WEEK 2
Veggie Coop Notes
Veggie Coop Coordinator: Mike Rabinowitz. Drop-off is at 6 p.m. Science Building Parking Lot. If you are running late, because you had to pick up at the Soccer Game of some other important thing, please phone us at home: 895-2884 before 5 p.m. which is the time we leave the house to go to farm to load the bags. We are in route from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Mike will have the Farm Cell, 689-7693. After 6, use the Cell Number to let Mike know you will be later, rather than sooner, or to request that your veggies go back to the chill room on the farm. There is no rush to get out to the farm. Phone to let us know you are coming; the veggies will keep for a couple of days. Bags not claimed within that time period will be redistributed, rather than let them deteriorate in the cooler.
ONE WEEK DOWN. THIRTEEN TO GO!
We received several e-mails, from both returning and new members, thanking us for the fresh, delicious vegetables. And, a couple of “complaints” or inquiries about a missing vegetable or something to that effect. We appreciate hearing from you, especially, if you have any questions about the products or have something in the bag you want to know more about. Over the years, we have learned to use greens of various kinds in various ways, juicing, steaming, soups and stir fries, etc. Often these were recipes sent along to us from folks who are more gourmet minded than we are. Let us know your favourite way to prepare these early vegetables and we will pass it along!
Disappointing Situation!
The First Week, we had three new members opt out after their bags were packed and ready to deliver. We just got an e-mail, something like, “ I realize it is too far to come to pick-up, or “ my friend decided not to join and I can’t afford to be in, by myself.” The issue was not that they changed their mind, but that it was a last minute decision. Obviously, people do not realize that the vegetables are not picked until the day of and amounts picked and processed are to meet the numbers. All of this effort is costly and it will take planning to get these vegetables used while they are at their freshest. This has never happened before. Although we request that members pay an installment on membership, before delivery dates, we failed to insist. Even though this is the first year this has happened, Lessons Learned! Never again!
Over the Sink Please!
It is best to hold the bag over the sink and take your veggies out in a way that any unsuspecting insect will fall into the sink, instead of scurrying across the counter top to ride under the toaster. You may have already learned that Chinese cabbage is a luxury hotel for insects and lettuce is a lower class motel. Although we keep the fields clear of weeds, in an organic setting, once an insect has found a home to snuggle into and have a good snack, they may decide to have children to take advantage of the good accommodations.
Holy Vegetables!
Holes, nibbled by insects is common in leafy vegetables such as kale. In fact, if the leafy veggies you see at the supermarket are free of holes, it probably means they were sprayed, not once, but several times through out the season. Ten years ago, when the children of Bob and Heather Pâté were preschoolers, Bob referred to the kale as holey. The Patey family is a church going family and the children were a little confused, by the word, “holey.” Bob explained that meant the kale had holes, but it also meant the kale was good. The Pateys are still coop members, the children are teen-agers and the kale and spinach is still holy!!
Salad Soup.
Several years ago, Roxie was a graduate student in the Psychology Department at MUN. She was a vegetarian and talked her husband, into joining the Veggie Coop, even though he hated vegetables. What to do with those early greens and lettuces? Oh, Well, Why Not? Roxie put them all in together and made soup, which Cary admitted that he liked. Later, this young couple moved to Ontario. They met us at a Child Development Conference in Albuquerque and joined us for dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Cary was surprised when he saw the grilled zucchini, served along side the steak teriyaki. Admitting that the lettuce soup was the closest he had ever gotten to trying “real” vegetables, he did try grilled zucchini. That was several years ago. We are still in touch with Roxy and Cary and glad to report that Cary now enjoys vegetables and has become a vegetarian!!!
OPEN INVITATION!
Please remember that we welcome you and your family to visit the farm and see where the vegetables grow. Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. is the best time, but, I am also available on Sundays and by appointment. Bring the children, grandparents or friends!
We will provide seating from people who are less able to walk or stand.
— Melba Rabinowitz, July 8, 2012
