Cheers to 25 Years!

This year we celebrate 25 years of delivering organically grown produce fresh from our fields to your doorstep. From our family to yours, we thank you for your support of not only our Farm Fresh To You Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Box program but also for working with us to grow a better food system. Enjoy a look back at our family scrapbook. 

A Guide to Winter Squash

It's time to get cozy with winter squash!

This guide will take you through 4 different varieties of our favorite winter squash and how to use them in your seasonal dishes like a pro. 

Squash can add a vibrant and robust flavor to your soups, stews, roasts, salads and even pancakes! Winter squash is low in calories and a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Squash is low in fat and provides significant amounts of potassium, important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems.

Let's get squashin'!

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin. Did you know that butternut squash is technically a fruit because it contains seeds? However, it is used as a vegetable and can be roasted, sauteed and pureed. 

Butternut squash can be rather daunting to prep, but fear not! We will tell you our best methods to making this task simple. First you will need to have a large, sharp knife and vegetable peeler, and a secure and stable place to cut. Cut about 1/4" off the top stem and bottom end first, to help keep the squash steady on your board. Holding the squash in one hand and use a vegetable peeler to peel off the outer layer. Once peeled, cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Scrape out the seeds, save them for roasting, and stringy pulp. You can roast the squash whole with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings of choice, or cut into cubes and store in the freezer for later use.

Storage Tip
Keep your butternut squash whole, in a cool, dry place for 1-2 months. Store cooked butternut in the refrigerator in a tightly-sealed container for up to 5 days.

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash belongs to the same species as most types of summer squash, but is eaten at its mature stage in the winter. This squash is oval shaped and pale yellow in color with green stripes going down all sides. The taste is similar to a sweet potato and has a creamy texture. The skin is soft and edible. 

Delicata squash are easy to prepare as you don't have to remove the skin. If you are using the squash as a puree for a soup or baked treats we recommend cutting the top and bottom off first, slicing down the middle, scooping out the seeds, (save them for roasting) and drizzling with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Roast the squash at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

If you are using this squash as an addition to salads and side-dishes we recommend slicing the squash width-wise to create beautiful half moon shapes before roasting; they are adorable and satisfying. 

Storage Tip

Keep your squash whole in a cool, dry place for 1-2 months, no need to refrigerate. 

Cooked delicata will last up to 5 days in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator. 

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is the "spaghetti" of vegetables because when it's cooked, the flesh falls into strands or ribbons similar to spaghetti noodles. Ranging in color from ivory to yellow/orange, this squash is large in size, and oval in shape, similar to a melon. The texture of  the cooked squash is tender with a slight crunch and has a very mild, almost bland flavor.

Click here for helpful instructions on How to Cook Spaghetti Squash.

Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb alternative to pasta dishes. Just add your favorite sauce and fresh herbs. Spaghetti squash can be stuffed and even turned into your favorite chow mein!

Storage Tip
Uncut squash will keep for up to 1 month in a cool, dry place. Once squash is cut it should be kept refrigerated and tightly-sealed. Cut squash is best to use within 3-5 days. 

Sugar Pie Pumpkin

Sugar pie pumpkins are smaller, ranging from 2-4 pounds, and sweeter than your typical carving pumpkin. Their flesh is also firmer and less stringy. These pumpkins are most commonly used for baking, but can also be cooked down into a delicious pasta sauce.

Be sure to check out our helpful instructions for How to Roast a Sugar Pie Pumpkin or How to Steam and Puree Your Sugar Pie Pumpkin.

Storage Tip
Sugar pie pumpkins will keep in a cool, dry place for up to a month. Cooked pumpkin will last 3-5 days in a tightly-sealed contain in the refrigerator. 

We hope you have fun making your winter squash dishes! 

We'd love to see your finished recipes, so don't forget to post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag us @farmfreshtoyou

Farm-Style Annual Holiday Gift Guide

The season of giving is here, and we've made it easy for you to select the perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list. We've curated an assortment of some of our favorite farm-style gifts to give and receive. Most of these items can be added conveniently to your Farm Box delivery when you Customize Your Box!

