Maritime Weather to come to Ontario?

A member of our farm team recently travelled to New Brunswick for the long weekend. There she was graced with a beautiful balance of weather conditions. The air held little moisture and the breeze coming off the Atlantic was just the right amount to chill the hot rays of the beating sun. Rain, usually an unwelcomed guest on vacation, was embraced due to the dry conditions experienced at home in Southwestern Ontario. So can we control the weather conditions so as to harness those prominent in the Maritimes? Likely not, but it doesn't hurt to dream!

Another week of work has provided for a rather plentiful harvest. This week the CSA members will find the following in their baskets:

Purslane, Garlic, Kale, Chard, Chocolate Mint, Patty-pan Squash, Basil and Lemon Basil, Lettuce, Salad Mix, and Rhubarb.

The featured veggies this week are purslane and basil. Purslane is a widespread and abundant annual succulent in North America. Purslane's nutritional components should definitely not be overlooked. It is higher in omega-3 than kale, has more than four times the vitamin E of turnip leaves and is high in antioxidants such as glutathione. It is best eaten raw in salads or juiced.

Basil is a very delicate aromatic herb, widely used in Thai and Italian cooking. Drying basil is not recommended but rather, freezing basil is preferred to preserve flavour and nutrients. Basil provides a calming effect to the stomach which can aid in easing constipation and digestion.

Come out and visit us at the Farmer's Markets in Brantford and Ancaster this week!

-- Heart's Content Farmers :)