Organic Leeks, SHINGAI, San Juan Bautista, CA
Resembling a giant scallion, leeks are a staple in European cooking. Used to add complexity and depth to dishes, leeks are delicate, sweet and succulent. A relative of garlic, shallots and onions, pair leeks with delicate cream sauces, butter, and fish.
Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, plus Folate, Manganese, and fiber, store leeks for 4 or 5 days in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in a damp towel in a plastic bag. Leave untrimmed until just before use.
Rinse leeks thoroughly before use, as their thick stalks easily trap dirt and grit. Before use, trim the roots at the base as well as discard any damaged outer leaves.
Organic Arugula, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA
Although arugula appears to be a leafy green, it is in fact an annual herb. Resembling long oak leaves, arugula is distinct for its peppery spice and fresh herbaceous nose. Arugula is extremely versatile – use as a salad green, as a peppery kick to sandwiches, an alternative topping to pizza, an attractive bed for grilled fish, or lightly sautéed as a side dish. Native to Morocco and Portugal, arugula is also known as "rocket" or "garden rocket." Use arugula within one week; store loosely wrapped in the refrigerator.
Organic Meyer Lemons, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA
Meyer lemons are distinct from traditional Eureka or Lisbon Lemons: their signature round shape, vibrant yellow peel, oily and especially fragrant skin, and lower acid, extra sweet flesh. Use in baking, in vinaigrettes and marinades, or to add a special touch to lemonade and cocktails.
Store Meyer lemons in a bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Organic Rainbow Chard, TANGO, San Juan Bautista, CA
While all chard leaves are green, the stems and ribs can vary from pale white to bright orange to fuchsia or deep red. Rainbow Chard is also known as "5-color Silverbeet," and was originally given the name "Swiss Chard" to distinguish it from several varieties of spinach in early French seed catalogues. Considered to be one of the more healthful and nutrient dense vegetables, chard is ideal for steaming or sautéing, or added to soups or pastas. The crisp stems should be removed and cooked separately. In season in late spring to early winter, chard is rich in Vitamins A, C & K plus fiber, iron and protein. Wrap loosely in damp towels and store for two to three days in the refrigerator.
Organic Kohlrabi, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA
A literal translation of the German "kohl" (cabbage) and "rabi" (turnip,) these green, white and sometimes even purple gems are excellent raw, sliced into salads or grated into coleslaws. Cooked Kohlrabi is especially delicious with creamy or cheesy foods and stands up well to spicy flavors. A member of the cabbage family, kohlrabi greens are slightly bitter, while their bulbs have a mild, sweet flavor. Kohlrabi may be in season both in spring and late fall.
Kohlrabi is rich in Vitamin C, B6, Potassium and Dietary Fiber, and a good source of Thiamin & Folate. Snip off the stalks and store with the bulbs loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. The greens will last for several days, and the bulbs for a week or more. Unless very small, peel the bulbs before cooking.
Organic certification is provided by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF.)CCOF has been helping to create and maintain extremely high standards in organic farming since 1973.
Optional Additions:
Additional Fruit: Organic Flavor Rosa Pluots, HOMEGROWN ORGANIC FARMS, Porterville, CA
Vegetarian: Garlic & Onion Chevre, DRAKE FAMILY FARMS, West Jordan, UT
Omnivore: Garlic & Onion Chevre, DRAKE FAMILY FARMS, West Jordan, UT and Porcini Sausage (2 Pack) CREMINELLI FINE MEATS, Salt Lake City, UT
Omnivore Plus: Garlic & Onion Chevre, DRAKE FAMILY FARMS, West Jordan, UT and Porcini Sausage (4 Pack) CREMINELLI FINE MEATS, Salt Lake City, UT