Appleton Farms Blog: Week 17: Bulk Harvesting Root Crops

The leaves are just beginning to change color in some of the low, wet parts of the farm as crop growth slows in the fields. We have ripped out most of the hot crops of summer and have put those fields to bed for winter. Cool weather crops that often thrive in October have been slow to ripen as a result of cloudy and rainy weather over the past few weeks. The change of the calendar brings slightly shorter work days and a slowing of pace. We continue with bulk harvests of root crops and begin separating garlic cloves for planting in a few weeks.

This week the share will include:

Greens
Head lettuce
Spinach
Cabbage
Bok choi
Broccoli
Salad Turnips
Carrots
Fennel
Yellow onions
Potatoes
Buttercup squash
PYO herbs

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.
Our hours for pickup are on 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!

Buttercup squash is a popular turban type squash, with hard skin, a turban shape, and a dense, sweet yellow-orange flesh that can be eaten. Once the seeds are removed, buttercup squash can be baked, mashed, pureed, steamed, simmered, or stuffed and can replace sweet potatoes in most recipes. Buttercup squash is a good source of carotenoids and contains large amounts of vitamin C.

Buttercup Squash Coffee Cake

CRUMB MIXTURE:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter

CAKE:
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed cooked buttercup squash
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
GLAZE:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons hot water

In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in squash and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients, gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Spoon half into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Spread applesauce over batter. Sprinkle with half of the crumb mixture. Spoon remaining batter evenly over crumb mixture. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing sides of pan. Combine the confectioners' sugar, extract and enough water to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over coffee cake.

Farm Events & Programs

A Dinner at the Farm to Celebrate 20 Years of Trustees' Stewardship!

Join us in the Carriage Barn for a sit-down dinner and help us celebrate 20 years of the Trustees’ stewardship of Appleton Farms. This dinner will help support the mission of conservation and farm-based education at Appleton for many years to come. The evening dinner will feature our own Cheesemaker and Chef will prepare a dinner using the seasonal bounty of the farm. Music, beer, and wine will be included. Tickets are going fast so get yours today! More information at www.thetrustees.org/harvestdinner

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Appleton’s Preschool Farm Explorers

Wednesday, October 3
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore

Family Fun, Farms & Food

Thursday, October 4, 2018

October Barnyard Story Hour

Thursday, October 4
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore

Family Fun, Farms & Food

Night Hike: Sounds, Stars & Smores

Thursday, October 4
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich | North Shore

Family Fun, Outdoor Recreation

Appleton Farms Cheese Making Intensive