Full and By Farm: Sprouts

Cabbage and leeks at Full and By Farm (Credit: virtualdavis)

We are all giddy over having Doug back at the farm with us for the winter. Many of you will remember him from last winter and spring—off time in between semesters of the Adirondack program at St Lawrence University. He jumped right back into chores, construction and whipping up amazing meals like he never left. Doug will be heading up sugaring before much longer, we’re all looking forward to the cold, snowy start of a good maple syrup season.

We do, finally, have sprouts this week, alfalfa and mung beans. I’m happy with the way the sprouts grew and greened-up in the new system but am still working on timing. These were ready way back on Saturday and have been stored in the walk-in since then. You’ll want to get them onto your table soon. The sunflowers have also sprouted in their trays and are sending up brilliant green shoots, with the oldest just kicking off their seeds husks and unfurling delicate leaves. I hope to have those for next week’s share.

Sprouts are great on sandwiches or topping a good root veggie slaw. Since we don’t buy in any vegetables on the farm we rely heavily on root salads this time of year. Carrots, beets, radish, cabbage, kohlrabi, celeriac and onions are all good ingredients to start with—play with the combinations and adding in spices. Chopping the veggies works, but grating is even better. The finer the grating the more the flavors blend and soak up a tasty dressing—from simple oil and vinegar to a rich, creamy dressing. If your intimidated to get started I’ll have a print out at pick-up tonight with some good combinations to give you inspiration.

In the Farm Shares

In the veggie share: alfalfa and mung bean sprouts, kimchee, kohlrabi, radish, turnips, leeks, potatoes, cabbage, onions, garlic, shallots, carrots, beets, parsnips, celeriac, dried sage, wheat berries, whole wheat flour and dry beans.

In the meat share: All cuts of pork and beef, half and whole broiler chickens in the freezer. Lard and leaf lard are available.

Sara Kurak
Full and By Farm

Full and By Farm: Sleepy Winter Patterns (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Full and By Farm: Mosaic Puzzles (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Full and By Farm: Frozen on the Farm (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Sara Kurak

Sara Kurak is one of the owners and operators of Full and By Farm in Essex, NY. She shares updates from the farm with her CSA members and also contributes those letters to the Essex on Lake Champlain Blog to share the news with a wider audience. Learn about farm life week-to-week through her reports!