This seems to be an especially good year for growing vegetables, as evidenced by my own garden and the generous amount of vegetables that I’ve been receiving in my CSA. These are the days that we dream about in the winter!
Now is the perfect time to think about putting some of those extra goodies up (or even purchase additional vegetables to save for later).
Here is a list of what I received in my Groundswell Community Farm CSA last week, and how I would prioritize storage:
Salad Greens – these really should be eaten right away
Basil – can freeze in freezer bags or make into pesto and freeze
Cabbage – this lasts a long time in the crisper drawer
Kale OR Chard – the easiest way to save these is to lightly stir fry in a dry nonstick pan and freeze in freezer bags
Radishes – you could pickle these or use right away
Garlic – this was green garlic, so you’ll want to use this within a week or two
Cilantro OR Parsley – cilantro is a bit delicate, but parsley can be frozen the same as basil
Broccoli – you will want to blanche before freezing
Beets – these will also last a long time in the crisper drawer
Carrots OR Beans – carrots don’t last long around here, but beans can sometimes pile up. Blanche and freeze in freezer bags
Summer Squash – shred in a food processor and freeze in freezer bags
Cucumbers – make pickles or just eat raw
Onion – again, these are not cured right now so you’ll want to use within a week or two
Small Tomato OR Pepper – these are gold right now since the main crops have not yet come in. Savor and enjoy!
Tomatillos OR Eggplant – same as with tomatoes, it’s early so these are wonderful to eat RIGHT NOW
In the West Michigan area?
You can pick up in-season vegetables from Groundswell at the following markets:
Fulton St. Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am to ~1:30pm
@ the north end of the market
1147 East Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The market is located a half block west of the corner of Fulton and Fuller Streets east of
downtown. We are the end stall on the North end, near Fountain St.
Holland Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 8am to ~1:30pm
May 17th to November
150 W. 8 th St.
Holland, MI 49423
Mid-May through November or December
Wednesdays from June through October
We are usually near the west end of the market, about 8 stalls in on the north side of the
aisle.
South Haven Farm Market
Saturdays, 8am – 2pm
Mid-May to mid-October
546 Phoenix St, S Haven, MI 49090
Grand Haven Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am-1pm
Mid-May – late October
301 N Harbor Dr, GH, MI 49417
What vegetables are you enjoying these days? Comment below!
You can also order extras for freezing on the Groundswell website.
Interested in joining the CSA? You still can! Check the table below for pro-rated cost:
What's on your mind?