last of the sunflowers. regal.

 looking up at a towering sunflower head always makes me smile, not so much when they are drying, or so I thought, but many reasons to smile. I begin my hunt for intact flower heads. without bird damage, without signs of spoilage. Lots of options among this thick volunteer sunflower forest.  my hori hori is put to quick use, cutting off heads one by one. dry leaves and stems begin sticking to my clothing. sap and resin coat my hands and arms and shoulders and my pants as I try to rub off this sticky substance.  it smells good.aromatherapy?! I rub my hands now thru my beard and hair, I stroke the 10' stems gathering this sticky smelly substance deep into my pores. kind of smells like pine trees.
"Oh I didnt know you had it in you? sunflower."
 Ultimately, a timely diversion led me to a wonderful world of discovery. The therapeutic qualities of the plant world cease to amaze me.  folks its been an excellent journey so far. In humility and honor.
this is in your box this week...

leaving the farm this morning. mt konocti ahead.

Sunflower head: Full Moon. Wish I could have taken all the work out of enjoying these sunflower seeds for ya. alas, hope you enjoy it. Totally edible. harvested at their peak and dried in the greenhouse for a couple weeks. simply rub the head with your thumb or  hand to remove the seeds. toast and salt in the shell, crack them as is in your mouth or plant them in your garden next spring.  makes a great friend.

Beets: Full Moon. While harvesting these at sunset I kept getting the most ineresting olfactory stimulation. I thought somebody was making candied raspberries or some incredible weed was growing among the beets that I have never smelled before. Aha it was a volunteer melon. stinking up the place almost indecently.  I digress. A mix of red and gold beets this week. Sure to please.

Red Russian Kale: Full Moon. Loyal standby in the field and on the plate. Tender leaves and robust stems.
Ready to fulfill your nutritious desires.

Black Velvet Tomato: Leonardis Organics. The production of a hybrid with the flavor reminiscent of an heirloom. A totally unique flavor & appearance in the world of tomatoes. Immature fruit actually has a sweeter more sugary flavor, as the fruit matures it brings complexity with a nice mix of acids and sugars, rich and flavorful.  Lovely salad or sandwich tomato.

Hokkaido Stella Blue Winter Squash: Leonardis Organics. Light Blue skin, yellow/orange flesh inside. A terrific winter squash. Sweet and nutty flavor. Similar to the japanese buttercup or kabocha squash. great roasted, baked, blended into a soup or sauce. Any way you slice it. so pretty and unusual, makes a great centerpiece, and after your bored looking at it. throw it in the oven and eat it. yum.

Ruffled Red Pimiento/Jimmy Nardello Sweet Peppers: Leonardis Organics. Two of my favorite sweet peppers. The Nardello heirloom pepper is long and thin skinned. while the Pimiento pepper is squat and thick walled. Both are delicious and juicy. great raw or cooked.

Bella Dulce or Arava Melon: Full Moon. Ok now we are on borrowed time. The weather has been too cooperative this fall. No more water and these puppies are still jamming. If you can muster the patience, let it sit on the counter till you smell something indecent and then dig in."Indecent" is the new word when it comes to melons. thanks bronwen.

End of the year bed for squash and cucumbers, and a slice of "oh so sweet" watermelon made it into the box at the last minute.