SUMMARY: TENTH WEEK of SPRING 2021! - EXTRA VEGGIES! - FARM CREW SPOTILIGHT - NEW* - NURSERY SPOTLIGHT- ACI DONATION UPDATE AND DONATE TODAY! - DID YOU KNOW? - LOCATIONS AND TIMES - WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK - WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT WEEK
Week 10 - The TENTH Week of SPRING CSA 2021!
Hello Dear CSA Members!
It sure has been a couple of amazing weeks here at the farm! We are 100% planted, all the shade cloth is up, all the irrigation and infrastructure is in and the entire farm is operable and ready. The team is in place and registration for Summer 2021 is now closed. We are locked and loaded and ready to crush this Summer season and we are sooooo excited and thankful for all the members who will be continuing with us!
As for your shares this week? They are getting more and more beautiful by the week! They are still very green-heavy until the fruits (tomatoes, cucs, squash etc.) come in, but GORGEOUS none the less! See below for what we are harvesting (it's a heavy lettuce week - enjoy!).
Also, did you know that we, the Camire family, are going on vacation!? We are so excited and so blessed to be able to take our family away for some mental rejuvenation. We need it so much, and it's because of our amazing team that we are able to do just that. We have three people living on property while we are away and the team will be managing everything during the days. It's exciting for us, but it also means that we will NOT be putting out a newsletter next week (sorry!). All the schedules for CSA and classes etc. will not change and any announcements that need to be made will be made separately by Bekka, if needed.
The next newsletter will resume on Tuesday the 15th for week number 12.
See below for event updates, new articles and announcements!
Enjoy your share this week and don't forget to join the fun and share your recipes and pictures in the Facebook Community Group!
Volunteering
Our next Open-House volunteer day is not until June 13th, but that doesn't mean you can't come before then!
We need volunteers all the time! Weeding, planting, cleaning, harvesting, bagging and so much more.
Want to volunteer? Simply e-mail our amazing Administrator, Bekka at aci@ahavahcommunity.org to get more information and to sign up!
EXTRA VEGGIES and PLANTS FOR SALE
More and more items will be for sale as we progress through the season. Remember:
DON'T FORGET: SNAP MEMBERS ALWAYS RECEIVE 50% OFF!!
&
As always, all prices are
"Pay-What-You-Can-Afford."
👀GARDEN PLANTS ALSO QUALIFY FOR SNAP AND 2x DOUBLE-UP BENEFITS!!!👀
For Payment: Cash or Check at the drops or the balance can be sent via PayPal to contact@ahavahfarm.com or via Venmo to Ahavah Farm, LLC or by paying with credit card over the phone.
SUMMER REGISTRATION CLOSED...HOWEVER...
Yes, that's right, registration is closed, however, that doesn't mean you completely missed out!
👉No, it just means you will have to join us every week to buy up our Farmer's Market Items😁!
Starting in the Summer 2021, we will be offering a nearly full-scale farmer's market offering at Every CSA location: Denver, Colorado Springs, Monument and at the Farm in Peyton. More details to come, keep an eye out for announcements!
DID YOU KNOW?
I do not like grasshoppers big or small. I don't like grasshoppers, not at all! You eat all my crops, and you munch all the leaf tops. The veggies are holey and they want you to go, but this little guy has a purpose, don't you know? He's big and mean and he keeps predators away, he's food for others and they like it that way. It's true...and it feels bad to admit it I know, but the truth is that without grasshoppers, our ecosystem would slow...Ugh, I said it OK!!??...You are one lucky grasshopper, because you get to live one more day... (I am a dork, what can I say?).
You know, one of the things that makes Ahavah Farm so special is our refusal to use pesticides of any kind. When we say that we don't mean to say that "we only use organic chemicals." NO, NO, NO! I am saying that we don't use ANY chemicals...like at all. Period. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Organic chemicals are still chemicals and they can be very, very harmful to not only our environment, but definitely to our health as well and in some cases they can be worse than non-organic!
