October on the Farm
Burdock Harvest 2020
Greetings Everyone,
Well, September ended with quite a spectacular display of color! We found ourselves oohing & awing like tourists over all the stunning foliage color(s). Grateful for yet another reason to be living in this wonderful and beautiful State of Vermont.
September also brought some early frigid weather. We had a killing frost four nights in a row which did in the more tender plants, basils, peppers, summer squash etc., even those protected in the unheated greenhouses. Initially, it is always a bit devastating to see everything limp and lifeless, but eventually, it almost feels like a relief to start the cleaning-up process...especially if you'd managed to harvest your crops beforehand!
October 1st was the first day of the burdock harvest here on the farm and it was a stellar day. Warm, sunny weather and an awesome crew made for a very productive day. Day two of the burdock harvest, on the other hand, was wet and cool. At noon, the consensus was unanimous and the soaked and muddy crew headed home until next week. The harvest will continue for the next week or two.
If you are wondering what one does with burdock root, our favorite recipe is KINPIRA, which you can google and find many variations. It's easy, very tasty and good for you. Personally, I don't add the sugar and sake, so feel free to mix it up and to add other veggies...hmmm, maybe parsnips? Besides a burdock stir fry, we usually have some dried burdock on hand for a healthy tea alternative.
This morning I picked the last cantaloupe and we savored it's wonderful summer sweetness on this cool fall day. Things always become more precious when they are no longer in abundance.
So, for now, we wish you all a very healthy fall, in every possible way. You'll be hearing from us again in January 2021, when we can give you all the exciting news about what we are growing for the spring!
Now, I'm off to plant tulip and daffodil bulbs for some early spring cheer....one can't have too much of that, right? Talk about a precious commodity!
Sally and the Cate Farm Team
