1st CSA Delivery

Welcome Friends,

Our first deliveries went out last week to some very happy Ventura residents. We currently have 21 members and like our crops the program grows daily. On a personal level, we would like to express our gratitude for the vital support from our new friends, old friends and family. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Steve Sprinkel for his mentorship, commitment and bold vision for food production in our watershed.

I spoke with a couple of members over the weekend to get some feedback on their experience. One of the concerns that surfaced was in regards to keeping the herbs from wilting. This is a mutual concern of ours. I think the answer to this issue is two fold. First, I will deliver the herbs in an ice chest using reusable ice packs to keep the herbs cool. Secondly, and this is up to you.... the closer you arrive to the drop time at 11:30 the fresher the veggies will be.

Elizabeth and I were weeding the beets yesterday and while musing about what next week share would look like we started talking about abundance. It's a tricky thing, abundance.

Abundance and scarcity temper one another. In some ways, we learn to appreciate what abundantly surrounds us knowing how special too much of a good thing can be when it's gone. For example, we have lots of dill, cilantro, and basil. The basil just matured this week and the dill is on its way out. So, how do we express how precious it is to have dill right now, even though we've been eating it for months. "But when it's gone....we'll miss it." She's right. I will.

Here's the point: We give what we have. If seeing dill again doesn't suprise you, let it inspire you. Try making a dish you haven't made before. Get freaky and put it in a salad. We challenge you to push through these flat spots on our collective pallete and urge you on to the promised land of culinary innovation.

This coming week has given us: Beets, Cillantro, Carrots, Fennel, Lettuce, Squash, Basil, Dill, Chard and a few other surprises. We are working on more flowers, and stone fruits are on the horizon. Please let us know if you or your neighbors have fruit trees that may be used to support our growing food foundation.

Well, thanks again for your love and support. I look forward to seeing you all again this week.

John Fonteyn

riogozofarm@gmail.com