I digress... So what is my point that I am getting at? Well, bugs are normal and bugs are natural. That means that occasionally you will get some bug holes in your basil or your turnips greens. You may get a caterpillar in your kale or a beetle in your carrots. We do natural pest control, but it doesn't eradicate them like chemicals do and although we do our best to avoid these little guests from visiting your home, it may happen from time to time. This is totally ok, part of the natural process of gardening and life and it is nothing for you to be worried about one bit.
Greens with holes or some bug damage is also normal, still 100% nutritionally dense and perfectly ok and delicious to eat (though we do take pride in the beauty of our crops...just sayin' 😝). We do allow a few holes to make it into your shares, but we try hard to make sure that they aren't "swiss cheese" - those leaves we keep for the family!
Bottom line: Remember that from time to time there may be some bug eaten leaves or even a hitchhiker now and again. We like to say that these examples are just proof of our organic certification😂!! However, it is super important for us to share with you that if you ever, ever, ever feel that an item you received was subpar, rotten, old, or somehow below our standards, we want to hear from you to make sure we make things better. Occasionally a bad bunch of turnip greens, tomatoes or carrots may make it past all our quality control steps, but if they do we want to hear about it and make it up to you!
🔦 Ahavah Community Initiative SPOTLIGHT 🔦
A lot has been happening lately, almost too much to share. Recently we have been putting on a bunch of classes and events and you have been hearing about all of them, and that's great! We love teaching and we love community. But what we love to do the most is to serve others in need. The core aspect of ACI, Ahavah Community Initiative, is to support struggling families by donating free food. Not just any food, however, PURE, regeneratively grown food, grown locally in a way that is beneficial to our environment, our health and our community at large.
We fulfill this mission through multiple avenues including offering state-grants like double-up food bucks through the SNAP/EBT programs, flexible payment options like pay-what-you-can-afford, by offering volunteer work-shares, by donating plants for gardens and by offering supplemented CSA memberships and fully donated memberships.
Four times per year our board offers applications to families in need and four times per year we, as a board, come together to review and vote on the recipients.
This week was one of those weeks and we are so honored that we had the ability this season to donate 20 CSA memberships to 20 families. These families will receive a full-season membership and all discounts and membership benefits for a total donation of nearly $9,000 for the summer season (this does not include separate donations through Ahavah Farm, nor any of the other benefits of ACI - this is strictly 100% donated memberships).
Thank you to all who have donated to make this possible - your donations mean a lot to us, but they mean the world for those who receive the shares - and EVERY DOLLAR MATTERS🙏!!
Interested in making a tax-deductible donation to ACI? Ahavah Community Initiative is registered as a 501c3 with the State of Colorado as a non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
Want to get involved with either ACI or as a volunteer on the farm? E-mail us to let us know. We are always looking for volunteers and we would love for you to join the party!
AHAVAH COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
BRING-A-BUCK!
Oh the amazing power of community and crowdfunding!
Every week, at all of the CSA locations, we have a bin or jar that looks like this. We ask all of our members to bring just $1 with them every week to help support their fellow-members and community.
Bring $1 every week and be a part of supporting, directly, families in need.
Don't say your $1 isn't important! The only way crowdfunding works is if we all participate. Therefore, your $1 is vitally important and it is directly through this program that we raise the majority of ACI's food donation funds than any other fundraising program, and yet it is the absolute easiest for all of our members to participate!
Everyone can afford to Bring-A-Buck and if we ALL bring $1, the impact can be enormous - to the tune of feeding 1 family for an entire season for every single week we all participate!!!! WOW!!
🔦 The Farm Crew Spotlight🔦
This is Holly and she's pictured standing in our kitchen, and I will tell you why...
We met Holly the very first year we started this farm and we have stayed friends every since. Holly is one of the absolute kindest people I have ever met, and extremely humble as well. She is a health nut and someone we trust completely. So why is she pictured here, in the kitchen? Well, that's because when I, Yosef, was diagnosed with Cancer, it was at the same time that Havah was to give birth to Elisheva and the treatment was going to be overwhelming. So, we hired Holly to be my helper as I treated and recovered from Cancer. Around April, when Covid-19 came, we had to let Holly go - but it wasn't for long! Very shortly after, we decided to offer Holly the delivery-driver position for the CSA and she has been doing it every since!
