MOUNTAIN BOUNTY FARM NEWS
Week 7/52 of 2021

Dear Farm Members,

My question for you all this week; does everyone really still dislike fennel? Before moving here to farm in 2017, my only understanding of fennel was that it was a vegetable that I did not buy, and therefore a vegetable that I certainly would not grow. I’d eaten it a grand total of... one time (I know, shocking), in an italian wedding soup lovingly crafted by a fennel-savvy companion. Hindsight 20/20, I just didn’t realize exactly what I was missing out on.

Growing the diversity of vegetables that we do for a CSA of this scale means that there’s a place for almost everything, novelty and staple alike, all in their own time. Fennel, to my knowledge, has mostly fallen into the category of ‘novelty item’. Over the years, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback that folks either don’t like it or just don’t know what to do with it. So we play it cool and tone it down, sneaking it in every once in a while, alternating between boxes, hoping to gradually indoctrinate hordes of unsuspecting CSA members one season at a time. A couple years ago, we even grew fennel for Sierra Harvest’s “Harvest of the Month” program. Mountain Bounty fennel was distributed to classrooms across the county for students to taste, which we all thought felt like Real Progress.

So is it working? Are all of you finding a way to let fennel into your hearts? Personally, I love fennel, and I don’t really get all the hype. There’s the licorice-y flavor, but it’s mild and sweet, and honestly, part of the draw. It’s versatile, and you can eat it raw, roasted, caramelized, even pickled. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can go ahead and ignore it for a little if you want- so forgiving! And it’s a champion in the field, an ‘umbelliferae’, not much of a rabble-rouser, eventually producing an umbrella-shaped inflorescence that beneficial bugs and pollinators love.

Do you love fennel? Want to see more of it in your boxes? Let us know! And if not, don’t sweat it. We’re happy to be your official fennel support system.

Your boxes this week are making their way to you packed with loads of amazing winter vegetables, and even a little bit of fennel (regular box only, but don’t worry small box-ers, you’ll get your chance!). We hope you’re all enjoying the good-ness this season has to offer, soaking up rainy days, and keeping your bellies full. See you next week!

Kale

THIS WEEK'S CSA CONTENTS

REGULAR BOX:

Romanesco (Pinnacle)
Dino Kale (Pinnacle)
Broccoli (Riverdog)
Arugula (Riverdog)
Lettuce (Pinnacle)
Leeks (Full Belly Farm)
Carrots (Super Tuber Farm)
Parsley (Fog Dog Farm)
Fennel (Coke Farm)
Spring Onions (Coke Farm)

SMALL BOX:

Romanesco (Pinnacle)
Broccoli (Riverdog)
Arugula (Riverdog)
Lettuce (Pinnacle)
Carrots (Super Tuber Farm)
Parsley (Fog Dog Farm)
Spring Onions (Coke Farm)

WINTER FRUIT SHARE: (provided by Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits in Newcastle, CA)

Winter Fruit Shares run until March 31st/April 1st. Summer Fruit Shares start in June and will be available soon!

SEASONAL FLOWER SHARES: (provided by Little Boy Flowers)

Early Spring Flower shares are available now! These shares are 8 weeks starting in mid-March and feature spring blooms from poppies and anemones to tulips and ranunculus.

This year our partner farm Little Boy Flowers will also be offering a peony share for four weeks starting mid May. In these shares you will receive generous bunches of peonies which will fill your house with their amazing fragrance and long lasting blooms. These shares will surely be a favorite.

Join today!

RECIPES

Warm Cheesy Garlic and Kale Dip (Kale)

Savory Parmesan-Fennel Italian Wedding Soup (Fennel, Parsley, Leeks, Spring Onions)

Shaved Fennel Salad with Croutons and Walnuts (Fennel)

Caramelized Fennel - the Best Fennel You'll Ever Eat (Fennel)

Roasted Romanesco with Brown Butter Toasted Panko (Romanesco, Parsley)

Whole Wheat Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pizza (Broccoli, substitute Arugula Pesto for regular pesto)

Roasted Carrots with Cumin Yogurt (Carrots)

FSA (Farm Service Announcement)

Don't forget to return your wax boxes each week! Squeeze to open at the seams!

Mountain Bounty Farm