CSA pick-up tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be our first pick-up at the farm!  I can't wait to meet everyone, share some knowledge, chat, and give out some herbs, veggies, and flowers.

So what can you expect in your share?  And then, when you get home, what can you even do with them?  I'll start off by saying pretty much everything, aside from the flowers and greens, can be made into tea. I'm not sure if I've heard of basil tea but I'm sure it would taste interesting!


When it comes to fresh goods, you can expect:

Mixed baby lettuce and greens - great on a sandwich or as a salad. You could even use a homemade salad dressing on it by combining some herbs, vinegar, and/or oil.

Flowers - use to decorate whatever! Also tulips can be used to bring in love and beauty, and daffodils for personal strength, good luck, and love as well.

Thyme - used to season foods of make a healthful tea, great for colds.  I love using it on chicken and pretty much everything.  It can also be made into a smudge stick to clear the air, especially after a sickness - be careful not to burn too much, though, as it can smell a bit like pot.

Culinary Sage  - used to season foods - especially well-known in Thanksgiving stuffing.  It also makes a great addition to chicken, soups, stews, and baked goods.  (I'm thinking of trying these out sage-corn-muffins and Buttermilk-Sage Dinner Rolls).  You can also use their leaves to make a tea that is good for sore throats and makes a great gargle.  Magically, sage is very well known and there is a ton of interesting lore attached to it. Although culinary sage shouldn't be burned like white sage, it can still be used for similar things.

Catnip - not only used for driving your cat crazy or in other cat related activities, you can also make a tea out of it that is very slightly minty as it is part of the mint family.

Mixed Mints - I've heard it's good with pork or lamb, but have yet to try it. It can also be used as a
substitute for cilantro in some recipes.  Use for a refreshing tea hot or cold, and is good for the stomach and keeping cravings at bay. You can freeze it or make jelly with it as well.  Magically, it's great for healing and home protection - possibly because mice are supposed to hate it.

Stinging Nettle - be careful! The fresh plant will give you a bit of a sting, so you might want to wear gloves. Letting it wilt, drying, or chopping it up will get rid of the sting as well.  Traditionally, they're used with potatoes to make a nutritious soup to perk you up after a long winter. They can also be used for a pesto or as a substitute for spinach.  Don't forget to make a tea out of it too for an extra boost of vitamins. Use around the home or as a broom for protection against evil.



And for dry goodies:

Dandelion root - can be used as a vegetable in soups or possibly after being boiled a few times and then sauteing, but I have a feeling they might still be a bit too bitter. I certainly don't recommend eating it as-is, though. I tried it and it could have been worse.  Mostly, they are used as a tea or a caffeine-free coffee substitute after chopping and roasting for a bit. It will also stimulate the digestive system, so it's good to perk-up an appetite. (How To Make Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee)  They also make a great addition to sleep pillows!

Echinacea root - make into a tea or tincture!  It's a very popular medicinal herb and can also used to strengthen spells.

Basil - awesome seasoning, especially for Italian dishes like marinara sauce.  It also brings good luck and wealth and is great for purification.

Sage and nettle - see fresh notes above.

There will also be artwork, writing, choose your own necklace and some other surprises in the shares.  If something else ends up being ready for harvest tomorrow, I'll add it on Friday.  I'm so excited for tomorrow!   Remember, always do your own research and talk to your doctor before using any herbs medicinally, as drug interactions may occur and some herbs are not compatible with pregnancy or liver issues. Stay healthy!

Enjoy,
Amber