CSA Box: 12/15/2012 – Mutsu Apples & More

Mutsu & Nittany apples
Bosc Pears
Sweet Potatoes
Cippolini Onions
Winter Squash
Chestnuts
Carrots
Celery
Horseradish

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Mutsu Apples (pronounced ‘moo-tsoo’)

 

Appearance:  Greenish-yellow skin.  Very large apples

Flavor Profile:  Super sweet and juicy.

Uses:  Excellent eaten fresh, especially as a dessert apple – slice and share with friends!  Mary Margaret says it’s also a very good frying apple.

 

Nittany Apples (developed at Penn State Univeristy)

 

Appearance:  Red skin with a yellow background, slightly oblong in shape.

Flavor Profile:  Sweet-tart flavor with a crispy texture.

Uses:  Great for snacking, baking, salads, and sauces.

 

 

 Bosc Pears

Bosc Pears are a golden color when perfectly ripe, and the neck will get a little soft. The pears are ripe so be sure to store them in the refrigerator; it is not recommended to place them on the counter/at room temperature.  

 
Sweet Potatoes

The variety which we grow is ‘Porto Rico’ and they have a very creamy texture, and old fashioned flavor.  Sweet potatoes tend to oxidize quickly (even more so than apples) so if you wish to slice them before you cook them, keep them in a bowl of cool water to prevent browning.  

Cippolini Onions (pronounced ‘chip-oh-lee-knee’)

These wide, flat shaped onions are originally from Italy and have a less acrid flavor.  They are meaty and hold their shape when sautéed, but are also excellent for roasting and grilling. 

Winter Squash

Most folks will be receiving Butternut Squash, but there might be some Kabocha or Acorn squash in the mix too.  Roasting squash is the most traditional way to prepare it.  Refer to page 10 in the Kuhn Orchards Recipe/Reference booklet for roasting instructions.  Or if you want to roast your squash in cubes, peel the squash and then cube; roasting time will be reduced, so keep an eye on it.

 

Chestnuts

This is the last of our supply of Chestnuts, so unfortunately, it is not a substantial quantity that you’ll be receiving, but its just enough to enjoy!  Take a look at page 9 in the Recipe/Reference booklet for  Chestnut preparation ideas.  Be sure to store your chestnuts in the refrigerator until you use them.

 

 

Carrots

 

Our carrots are very sweet and flavorful.  We hope you will enjoy them!

Celery

Celery is a very difficult plant to grow in our climate, so not many farmers choose to grow it.  However, we have a friend who does grow celery and he will be delivering some on Thursday to include the in your CSA boxes.  We tried some last week and we were pleased with the flavor and quality.  

Horseradish

Our horseradish is very strong in flavor, and a little goes a long way.  Enjoy Mary Margaret’s father’s ‘Heapin’ Horseradish Cocktail Sauce’ recipe on page 28 of the Kuhn Orchards Recipe/Reference booklet.  When growing up, this was always a holiday treat in Mary Margaret’s household.