TWH 2.13.23

Area 2 Farms Local Organic Harvest for the Week of 13 February 2023

Winter Lettuce

This wintry lettuce blend includes sniffles-busting, mood-boosting vitamins, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Crunchy kohlrabi is in its peak season, and delivers a hefty portion of vitamin C. Kohlrabi also brings vitamin B6, folate, and magnesium — all known for elevating mood, in addition to potassium and manganese. This hearty veggie looks like a turnip, but it’s in the cabbage family, and is blended to perfection by farm-raised greens.

Farmer’s recommendation: These cruciferous crunchies are perfect as a salad, especially when topped with purple shamrock. You’ll love them lightly tossed with balsamic vinegar, or drizzled in olive oil with sea salt and pepper. Kohlrabi’s flavor when blanched is unique, so stir fry this blend with some sesame oil to warm your Valentine’s heart. 

Colorful Microgreens

Red & Green Cabbage with Red Amaranth

Red is the pop of color in this Valentine’s Day blend! From our farm to your heart, this delicious package has red and green cabbage microgreens lovingly mixed with red amaranth to deliver iron, lysine, manganese, protein, and reduce inflammation. These are some of the healthiest microgreens for the winter months.

Farmer’s recommendation: We love to add these to a tasty salad for the whole family, as either topper or a base. Citrus zest, olive oil, and a hint of salt or pepper bring out the boldness in these delicate micros. For a Valentine’s day feast, sprinkle these on seafood or a heart-y meat dish. These pair beautifully with cream-based cheeses and salted almonds.

Arugula Microgreens

Arugula microgreens are new to the Area2Farms harvest, and you’ll love these hydrating, crunchy micros with hints of earthy, nutty flavors. And it’s not just the taste you’ll love this Valentine’s Day. These micros have vitamins A, C, and K, and have a dose of iron and calcium. These pleasant micros are a favorite in salads and sandwiches alike.

Farmer’s recommendation: Sprinkle these on top of a vegetable-based dish, tofu, or any soup with a mirepoix base. You can use them in a salad or as a side of their own. Minced garlic and lemon juice bring out the boldness in these micros. 

Mirepoix

Celery, Onion, Carrots

Mirepoix (pronounced meer-pwah) is a traditional French recipe named after the Duke of Mirepoix. With a huge serving of vitamin A and lots of vitamin C, this nutritious, fiber-rich culinary base should be diced into small cubes and slowly cooked in healthy fat (butter or oil) over low to medium heat.

Farmer’s recommendation: Mirepoix is perfect for pot pies, and to flavor casseroles or meal beds such as quinoa and rice. This base is also traditionally used in soups and stews. Some of our favorites include chicken and barley stew, a light, vegetarian gumbo, and beef broth.

Purple Shamrock

Love is in the air this week, and you’re in luck. Purple shamrock is like true love — delicate and delicious. This richly colored heart-shaped plant has a bright citrus flavor, and it’s a versatile superfood capable of elevating any dish — and delightful on its own. Purple shamrock is rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, plus vitamin C and fiber. 

Farmer’s recommendation: Try a bite of this one on its own to appreciate the full mouthfeel and zesty taste. We add this to light pastas, stir fry, risotto, and stir it into gin or rum-based cocktails. It also tastes delicious in iced tea, or garnishing a Valentine’s Day dessert!

Combo Mint

Mint varieties are full of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, B, and C, magnesium, and phosphorus. Chew on a few leaves to freshen the breath before a Valentine’s kiss, or cool off your winter blues headache. Steep in a tea for a full body tonic as a perfect end to your day of love.

Farmer’s recommendation: For Valentine’s Day, we suggest garnishing a chocolate covered strawberry and adding to a warm cup of Irish coffee after a date with your love. For a family friendly Valentine’s, stick a few of the soft yet crunchy leaves into ice cream. Muddle into rum, gin, or bourbon-based cocktails. For a sophisticated garnish, coat the leaves in delicate milk chocolate and serve with a strawberry or Irish coffee.