Sunnydale Farms

Garlic is one of the most versatile and valuable foods we have. It belongs to the Allium family of vegetables which also includes onions, shallots, chives and leeks. Garlic can help promote the well being of the heart and the immune system. The antioxidant properties it has helps maintain healthy blood circulation and enhances the body's immune cell activity.

Some other health facts about garlic:

• Garlic helps regulate the body's blood pressure.
  
• Strengthens your body's defense against allergies.
  
• Helps loosen plaque from artery walls.
  
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  
• It is chock full of vitamins and nutrients
  

There are two different sub-categories of garlic: Softneck and Hardneck.

Softneck Garlic:

Softneck garlic is the most common variety of garlic and is found in almost every supermarket. Softneck varieties are easy to grow and plant mechanically so they are the logical choice of large scale commercial growers. Another benefit of softneck varieties for commercial growers is the increased storage length compared to hardneck varieties. Softnecks are recognized by the soft papery skin that covers an abundance of cloves. Softneck garlic bulbs can produce up to 20 cloves that grow around the central core.

Hardneck Garlic:

One of the main differences you will find in a hardneck garlic variety is that is produces a scape. A scape is sort of like a flower stalk of the garlic but instead of producing flowers it eventually produces bulbils. The scape should be cut so that the garlic plant can put all of its energy into bulb production. Scapes are edible and quite tasty. They can be used in any dish that would benefit from the flavor of garlic. Another difference between softneck and hardneck varieties is the clove size. Hardneck varieties have fewer, but much larger cloves per bulb. Many hardnecks have 8-10 cloves per bulb but there are some that only have 4-5 very large cloves per bulb.

Sunnydale Farms will be planting about 21 lbs of garlic seed this fall. We will be growing a variety of hardneck and softneck varieties that range from mild to strong in flavor. Healthy, fresh garlic will be available early next summer.

It's been a little bit slower the last two weeks. The heat is definitely taking its toll on the tomatoes. It's caused them to ripen smaller than we would like them to. However, we've still managed to harvest 2000 lbs. of #1 quality large tomatoes in the last two weeks. We are thankful for that.

We're happy to announce that we have renewed our winter contract with the Root Cellar. I sat down with them on Tuesday and we came to the agreement that they would purchase all of the produce from three of our high tunnels. They will be filled with various cool/cold weather crops of their choosing. We will also be planting 2 additional tunnels with cold weather crops to offer to our wholesale and retail customers.

Following is a partial list of the items that will be available in late fall and throughout the winter and spring months:

Hakurei Turnips-  These are a higher end salad type turnip that is sweet and mild with a crisp and tender texture. The greens are also edible and should be cooked the same as any other turnip green.

Napoli Carrots-  These carrots are a variety that performs especially well in colder weather. They are the same "candy carrots" which are grown by the infamous farmer Eliot Coleman.

Kale- We will be growing three varieties: Red Russian, Winterbor and Improved Siberian. Kale is a superfood and one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. Kale is low in calories, high in fiber and contains 0 fat. It is high in vitamins A,C and K. It is also high in Iron, calcium and powerful antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory and detox food.

Arugula-  Arugula is an aromatic, peppery salad green. Use in salad mixes, soups, sandwiches, pastas or pizzas. This wonderful green is extremely versatile. 

Spinach-  Another green that is a powerhouse in the nutrient and health benefit category. It is a good, very good, or excellent source of more than 20 different measurable nutrients, including dietary fiber, calcium and protein.

Swiss Chard-  Another green that is nutrient rich. Known for its antioxidant and inflammatory benefits, it is also great in helping regulate blood sugar.  High in vitamins A,K,C and E.

Asian Greens Mix-  We use a premium mix that includes many beautiful shades of greens and reds as well as a variety of leaf shapes and textures. The diverse flavors range from spicy to mild to slightly sweet. The mix includes Red Mustard, Green Mustard, Chinese Cabbage, Pac Choi and Tatsoi.

Lettuce Mix-  The standard salad mix we use also includes greens and reds in various leaf shapes and textures.

Broccoli Raab-  A unique vegetable that combines the qualities of mustard greens and broccoli for salads and light cooking.

We will also have radishes, bibb lettuce and cabbage. Here are a few pictures from last years winter greens.