Tyto Alba Rodent Warriors

Farm News

There is a problem in my orchards that is literally growing with the trees. At first, I only noticed evidence of this issue here and there. But in the middle of the summer, I was driving by my fig orchard and noticed that an old tree—which was fine in the spring—was dead. In an orchard filled with lush green fig trees, this one was completely brown. I knelt down at the base of the fig tree, and I could see that a little animal had eaten a thin layer off the bark, all the way around the tree right where the trunk met the soil. The tree had been girdled to death. The vital movement through the bark that connects the roots to the leaves stopped. Voles!

Shop Small: Hand Made Basket & Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Did you know there are close to 4-million small businesses in California alone? Shopping small is near and dear to us. Our family started farming and selling produce at the Davis Farmers Market in the 1970s. In 1992, our mother, Kathleen Barsotti, started Farm Fresh To You, our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Box program. Our organic produce delivery service began with a handful of customers and boxes being delivered in our grandparent’s Buick. It was crazy and wonderful to see more and more boxes leave our farm each week. As we enter the season of giving, we encourage you to shop small, too.

Here are a few tips for shopping small this season:

Thanksgiving on the Farm

Farm News

Thanksgiving is the time on the farm that I most adore. The first rain has always hit the farm, stirring up the fresh smell of moist dirt and washing the dust from the long, hot summer off the trees, tractors and buildings.

Thanksgiving Recipes To Fall For

The holiday season allows us the opportunity to gather and celebrate our beloved kitchen traditions. These recipes are a collection of some of our favorites around the holiday table. You can easily add many ingredients you'll need for Thanksgiving when you Customize Your Box.

Our Farm Ecosystem

Farm News

There is a project down by the creek that gets a certain focus each November. The project is the invaluable space that is defined by the area that butts up to the edge of our fields and extends to and along the border of Cache Creek. It is here that we are slowly, but surely making progress in turning a pile of noxious, invasive weeds into a unique farm ecosystem.

A Fresh Way To Give

Since the launch of our Donate-A-Box Program in fall 2014, our members have helped us donate over 41,000 boxes of fresh produce to children, working families and individuals battling hunger. Thanks to YOU for making this possible and for making healthier options available to those in need.

Salad In A Jar - Cookbook Giveaway & Recipes!

Looking to shake up your on-the-go meal routine? Well, Salad in a Jar is here to solve your lunchtime woes. It’s convenient, nutritious, easy to make and offers the opportunity for variety. You can layer so many vegetables and grains in the jar, and mix and match so many different ingredients that getting bored is not an option.

Late Summer Harvest

Farm News

The summer is such a busy season! There is literally activity everywhere. The harvest of summer crops is still in full swing. Heirloom tomatoes are so tall, and reaching for the sky, it makes it a little more difficult to navigate when searching for the perfectly ripe tomato.

Recipe Roundup: Tomatillos

You may have noticed a peculiar-looking green globe wrapped in a papery skin in your online farmstand this week and wondered: “What is that?” This lovely summer produce find is a tomatillo, a fruit that is part of the nightshade family, which tomatoes also belong to, but the tomatillo is more closely related to the gooseberry.

Recipe Roundup: Veggie Chips

Our members are always asking for suggestions on how to sneak some extra veggies into their families’ diets. Well, you've asked for it and here it is! We love serving these homemade veggie chips with fresh hummus, guacamole, or a yogurt dip. You'd be surprised how delicious they are and how quickly they will disappear.

Carefully Crafted, Organic Dairy-Free Products

Did you know you can add organic, dairy-free products to your Farm Fresh To You farm box deliveries?

We are thrilled to offer carefully crafted and delicious dairy alternatives from the amazing folks at Three Trees and Hodo Soy.