Holly isn't seen around the farm too often, because her schedule is so early in the morning and then she hit's the road, but that doesn't mean she isn't an essential, and well-loved member of our team. Everyone enjoy's Holly, and like I said, she is quite literally one of the most kind individuals I have ever met. We love her dearly and are so thankful that she is a part of our team, our community and our faRmily. Thank you Holly for being such a consistent, caring and generous human being. Many members have told us how they enjoy getting their veggies and meeting with you every week!
In Her Own Words...
How long have you worked for Ahavah Farm?
Well, I guess it's been about 18 months now, depending on how you calculate it. I've been the delivery driver for over a year now!
What is your job title and what do you do on the farm?
I am the delivery driver. I drive and I deliver. 😉
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy my time to meet with the CSA members. I love when they great me with a smile and I really enjoy seeing them every week! To be honest, the driving is nice too, it gives me the opportunity to be alone and the job is fairly stress-free.
Can you share one thing you have learned by working for Ahavah Farm?
It has taught me a little more about how to have a better sense of direction - particularly with this delivery position and having to not rely on google maps has been very interesting to say the least. I am also very grateful for how kind everyone on the farm is. It's a blessing to work here.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
I love to make yummy food and bake! In fact, I have been getting back into it lately and really enjoying it.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Live life to the fullest"
What is a fun-fact that only a few people know about you?
I have had two home births - that's something not many people know! I am really thankful for the experience. I also love to run! I fell off for many years, but I'm getting back into it.
What are three words or phrases that describe you?
Kind, Happy and Easy-Going.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
We might be planning on moving to a warmer climate - somewhere where we will stay for a while. Possibly Arizona or Florida.
NURSERY NEWS
HAS THE HAIL GOT YOUR PLANTS!?
Don't worry, we have BACKUPS! They are planted and ready and there are still lots and lots of plants being brought to the CSA locations every week!
That's right - everything from tomato plants to lettuce and kale (and more) seedlings will be available - best part?
ALL CSA MEMBERS STILL RECEIVE 15% off!
Microgreen CSA Share!
Love our microgreens!? Than this selection is for you! Receive 3 types of microgreens every week of the year and save 17% every single week!
✔SIGN UP ANYTIME AND START YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AT ANY TIME OF YEAR! AND CANCEL AT ANYTIME TOO!✔
Our microgreens are fresh and will last - unlike anything you can find in the store. We pride ourselves on our microgreen quality as being not only absolutely pure - grown without chemicals, fertilizers or inefficient energy (we grow with 100% solar, renewable energy!), but they are absolutely beautiful, long-lasting and delicious! We really can't rave enough, they are THAT good!
What's in a Share?
In your share you will receive a combination of 3 microgreens every week with the option to purchase add-ons and extras when available. Every week we will be growing a mixture of microgreens and you will receive 3 selections of the following: Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Basil, Cilantro, Lettuce, Brocolli and more.
Pickup locations and times are the same as Ahavah Farm Veggie Share CSA but you do not have to be a veggie-share member to be a microgreen CSA member - these are two independent programs combined into one.
Go to https://www.ahavahfarm.com/microgreen-csa to learn more and to sign up!
COMPOST
Be a part of our ZERO-WASTE mission here at Ahavah Farm and bring us your compost! PLEASE REMEMBER - NO PLASTIC BAGS. Want more information? CLICK HERE to learn about the program. Thank you everyone who has been bringing their compost! We are so excited that we can help on your mission to become Waste Free!
CSA PICKUP LOCATIONS AND TIMES
NOTATE TIMES: Times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to check Facebook and this blog on ahavahfarm.com for updated information and changes.
