Belgian Endive is Here!

Jennifer — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:16:42 +0000

Frank has been talking about growing Belgian endive for quite a while and it’s actually been a year in the making. It’s a multi-step process. First you grow the seed, then chop them down and force it to grow again with a high enough temps and without any light. That’s what keeps them so pale in color.

Here’s what they look like in the ground:

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.

If you want to get a hold of them, you must reach out to the farm or swing by one of the local farmers markets like the Downtown Phoenix or Roadrunner Markets on Saturday morning.

You can also call us at the farm at (623) 363-7422 to place an order.

Aren’t they beautiful!?!

You can eat them in a salad: Apple and Endive Salad

Baked with ham and bechamel

Use them to scoop your favorite dips like hummus or a caramelized onion dip.

If you’re curious about it’s history, here’s a great little story:
Belgian endive was first produced in 1830, by accident. The story goes that Jan Lammers, a Brussels farmer, stored chicory roots in his cellar, intending to dry and roast them for coffee (a common practice in 19th century Europe). But when Lammers returned to his farm after serving in the Belgian War of Independence, he had achieved quite different results. The roots, having rested for several months in the dark, had sprouted small, white leaves. Curious, Lammers took a taste and found the leaves to be tender, moist and crunchy. (source: bigoven.com)

We hope you get to enjoy our Belgian endive this week!

Crooked Sky Farms Now Open To Public For Drop-In Orders

Jennifer — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:30:37 +0000

Hungry for Crooked Sky Farms produce but can’t wait for your CSA basket, the farmers’ markets or Chow Locally pick-up? Well, come on down! We’re welcoming you to stop by for your favorite greens, roots and everything in between. Swing by weekdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and give us a call to reserve and expedite your pick-up order (623) 363-7422. We’re at 2134 S. 16th Ave Phoenix 85007, drive in onto the gravel road and park where you see cars, we’ll be over near the red shack working on gathering up food for our friends and CSA members.

Here’s a little peek at what you will find right now:

Amaranth Greens

Beets

Chicory

Greens: Arugula, Lettuces (butter, green leaf, lolla rosa, romaine, tango), Asian Varieties (Bok Choy, Tatsoi, Shungiku, Mustards, Mizuna, Collards, Chards, Kale (curly, Red Russian and Toscano) and Rapini

Herbs: Basil, Cilantro, Dandelion, Dill and baby Fennel

Leeks

I’itoi Onions

Potatoes

Radishes: Daikon, Easter Egg, French Breakfast, Shunkyo, Black Spanish, Alta Glove, Valentine

Rutabaga

Squash: Butternut, Cushaw, Flying Saucer, Neck pumpkins, Patty Pan, Spaghetti, Summer, Winter, Yellow, Mexican Grey

Sweet Potatoes

Turnip: Hakurei, Purple Top and Scarlet

Fall Harvest Photos and Introducing New Team Member and Photographer Monica Gonzalez

Jennifer — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:24:11 +0000

We wish you could spend the mornings with us smelling the cool fresh air and plucking the hearty and strong fall greens and roots from the ground. We are hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and families. We know we did. Many of you told us on Facebook and Twitter that many of your meals included Crooked Sky Farms produce and that makes us so happy that we could be part of such a special holiday that celebrates abundance. We are thankful everyday for our members and market friends who support and allow us to continue to do what we love and share the harvest.

I hope to post a photo of Monica who will be helping Frank as a bookeeping/sales/photography assistant to him and the farm. Check out her first set of photos. So pretty, right?

Montessori Academy CSA

Jennifer — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:44:43 +0000

Dear friends in the Paradise Valley area…here are some details from the Montessori Academy CSA:

The new Montessori Academy CSA just began its second season.
Memberships are open to the public (you do not have to be affiliated with the school).
Our weekly pick-ups take place every Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., at Montessori Academy, 6050 N. Invergordon Rd., Paradise Valley (major cross streets are Scottsdale and McDonald).
For more information, please email csa@azma.org.

Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Jennifer — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 05:49:33 +0000

Did anyone come see us today and get one of our roasted ears of corn. The smell of roasted corn is just so intoxicating, almost as good as roasted chiles. Oh, who are we kidding, roasted anything will make us smile.

Here are a few pics we took from last week’s market Downtown: