From the Garden this Week…

From the Garden this Week…

Broccoli and Sprouting Broccoli, Purple Curly Kale, Kohlrabi, Carrots, Arugula, Swiss Chard, Celery, Oregano and Navel Oranges

Coming Soon… Purple Cabbage, Radishes and Beets

Using your Produce… by Julie Moreno

This week we have more kohlrabi coming. Kohlrabi is related to broccoli and cabbage and can be cooked in the same way. It’s important to remove the outer layer of the kohlrabi bulb, because it is very fibrous. You can also eat the kohlrabi bulb raw, it can be shredded and added to salad, or use it to make a small salad on its own.

Sautéed Kohlrabi and Broccoli

1 kohlrabi bulb with leaves

3 cups chopped broccoli florets and stems

1-2 cloves garlic

sprinkle of red chili flakes

1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

¼ cup water

salt and pepper

lemon juice

Remove the leaves from the kohlrabi bulb, peel the bulb with a knife to remove the fibrous outer layer. Cut the bulb into small cubes. Remove the thick stems from the leaves and chop the leaves. In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat the garlic, chili flakes and butter over medium-high heat, until the garlic starts to brown slightly. Add the diced kohlrabi, leaves and broccoli, and salt and pepper. Stir well and add the water. Cover with the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the lid and stir the kohlrabi and broccoli, cook until any remaining liquid has evaporated. Sprinkle with a squeeze of fresh lemon or balsamic vinegar.

This week's Staff Introduction...

Cliff Harper

Cliff, how did you begin an interest in gardening?

Never really had an interest in gardening but I enjoy working with my hands and getting dirty.

Where were you born, go to school and or grow up?

I was born in San Diego, Ca. Grew up in Hilmar-Turlock area. Went to Hilmar High.

What drew you to volunteer in our Charitable Garden, when did you start, and what

keeps you passionate about our work?

I was told Cindi needed help with the garden, so I started helping about 2 years ago after I was retired full time. I like seeing all the different produce and the concept of weeding is a great reminder of how sin creeps up into our lives.

Who do you call family?

In the picture from left to right is myself, my wife Susanna, my daughter Bethany, my Son Jacob, and his wife, my daughter-in-law, Hannah.

What is something interesting about you that others might not know....

I was Director and Pastor of Children’s Ministry at my church for 12 years. I retired from the Sheriff’s Department after working there for almost 31 years!

Is there something else you want to share?

I was a restaurant manager and short-order cook before I worked for the Sheriff’s Department. I still enjoy cooking for my family.

Fresh Oregano…

We are sending oregano this week. The plant is growing strong with the cool nights and warm days. Try making pesto replacing the traditional basil or just spread it out in a single layer on a tray to dry for use later. It will take a week or two. Then strip the leaves from the stems and store the leaves in a sealed jar. Crumble before using in soup, sauce or chili to release the flavor.

Oregano Pesto

1 cup loose oregano leaves

1-2 cloves garlic

juice of one lemon

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds or pinenuts

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup olive oil

Blend all together in a blender. Enjoy with beans, rice, over seafood or chicken. Toss with roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Metaphors of Soil and Soul … by Julie Powers

What does it take to cultivate a healthy, green, garden which produces the fruit or vegetables we desire, and not only weeds? Knowledge of horticulture is imperative. It would be silly to say to a person who has never worked in a garden, “Go and plant some seeds and I hope you have a good crop.”

Those who are familiar with working in the soil could suggest to the person how they might read up on proper soil conditions to produce the best harvest, the amount of sun and water the plants need, when and how much fertilizer to apply, and the proper seasons for planting and harvest. The experienced gardener might even offer to show them his or her own vegetable garden, and even offer to mentor them as they begin.

We cannot expect to grow fruit without some knowledge of the type of conditions which promote growth, the proper tools, nor can we expect to produce much healthy fruit alone. And we certainly will get discouraged at the results if we are too busy to notice what is going on in our garden, or if we get impatient with the process. We are definitely more successful with the encouragement and wisdom of those who have gone before us. The truth is that whether we are growing gardens or relationships, it is a lot harder than it looks!