Produce

Heavens Harvest Farm

Newsletter

September 2, 2008

Volume 11

Hello CSA Members!

We here at Heavens Harvest Farm hope you all had a great Labor Day!

We are enjoying beautiful weather with just the right amount of sun and a light breeze. 

The boxes are filled to the brim this week with a wonderful variety of fresh organic vegetables.  Enjoy!

-Ashley & Ethel

 

The jalapeño

is a medium to large size chili pepper which is prized for its warm, burning sensation when eaten. Ripe, the jalapeño can be 2–3½ inches (5–9 cm) long and is commonly sold when still green. It is a cultivar of the species Capsicum Annuum originating in Mexico. It is named after the town of Xalapa, Veracruz, where it was traditionally produced.

 

 

Arugula is an aromatic salad green.  It is also known as rocket, roquette, rugula and rucola, and is popular in Italian cuisine.

Arugula is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, manganese, and
magnesium.  It's also a very good source of potassium, iron, zinc, riboflavin, and
copper.  

Arugula and other cruciferous vegetables contain a group of anticancer compounds
known as glucosinolates.  These compounds exert antioxidant activity, and are potent
stimulators of natural detoxifying enzymes in the body.  

Arugula, like other greens, is rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, as well as
important phytochemicals.  Arugula contains phytochemicals such as carotenes and
chlorophyll.  Those phytochemicals make it an excellent source of antioxidants.

Arugula Pesto
1 bunch arugula, stems removed (about 4 ounces)
2 3/4 teaspoons of coarse or Kosher salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Fill a large bowl with ice and add water, set aside.  Fill a medium sized saucepan with water and the 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the arugula and as soon as the water returns to a boil, remove the arugula with a slotted spoon and place it immediately into the ice water to stop the cooking process.

Transfer the arugula to several layers of paper toweling or clean kitchen towels and allow to drain. Roll up the towels and squeeze as much moisture as possible from the arugula.  

Place the arugula in a blender jar and add the oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the pepper and puree until the mixture looks like thick pesto.  There will be a small amount of oil on the surface.  Use immediately or transfer the mixture to a jar with a tight fitting lid if you are going to store it.   This will keep for at least 5 days, refrigerated.  Before using, stir the pesto to incorporate the oil accumulated at the top.