The Harvest Bee Blog

Good Day, Friends: Well we made it and what a long, strange trip it's been. As I was gathering thoughts for this last newsletter the first song that came to mind was "The End" by the Doors. I had to tell brain to stop. Too morbid. Then The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" took over and I was like, "Ok, a little more appropriate, but still too mellow. I need something more celebratory." So The Verve's version of Bittersweet morphed into the techno version. Ooohhhh, yea! Boom! It is bittersweet to be sure because as much as the field and myself are looking forward to a little down time, we have enjoyed so very much sharing food from The Hive with all of you this season. Last week I briefly touched upon some of the obstacles experienced during the season and throughout out the last 21 weeks these newsletters were intended to highlight some semblance of an experience of what farming can be like, especially a first year farm. More than words, though, we hope that the food ultimately was the true voice, the true expression of the love and admiration all of the organisms associated with this piece of land hold for each and everyone of you wonderful people. In the end, the soil gave us more than 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables! I, as many of you, probably would have liked more of some of those varieties (or less) or possibly some crops that were not included. In the future, as the soil continues to build, we plan to grown even more varities of food, for sure. None the less, when grown properly, with respect and sustainability in mind, the land, wherever you grow, will always give us exactly what it is supposed to. You, as CSA members, experienced perhaps the most critical lesson an organic and sustainable farmer can learn, to take what the land provides. That is not at all easy and that is why you deserve so much credit for taking up that mantle. CSAs across the country and all over the world really can collectively bring honesty and integrity back to the way we produce food and care for the environment. By supporting local, sustainable farms, CSA members and the public at large are directly taking Carbon that is increasing global climate change out of our atmosphere and putting it back into the soil where it helps grow food. How about that for solving Global Warming? Whether you believe in climate change or not, the fact remains that less Carbon in the air and more in the soil is ALWAYS a good thing for our environment and where as conventional farming removes Carbon FROM the soil daily, organic and bio-dynamic farming methods encourage transferring Carbon back INTO the soil. So, while the food is great and obviously what we all want, it is about so much more than that! Or put another way, as Carla Olla told me last week, "Thank you you, I only had to go to Whole Foods twice this season!" The was both hilarious and humbling. It seems to have heated up significantly, especially at night, just within the last few days. (I feel bad for a piece of bread become toast). Although this is the last official week of the CSA, food will still be coming out of the ground, including some varieties that have not yet been included in any shares yet this season. We will not do a CSA next week, but we intend to continue to participate at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers Market up until June, at least. Please stop by and see us and expect to receive some discounts. When the Mangoes and Lychees, along with some other new and current crops are ready you will definitely be notified so that we can share them with you as an expression of our gratitude for your commitment to us this season. The pick-ups for any subsequent weeks/shares of food that we do offer will run as they have all season unless you notify us otherwise. We will make as easy as possible. As we approach the summer, we also understand that many of you will be vacationing. Thus, if we do offer food during a week you may be out of town, please just let us know and we will accommodate you accordingly. Mangoes and Lychees, for example, will be fruiting for several weeks so, just because you may be out of town one week does not mean we can't get you those fruits another time. In this week's shares you will find the following: Kale Mix Baby Cabbage or Lettuce (we have some recently transplanted heads that are enjoying the shade of some Okra we just planted) Carrots or eggplant Jalapenos Leeks, Spring Onions, or Shallots Pack of herbs Here is a pretty simple and delicious recipe for stuffed Jalapenos. The recipe is meant to serve 6-12 people so halve it, at least, but these girls are fairly large too. Stuffed Jalapenos: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015129-stuffed-jalapenos Finally, a note regarding next season's CSA...We do hope that you will consider joining the program again next season. If you choose not to, we understand and we are none the less grateful for your participation this season. If you do intend to re-join, however, please let me know so I can reserve a spot for you immediately. No down payment needed, just a verbal commitment for now. Sign-ups will begin in early June and all current members, as well as anyone on the waiting list from this past season will be receiving first notice prior to any public announcements. Honestly, based on the number of people who are on the waiting list and those of you who have already expressed a commitment for next season, we do not plan to market the CSA publicly at this time. Please know that as a returning member you will ALWAYS be assured a spot for the next season so, do not worry about the list filling up. Again, we just ask for a heads up prior to the actual sign-up period. Any returning members/families will receive a $25.00 discount for the price of next season's share. As we are not increasing the price for next season, that means if you signed-up for a half share, the price will be $350.00 for the season (essentially, you are getting a free week of food). Do not worry about paying the full price up front in June, either. We will accept half payment in June and the remaining balance can be paid by August. We hope that such a payment plan will make it easier for any interested parties. Soon enough, May will become June, July 4th will pass, August will be upon us and we'll be singing, "Summer time's done, come and gone, my oh my!" When you hear those US Blues, the first seeds of next season will begin to be sown and the Fall will be here. Time keeps on tickin' so, enjoy the moment and be safe in all of your endeavors. Take some time and toast the summer and our slow season here in SW Florida. Know that you all hold a very special place in my heart. From the bottom of my heart and throughout every fabric of the soil, bless you all. See you all when we see ya! -- "Onen", The Bees