THURSDAYS:
COS North / Monument @ Beasts and Brews (7 Spectrum Loop, Ste. 140)
12pm to 1pm (Drive Thru / Market Style)
Denver @ JCC (350 S. Dahlia St.):
3pm to 4pm (Drive thru / Market Style)
FRIDAYS:
Colorado Springs @ Ranch Foods Direct (4635 Town Center Dr.):
1pm to 2:00pm (Drive Thru / Market Style)
2:00pm to 6pm (Inside store - 🚨TRADITIONAL SHARE MEMBERS ONLY!!)
Peyton @ Ahavah Farm (7545 Log Rd.):
10am to 11am (Drive Thru / Market Style)
This Week's Harvest
As always, nothing is guaranteed. These are the items that are "in season" and are anticipated to be ready this week (which may or may not be available at the CSA):
Small = 4-6 items per week
Medium = 7-9 items per week
Large = 10-12 items per week
Kale- Absolutely amazing kale! The best we have ever had, you really can't beat this variety of Blue Curled kale. An heirloom variety that is super sweet and delicious! (don't forget to massage it - no really!).
Arugula - we love our arugula and some say it's the best they have ever had. Baby and tender. Great to braise just slightly. Our favorite is on top of eggs. Delicious!😋
Green Onions - these are baby onions that are de-li-cious!
Dill - Did you know that the name "dill" comes from the old English word "dilla" meaning to "lull" because dill has been used as a medicine for toothaches, stomach pain and other ailments - particularly in infants to treat colic. Did you also know that dill is fantastic on roasted veggies or to make dressings or to pickle things - other than cucumbers? Dill is one of my favorite veggies and I use it nearly every day!
Salad Mix - Oh my, we are loaded to the gills with salad mix! This week may be very heavy in the lettuce area, but at least it's really pretty and tasty lettuce! 🤩
Cilantro - What a way to bring summer to your winter dish! Fresh aromatic cilantro is such a delight in the middle of winter!
Baby Fennel - We love our fennel! It's one of those items that not everyone is familiar with, but if you love black licorice, it's amazing raw. If you don't like the flavor of anise, than try grilling it or sauté' it with garlic, salt and pepper. it's delicious and will change it's flavor. Here is an article with some ideas on how to use your fennel: https://www.loveandlemons.com/what-is-fennel/
Red Fire and Green Muir Lettuce - A beautiful red and green lettuce with big, fluffy leaves.
Swiss Chard - Gorgeous swiss chard this week! WOW! big and beautiful! Here's a fun article: Why Swiss Chard is the sweetest and Sexiest of the Greens.
Turnips- One of the most requested of all the things we grow are turnips. Now, for you newbies, I know you are thinking that sounds crazy...but until you try these amazing, mouth-watering turnips, you won't believe it!!!
Radish Microgreens - Next to the barley grass and the sunshoots, radish microgreens are some of the most nutritiously-dense items we grow on the farm and not only that, but during our annual survey last year, they ranked as the #1 most requested and love item we grow! They have a fantastic bite to them, last considerably long in the refrigerator and are beautiful in appearance.
Garlic Greens - Garlic greens are amazing! Use them the same way you would use scallions - but with garlic! Add to any dish needing garlic - as a topper, in a salad, in a soup etc. Highly requested and unique.
Pea Shoots - One of the most desired and sought after items we provide are these pea shoots! Quite literally the best you added to any dish or salad. Our favorite way is to add them to stews and soups. A perfect topper too! Here are four fun ways to use Pea Shoots: http://blog.bostonorganics.com/4-fun-ways-to-use-pea-shoots
Broccoli Microgreens - Last week we told you that Radish Microgreens were the #1 most loved item we grow, well, these microgreens weren't on the list then! I have a sneaking suspicion that these microgreens are the real winners!
Sunshoots - Our sunshoots are certainly some of the nicest, most high-quality sunshoots you will ever find (that actually goes for all our microgreens). They are one of the most beloved items we grow as well and a regular staple to our CSA. Here are some ideas to use your sunnies this week: https://www.martinsgardenacf.com/sunflower-shoots-recipes
That's it for this week! We love you to pieces, are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you and we are blessed to the core to be YOUR farmers!!
Yosef, Havah, Kids and Team The Camire Family
