You come to expect an
abundance of greens at the start of the growing season at Restoration Farm. In late spring, the produce
should be like the weather – brisk, full of vitality – and very, very
green.
The first distribution of
the 2012 growing season means salads and greens will be the menu item of choice
for some time to come. If one tires of lettuce, there is a bounty of arugula,
mizuna and bok choy to enjoy.
The ubiquitous and super-nutritious
kale is in fine form and in the field, hearty Swiss Chard is reaching towards
the sky.
As always, the farm is a
busy place on weekends, and on this day, the fields resemble a lush, romantic landscape painting. Head Grower Dan
Holmes is working the tractor, and chatting with CSA members from his perch
atop the vehicle.
A cow from the
historic village has wandered over for a visit.
We all greet the first distribution of the season with great anticipation. The first greens of Restoration Farm are
abundant, but precious, and not to be taken for granted. The chance to eat these healthful and tender
green shoots – just hours old – is a rare pleasure, and I celebrate the
inauguration of the 2012 season with salads of freshly picked spinach leaves,
adorned with red onion, mandarin oranges and sunflower seeds.
Eating the bright and vivacious salad is just
like tasting the potential of the youthful growing season with each forkful.
©2012 T.W. Barritt All
Rights Reserved
Restoration Farms has certainly come alive. Even the cow came over to say hello. I would love to get my hands on some mizuna. I never seem to see it in our markets.
ReplyDeleteSam
I'd love to taste mizuna...it's somewhat like arugula but less peppery, right? The greens look wonderful, T.W., and your salad is a classic that lets them shine through.
ReplyDeleteFresh spring greens are my favorite part of spring because they ar so much more tender, sweeter and flavorful than what you get at the store. These greens are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have chard yet here, but plenty of parsley and dandelions! Love your waxing lyrical about this farm!
ReplyDeleteOnce you get through a few salads, try grilling the greens (best is romaine) with some olive oil and salt and pepper. It's a great side dish!
ReplyDeleteI love greens, any kind, any time, any day!! They all look so good and healthy. I love the pitch fork photo.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd ever tire of fresh picked young greens. I snack on them before they ever reach the salad bowl.
ReplyDeleteAll of the salads & the greens look so tasty !! My salad leaves in my garden are also ready to consume!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than home grown or on that farm: fresh fruits & veggies!
Lovely pics too! :) A lovely post! ;)
I would so like to visit this place that gives you so much pleasure. I really would enjoy a salad made with those greens. They are mouth watering. Have a wondeful day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteDear T.W., The farm is thriving! It looks happy! I am so glad to see the beautiful greens it is producing. That is a perfect salad. Blessings, Catherine
ReplyDeleteAh, The salad days at Restoration Farm, a crisp reminder of what's to come.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to you getting your hands and knees dirty and then enjoying every bitefull!
Thank you so much for sharing, T.W. It's going to be productive season for sure!!!
I lpve these pictures what nice have your own greens,, look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love you salad and I make a similar one but with pecans. It is all those years of living in Texas with pecan trees on our ranch. I'll try sunflower seeds next time I make it.
ReplyDeleteYay for CSA's!
ReplyDelete