Recipe Roundup: Summer Time Grilling

Move over meat  – it’s time to grill some fruit and vegetables. Vegetables cook quickly and are so yummy with just a hint of smoke from the grill. In honor of the first official week of Summer, we thought we would put together a compilation of our farm's favorite summer go-to grill recipes. Feel free to share some of your favorite grill recipes in the comments below.

Rural Retreats: Places to Stay on our Farm and GIVEAWAY!

Enjoy the rural and relaxing lifestyle of our Capay Organic farm. Come out to the farm for an event and stay overnight, or have your own private stay on the farm any time of year. We have four lovely, family-friendly retreats to choose from. Explore the farm and find wine-tasting, dining and nature activities throughout Yolo County and Capay Valley.

The Answer is Always Yes

Farm News

I’m a Yes-kind of person. Early on in my Suzie’s Farm career, I wrote a blog post called The Answer Is Always Yes. It opened the door to many opportunities, meetings, engagements and relationships. It felt a little crazy at times, like the plates were wobbling, like the train was careening off the tracks but it was fun and adventurous and worth it. Life felt full of purpose and mission. I believed it then. I still believe in Yes. Saying Yes to Life is what the farm does.

Summer's Bounty

FARM NEWS

The canal is running as fast and full as it is able to. The rain water from last winter is sitting, flowing out of the reservoir, down the creek, into the canals, and ultimately to the thirsty farms that are filled with this season’s crops.

The Vegetable Butcher Book Giveaway!

“The Vegetable Butcher is a butchery bible and vegetable boot camp all in one. If you ever wanted to know how to slaughter a squash or eviscerate an eggplant, here's where you start.”

— Amanda Cohen, chef and owner of Dirt Candy

To say we are excited about The Vegetable Butcher, a new book by chef Cara Mangini, would be a gross understatement. We receive so many questions from our members about the proper way to handle, prep and clean fruits and vegetables, that this book is becoming our go-to directory for tackling the tough produce prep questions. There are step-by-step, color photographs on how to chiffonade kale, break down winter squash, cut cauliflower into steaks and so much more.

Spring Fields

FARM NEWS

The fields are popping - finally.  After what felt like a long, barren winter the fields say spring.

A Windy Advantage

FARM NEWS

The spring that was slow to arrive is on its way to being here and with it, the notable stiff winds that always come when winter gives way to spring and that return when summer gives way to fall. Normally, I despise the wind and “despise” is a word I seldom use when describing the characteristics of Mother Nature.

A Dozen Egg Recipes You'll Love

The humble egg is a major player in everything from breakfast scrambles to Nicoise salad, to a delicious and savory quiche. We’ve selected a dozen of our family’s favorite egg recipes to share with our members to offer a little egg inspiration in the kitchen.

Five Farm Fresh Easter Recipes

We’ve gathered a few tasty farm fresh recipes that would be perfect to serve on Easter Sunday! From a delicious beverage, to a brunch course, and even a dessert, we’ve included some of spring’s best and brightest ingredients. Just in case you haven’t had the time to plan your Easter menu, take a look at the recipes below. They are all delicious and some of our family’s favorite.

Wildlife Surprises

A post shared by Thaddeus Barsotti (@farmerthaddeus) on Mar 23, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

FARM NEWS

Since I can remember, one of my favorite things about the farm has always been the wildlife. A dear childhood memory of mine is my mom waking me up with unusual cheer on her face with a surprise to show me.

The Bustle of Spring

A post shared by Thaddeus Barsotti (@farmerthaddeus) on Mar 13, 2017 at 9:31pm PDT

FARM NEWS

The wet winter let the farm team build up a decent case of cabin fever, but that has worn off in a hurry. The tractors, implements and drivers that were sitting idle in the yard and shop due to wet fields, watching the mature fields of cover crops ready to be tilled into the ground, are now turning over cover crops and getting fields ready. There is a bustle of activity on the farm – spring vegetables were planted last week and are already getting irrigation from sprinklers due to the warm days (cool picture of it on my Instagram @farmerthaddeus - shown above). The tomato field is prepped and receiving its first little tomato plants, which are being tucked into the beautiful soil as I type; their drip tape already put into the ground and hooked up to the wells.

Recipe Roundup: Celery Root

They say that we "eat with our eyes," and if that is true, then it's no shock that people often pass on celery root. It's an unattractive, bumpy, rough root vegetable with a pale brown skin. But inside, the creamy white center is packed with refreshing, crisp flavor. Think celery meets white turnip.

Come Out to the Farm

FARM NEWS

Not only are we busy farming in these few weeks before spring, but we are also busy planning to have you, our customers, at our farms during this spring, summer and fall.

Spring Priorities

A post shared by Thaddeus Barsotti (@farmerthaddeus) on Mar 4, 2017 at 3:36pm PST

FARM NEWS

The rain has been a blessing, but there comes a time that every farmer, including this one, is done with the rain and ready to start farming. There has been about a ten-day break in the storms rolling over the farm and that has been just enough time to being to get the tractors out the equipment yard and into the field.

Adopt a Young Fruit Tree Today!

Ever thought of trying your hand at growing Farm Fresh fruit? If you answered yes, then you are in luck. We have a limited supply of young Black Jack Fig and Blenheim Apricot trees up for adoption in your online farm stand. These young whippersnappers will be delivered to your door in either 10” x 4” x 4” pot (Black Jack Fig) or wrapped in burlap or craft paper at the base (Blenheim Apricot).

4 Tips for Enjoying Cream-Top Milk

If you’ve already purchased Straus’ milk, then you have probably noticed the solid cream top that gathers at the opening of your glass container. The cream in organic milk floats naturally to the top because it is not homogenized (the process of breaking down the fat molecules in milk so that they stay integrated).

Farm Fresh Dairy Delivered To Your Door

Photo provided by Saint Benoît Creamery

We are excited to announce that our members can now add farm fresh dairy, including milk, half & half, whipping cream, sour cream, butter and yogurt, to their scheduled deliveries. We have to admit –it is kind of a warm, nostalgic feeling to have your milk bottles delivered to your doorstep. We hope you try these top quality dairy products from some of California’s finest family-owned dairies including Saint Benoît Creamery and Straus Family Creamery.

Rolling with Mother Nature

Farm News

After years of drought, I had almost forgotten what rain, not to mention storms, can do to our farm. The heavens opened up, flooding some our fields with remarkable effects.

How I Got My Kids To Eat Five Servings of Fruits and Vegetables A Day

by Cristina Margolis

Your kids just got home from school and they say they are STARVING, so they immediately begin rummaging through your pantry for a snack like a famished raccoon.  A bag of Cheetos, a Handi-Snack, and Goldfish crackers are now in their little paws...  I mean hands.  As you watch your children devour all of that processed food, you let out a sigh.  You know these snacks aren't the best choices for your growing children and you'd much rather have them eat a piece of fruit, but you just didn't have time to make it to the grocery store to restock on fresh produce.

If this scenario sounds familiar, Farm Fresh To You can help.  They deliver fresh fruits and vegetables, from their own organic family farm and other organic partners, right to your door.  I don't know about you, but anything that saves me a trip to the grocery store with my preschooler is a Godsend.  ("But Mommy, I wanna push the cart!")  Delivery is included and you can review and customize each order!

Before I started, I was reluctant to, because I like to pick out my own produce, but I am happy to report that every piece of produce that has come in that marvelous brown box has been to my satisfaction.  There have been no bruised bananas, no wilting lettuce, no moldy strawberries.  Nothing.  Everything that has been delivered to my family has been absolutely fresh with radiant colors and delicious taste.  You have the flexibility to suspend or cancel your deliveries at any time.  You just need to cancel online or by calling by 10am, two days prior to your delivery so they don’t prepare for the harvest and packing of your personalized box.

