By Caleb Goldberg
We recommend plastic bags but if you can afford to purchase some reusable, mesh bags, they are definitely worth the investment and help to keep your produce very fresh.
Summer Squash: The fruits of squash plants, often baked, sauteed, or roasted. The squash in this share is crookneck squash, which is small and bright yellow. Summer squash is quite fragile and does not store well, so handle with care. Can store in a refrigerator for up to four days, after it has been washed and sealed in a plastic bag.
Sugar Snap Peas: A special kind of pea pod that is entirely edible. Each pod is small but plump, and is curved with each end smaller than the middle. In this share, the peas can be found in the smaller paper bag. Can be eaten raw, stir-fried, or steamed. Will store for five days in a refrigerator after being placed in a sealed plastic bag WITHOUT washing. Best eaten as soon as possible.
Spinach: A type of green leaf that can be eaten raw in salads, sauteed, boiled, or baked with other foods. In this share, the spinach is in a tight bundle. Wrapped in plastic wrap or bagged in a sealed plastic bag, spinach will store up to ten days in a refrigerator. Best eaten with lemon or vinegar (Vitamin C) to help liberate the iron.
Head of Lettuce: A naturally-growing bunch of leaves popularly eaten in salads. Lettuce comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes, but the lettuce in this share is green, elongated, and about eight to ten inches the long way. Stores much better than many other greens; can last one to three weeks in a refrigerator when sealed in a sealed plastic bag WITHOUT washing first.
Beets & Greens: A beautiful bright red root that is pulled out of the ground when it is about the size of a baseball. They can be boiled, pickled, or sauteed. Some people like eating them raw, especially grated into salads. The greens are the leaves of the plant, and can be eaten raw in salads, gently and slightly boiled, or sauteed. Beets will last two weeks in a refrigerator, placed in a tupperware or a sealed plastic bag.
Garlic Scapes: The thin green stems and flower buds from the same plant garlic grows from. Can be braised, stir-fried, or made into pesto. Will last for two or three weeks in a refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag.
Kale: Another type of leaf that can be eaten in various ways. It is commonly steamed, boiled, roasted, or eaten raw in salads. Kale is darker green and more wrinkled-looking than spinach or lettuce. Kale will store for about a week in a sealed plastic bag in a refrigerator.
Broccoli: A naturally-occuring bunch of flower buds which can be steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. It can also be cut into smaller branches and eaten raw, especially in salads or dipped in cheese or hummus. Broccoli does not store well and will only last two or three days, so use quickly. Wrap loosely in a paper towel before putting it in the refrigerator. But do NOT put it in a plastic bag or wash it beforehand, because this will make it harder for it to get air.
