of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, bell peppers, and potatoes. Although the fruit comes in all shapes, shades and sizes, generally eggplant is known for its pleasantly bitter taste and sponge like texture. It's filled with fiber, copper, B vitamins, and manganese. It's perfect while in season from August through October!

Eggplant Two Ways!

Maghmour (Lebanese Moussaka)
2 Large Eggplant, cubed
1 1/2 cups cooked drained chickpeas
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Onion, diced
5 Cloves Garlic, minced
Two Cups Chopped Tomato
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 Teaspoon Smoked Spanish Paprika
1 Teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
1 Tablespoon Dried Mint, or 2 tablespoons fresh minced
1 - 2 Cups Water

Heat oven to 400 and toss eggplant with 2 TBSP oil, roast until tender and browned (20-30 minutes) In a large pot, heat remaining 2 tbsp oil and add onions and a pinch of salt, saute about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, add tomato, tomato paste, paprika, eggplant, chickpeas and mint. Bring to a simmer and cook 20 minutes. Add additional water as necessary to maintain a stew-like consistency. Serve with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

Eggplant Chips with Tahini Dip
For chips:
1 eggplant, thinly sliced
Sea salt
2-3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. turmeric
Pinch of cayenne powder (optional)
For dip:
1 heaped tbsp. tahini
1-2 tbsp. cold water
1 tsp. raw honey
1 small clove of garlic, minced (optional)
Olive oil
A sprinkle of paprika
Thinly slice eggplant, line on cooling rack over sink and and sprinkle with salt, let sit for 2 hours or over night. Pay dry each eggplant, place on sheet pan, and heat oven to 350. Mix oil with spices and brush over both sides eggplant and cook until browned and crispy, 30-40 mins. Mix first four dip ingredients together until smooth and syrupy, adding more water if necessary. Pour a dash of oil in the center, sprinkle with paprika and serve with chips.

In the Farm Store

The store has Appleton milk from our own cows. Try whole, low-fat, or cream top. Cream top is whole milk that is not homogenized -- most people shake it hard before serving. Please remember to bring back your glass bottles!

We also have Appleton cheeses -- 2 hard and 2 soft varieties -- as well as an ever-changing selection of cheeses, meat products (from the farm), and gifts. You can also sign up for Farm events, right at the store!

Farm Programs & Events

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Wee Farmers

Tuesday, August 7
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore

Family Fun, Farms & Food

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Wee Farmers

Thursday, August 9
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore

Family Fun, Farms & Food

Friday, August 10, 2018

Appleton's Friday Farm Dinner with CHIVE Events

Friday, August 10
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore