Produce Guide:

1) Kale (Portuguese OR Lacinato)

2) Tisane Bouquet

3) Alcosa Cabbage head

4) Marketmore & Persian Cucumber

5) Summer Squash

6) Chives

7) Live Oak Farm Greens Mix

Friends of the Farm-

Happy Friday and welcome back to another week of Live Oak Farm CSA...

Despite Northern California's reservations for fully embracing the Summer season yet this year, some of the first signs of Summer have shown themselves by way of crops in the field and harvestable produce this week. We celebrated our very first ripe tomatoes from the vine, Persian & Marketmore Cucumbers, Blueberries, and Summer Squash. More of these, along with the near arrival of strawberries, eggplant, peppers, beans, tomatillos, and more are encroaching with more sunny days ahead.

For our recipe this week we keep it simple by highlighting the multi-purpose bouquet in your produce box. On the surface it's a pretty mini bouquet that's fitting for your kitchen window or to bring a splash of color to your kitchen table. But beyond aesthetics this bouquet also doubles as an edible, herbal mix of seasonal flowers ready for enjoyment. Tisane has been a long standing after-meal refresher in my house stemming from some of my first herb gardens and stints working in farm-to-table restaurants. Less is more and fresh is best in this case. Leaning on the power of seasonal herbs and flowers, tisane is a simple tea made of hot water, honey, and mixed steeped botanicals. (Lemon Verbena tisane remains as my first love and perennial go-tos). This week's bouquet offers expressions of Calendula, Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, and more. Brew any one favorite, or build your own bundled blend. Recipe below...

Lastly, we welcome you to enjoy our weekly music playlist..

We begin this week with Ennio Morricone's epic, The Ecstasy Of Gold, taken from the signature The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly soundtrack (1967). Followed by respective Northern & Southern Californian icons, Metalilca (Fuel) and Ozomatli (Cut Chemist Suite) named for the group's turntablist DJ (also a member of Jurassic 5). NYC's Menahan Street Band graces us with The Traitor (recognizable sample material for Kid Cudi's, Solo Dolo). John Martyn's Dealer and Usha Uthup's, One Two Cha Cha Cha are also noteworthy digs. Be on the listen for the "that's the way ugh-huh, ugh-huh I like it" drop in the latter. Another cover of the track Take Me to The River returns to this week's playlist, this time by Levon Helm (drummer / vocalist, the Band).

Enjoy this music and the longest days of Summer!

All our best from the farm,

Tom & William and Live Oak Farm team

Farm Tisane

Ingredients:

handful of mixed herbs & edible flowers from bouquet

1 Tbsp local Honey

Lemon wedge

Method:

Bring an electric hot water or stovetop kettle to a boil. Prepare a french press with picked herbs & flowers from this week's bouquet. Add 1 Tbsp honey to the french press and slowly pour hot water, gently over the herbs and flowers until full.

Allow the tisane to steep for 2-5 minutes or until desired concentration. Purge french press and pour into your favorite mug. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge.

Adjust flavor / sweetness with any additional honey.

Serve hot & enjoy!

(Note: tisane may also be brewed hot, then iced and served cold for a chilled option)

LIVE OAK FARM at the Farmer's Market...

A reminder that you can now find farmers Tom & William each Thursday night at the Occidental Community Farmer's Market!

The market runs seasonally through October 28, 2023.

Market starts at 4pm and runs till 8pm / dusk.

Family-friendly with produce, live music, food vendors, and community fun.

Come say hello and support our farm and other local vendors each Thursday night.

Link here for market website, to view details and participating vendors.

Save the dates!

If you've attended these dinners in the past you know how much fun a night at the farm is highlighted by hyper-seasonal produce and the creativity of guest chefs. We're proud to announce two new dinners that highlight local culinary programs from restaurants here in Sonoma County, Street Social and Bloom (Petaluma & Sonoma, respectively). We can't wait to share our farm's summer harvest with our guests as well as raise a glass in community with some really great wine partners by way of Darling Wines and Kivelstadt Cellars as well.

Tickets are now available for first access to our September 23rd farm dinner with partners, Street Social & Darling Wines!

Follow the link here to Eventbrite to secure your seat now, or click the banner below.

August 5th dinner tickets releasing soon!

Reminder - We Recycle! 

We encourage you to return your CSA boxes to your pick-up location, or leave cartons, boxes, and other farm CSA reusables at your doorstep for exchange on Friday delivery days. A big thank you to the many of you that already participate in our recycling efforts!

We thank all those who have recently joined us in this practice as well. Your recycling efforts are noticed & appreciated! Thank you!