By using Farm Fresh To You, I feel good about what is going into my children's tummies and nurturing their growing bodies and minds.  All of the produce is 100% certified organic, pesticide free, healthy, and delicious.  Everyone knows that the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables is five per day, but to be honest (and I feel like a horrible mother for saying this), I never gave my children the recommended amount. Farm Fresh To You has changed that.  Because of the convenience Farm Fresh To You provides, not only do my children get five servings a day, they actually ask for more!  Their favorites are the blueberries, Fuji apples, Nantes carrots, Hass avocados, and Valencia oranges.

So how does this service work exactly?  It's actually very easy.

1. Click Get a Farm Box (or Sign Up) to choose the box style that works for you.  Choose from six options: Fruit Only, Mixed Fruit and Veggie, No Cooking, Organic Snack Pack, Traditional CSA, and Veggie Only.   You then pick what size box you would like, which can range from as little as a Small to as big as a Monster (Large if you get the Snack Pack) depending on the box style.  You are able to change your box style and size as you please, which is absolutely wonderful.  Know that you are going to be busy this season?   Try their No Cook or Fruit Only boxes.
2. You then pick your first delivery date (FYI, my family’s deliveries are always on Friday) and how frequently you would like your deliveries, but don't stress too much about this, because Farm Fresh To You understands how hectic and busy life can be, so they give you the flexibility to easily change your delivery frequency and skip deliveries altogether in your online account.
3. The week prior to your delivery, you are sent an email to Customize Your Box. At this time, you can swap out produce items for similar items.  I especially love this feature, because if you have a picky eater like mine that will absolutely positively not put a beet in their mouth, you have the option to replace beets with carrots for example.  You can even create a "Never Send List" of items.  (Sorry, beets!  You’re outta here!)  You also have the option to add artisan farm products to your box, like pasture-raised eggs, organic dairy, hand-crafted jams, local honey, organic nuts, and even fresh flowers.
4. You may be shocked at how excited your children will be to open their front door to you farm box!  Farm Fresh To You also provides a newsletter that contains recipes, produce tips, news about the farm, and information about upcoming farm events.

All in all, I am extremely happy with the incredible service Farm Fresh To You provides for my family and me.  We are currently signed up for the Mixed Fruit and Veggie box – regular size.  In one of our recent deliveries, we received:

4 Valencia Oranges 1 bunch Spring Onions 6 ounces Blueberries 1 Hass Avocado 2 Fuji Apples

1 head Red Leaf Lettuce 1 lb Asparagus 1 bunch Lacinato Kate 1 bunch Nantes Carrots 1 bunch Rainbow Chard

Not only does Farm Fresh To You save me a trip to the grocery store (and my sanity), it helps my family and I easily eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The best part of all is it makes me feel like a great mom for providing my children with the nourishment they require and deserve.

Try Farm Fresh To You Today!

Get $15 Off Your First Box of Organic Produce!

Use Promo Code: GET15OFF

How to Rehydrate Dried Mushrooms

Keeping dried mushrooms on hand is a quick and useful way of having the delicious savory flavor of wild mushrooms whenever you want.

Your Local Farm Fresh Mushroom Guide

Photo provided by Far West Fungi

Each variety of mushroom has its own unique flavor and personality. Many people believe that they don’t like mushrooms when in fact, they have only tried one variety! There are nearly 200 edible varieties of mushrooms and they all taste different.

Rain!

A photo posted by Farm Fresh To You (@farmfreshtoyou) on Jan 8, 2017 at 4:59pm PST

FARM NEWS

There is a thought about the weather report that farmers use - if the forecasted storm is early, it is going to be a good one; if it is late, it will not amount to much. The big storm that was forecasted showed up early and did not disappoint!

Share Your Farm with Friends — Giveaway

Each time you recommend our Farm Fresh To You service to your friends and family, we want you both to enjoy a bunch of savings with our Refer-A-Friend program — and from now until February 14th, you can also enter to win 6 free boxes and so much more in our Share Your Farm With Friends Giveaway! 

Compost Season

FARM NEWS

Just as fall beings to turn to winter, we place one large order. It shows up one huge trailer at a time pulled by the clattering of a diesel semi truck and for a whole day a set of these truck and trailers focuses only on our farm.