Hello Mama!

First, I owe you all a little apology after last month’s newsletter. We sent out a whole “Ode to the Tomato”… and then all you got were cherry tomatoes. 😅 Some of the other tomatoes we ordered came in short supply, so they never made it into your totes. But the good news? This month we are absolutely swimming in tomatoes! You’ll find beautiful heirloom slicers as well as saucing tomatoes. If you’ve never tried making a quick tomato sauce for pasta, this is the time—simple, fresh, and the very essence of summer flavor.

Ode to Late Summer & the Turn of the Seasons

September has always been one of my favorite times on the farm. After pushing through the heat of late July and August, those cooler mornings feel like such a gift. The fields are still full of summer veggies, but the first hints of fall are starting to appear—winter squash rolling in and tender salad greens making a comeback. It’s a little like running a marathon and finally spotting the finish line just ahead.

One fun (and very unexpected) thing this year: we get to enjoy watermelon, winter squash, and poblano peppers in the same box. Normally, those crops don’t overlap, but thanks to this wild summer weather, the poblanos and squash matured early while the watermelons kept producing longer than usual. Most peppers feel like “summer” produce, but poblano peppers have always felt like “fall” to me—they’re hearty, pair beautifully with cheese, and shine when roasted or cooked to bring out their smoky flavor. I’m so excited we get to experience this rare combo together!

And beyond the veggies—don’t forget to flip to page 3 for details about our upcoming U-Pick Flower Event on September 26th. I wasn’t able to attend last year’s, so I’m especially thrilled to be part of this one. Green Trails Farm is planning a gorgeous evening filled with sunset photos, stunning bouquets, a catered dinner, and plenty of memories. We cannot wait to see you there!

Food Justice For All,

The FarmerHer to Mama Team

Anne, Anna, Virginia, Becca T, Allyssa, Veronica, Alyssa, Sarah, and Becca K

September Goodies

Jake’s Country Meats- Cassopolis, MI
Cottage Bacon Tomatoes
Hulitt Homestead - Portage, IN
Parsley
DeJong Farm - Merriville, IN
Parsley - Candy Onion
Zandstra’s - Highland, IN
Watermelon - Summer Squash - Saucing Tomatoes -
Line In The Sand Farm - Hanna, IN
Mixed Peppers
Garwood Orchards - Laporte, IN
Roma Tomatoes - Poblano Peppers - Slicing Tomatoes
Tuholski Produce - Laporte, IN
Delicata Squash - Roma Tomatoes
Kankakee Valley Homestead - Walkerton, IN
Eggs - Beef
Perkins Good Earth - Demotte, IN
Mixed Greens - Heirloom Slicers

Foodie Tips

Tomatoes - Nothing beats a piece of toast, mayo and salted tomatoes, in my book as this is the only time of year such a simple pleasure can be had. If that doesn’t work for you, dice them up, add some onion and garlic and simmer until the tomatoes start to break down. Toss in some pasta and voila, dinner is served!
Watermelon - Most of these appeared to be at their peak ripeness so keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to devour. This year has been the best year I’ve experienced for melons and sadly these are the last. Savor every bite!
Greens - We have a mix of chard and Asian greens. I like to lay them flat one on top of the other, roll them into a cigar shape and thinly slice creating ribbons. Excellent in salad - add at the last minute so they wilt but retain their color. Don’t forget the gorgeous chard stems for color and a little bite!
Eggs - Keep these in the fridge for up to 30 days.