The tomatillo harvest is in full swing, and we are putting it to delicious use this Saturday at the Easton farmers’ market. But first, a little story from the farm about what it actually takes to grow organic vegetables in the middle of summer.
10,000 Tiny Allies in the Tomato Field
Recently we noticed significant pest pressure from Colorado potato beetle larvae in our tomato rows. For an organic farm that doesn’t depend on pesticides or herbicides, managing pests means getting creative, and this past week we did just that. We ordered 10,000 green lacewing eggs and released them directly into the field.
Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of soft-bodied insect pests. They roam plant foliage hunting for prey including eggs, nymphs, and adults, making them one of nature’s most effective pest control solutions. A few had already hatched inside the package when it arrived, which felt like a good sign. We are counting on this tiny army to get to work quickly and help us protect the tomato plants that are now carrying a full season’s worth of fruit.
This is what organic farming looks like up close: not reaching for chemicals, but working with nature to find a better way. We will keep you posted on how the lacewings are doing.
Tomatillo Salsa Is Back
Now for the delicious part. With our tomatillo harvest in full swing we are bringing back one of our most popular seasonal offerings: our house-made Tomatillo Salsa, also known as salsa verde. Made fresh from our own farm-grown tomatillos, hot peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, kosher salt, and black pepper. That is it, no fillers, no preservatives. The taste of fresh salsa puts anything in a bottle to shame, and this one is no exception.
Use it on tacos, eggs, with tortilla chips, or honestly on just about anything. Just like our garlic scape pesto, it freezes beautifully, so stock up and enjoy it long after tomatillo season ends. We expect it to go fast so ordering ahead is strongly encouraged.
This Week’s Special: Salsa Verde Pork Taco
We are putting that fresh tomatillo salsa to work right away. This Saturday’s taco special features tender slow-cooked pork simmered in our own robust tomatillo salsa, giving it a gentle heat and loads of deep, rich flavor, served on a warm corn tortilla. From our harvest to your hands to your taste buds, it does not get much fresher than this.
Take-Home Frozen Meal: Pumpkin and White Sweet Potato Enchiladas
This Saturday’s ready-to-heat frozen meal is a farm favorite: our heirloom pumpkin and white sweet potatoes roasted with onions, wrapped in corn tortillas, covered in a mild red sauce with a touch of heat, and topped with a delicious blend of cheeses. Pick it up at the booth, take it home, and heat it up whenever you are ready.
Also at the Booth
We will have cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, heirloom garlic, a few remaining luffa sponges, and a selection of certified organic seedlings. Browse everything available at quarter-acre.com/shop and place your order for Saturday pickup by Thursday, July 30th at 8pm. If you prefer to wait, plan to arrive at the market before 10am for the best selection, the tomatillo salsa in particular will not last long.
We cannot wait to see you this Saturday, August 1st, 8am to 12pm, rain or shine!