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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

MY LEAFY GREENS HAVE GONE WILTY, WHAT CAN I DO?

Because we do not treat our produce with a chemical preservative, this will naturally happen. The process is called transpiration, which is kind of like sweating. Plants draw moisture through their stems and it transpires (evaporates) out the tops of their leaves. Treat your food like cut flowers. Give the stems a fresh cut and place in a glass or vase of water. Almost always, they will perk right back up and look wonderful again.

I'VE NEVER USED HERBS BEFORE, ONLY SEASONING --WHAT DO I DO?

Fresh herbs (and even dried ones) will elevate the quality of your cooking, once you learn a few simple tricks. Fresh basil is a summertime favorite for Italian and SE Asian meals, but lavender and sage are a bit more mysterious (be sure to see the "Recipe" section of our website). Refrigeration helps prolong life, and hanging herbs in the kitchen to dry is not only practical but improves overall Chi. Sage can be used with thin lemon wedges and cracked pepper under the skin of a slow roast chicken or game bird. Lavender sachets (dried) can be placed in linen drawers, as well.

THE FULL-SHARE SHEET IN MY BASKET HAS LISTED THINGS THAT AREN'T IN MY HALF-SHARE?

Some weeks the full-share will be double the half-share, however based on availability, some weeks the full-share may include some extra goodies not found in the smaller basket.

WHAT IS MIZUNA?

A Japanese green in the mustard/broccoli family. Kyona Mizuna is one of the most widely recognized varieties in the U.S., but also Waido."Baby" leaves may be eaten as a salad green, while the larger mizunas are generally best wilted down like a rapini, or in a stir-fry, soup, or bechamel.

WHY ORGANICS & NATURAL FARMING?

Put simply, because that's what we evolved to eat: organisms that grow and decompose (digestively). Once we become aware that "conventionally produced food" means the addition of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth hormones, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, genetically-modified seed, factory-feed, food-stuffs, preservatives, nitrates, "new food" such as "Natural Flavor" and "Artificial Flavor," and the omnipresent HFCS (High-fructose Corn Syrup), we're astounded and wonder how we ever wound up here. The beauty of natural farming assures us of the safety and freshness of food without toxins.

IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOCAL, FREE-RANGE EGGS & STORE-BOUGHT EGGS?

Yes. Yes. And again, yes. Store bought-eggs, familiar to everyone, are allowed by law to remain at the egg farm for up to 30 days. Thereafter, the store may hold them 30 days. That's 2 whole months! The Dahlia Farm free-range eggs are fresh, local and superior. They dome higher, are more intensely yellow, and are by far exceptionally better tasting. We were recently featured on a local MIDDLEBORO GAZETTE columnist's blog and this is what he had to say.

WHAT IS A CSA?

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY WEEKLY CSA SHARE?

A full-share is suitable for 2 adults who like to cook or a family of four. Given the changing seasonality of our New England summer, your fresh weekly harvest will vary as the season progresses. Early on you may expect to find baby greens, snap peas, radish, sweet pea tendrils, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, herbs, eggs and cut flower bouquets. Later in the season you can expect variations of the same plus, potatoes, corn, squash, leeks, onions, fruits, peppers, beans and the like. You will often be surprised, but never disappointed. In the future we will continue to seek other locally-made or produced agricultural products such as honey, jams, breads, dairy & meat items. Due to unpredictable growing conditions, crop successes and failures, we may occasionally offer credit towards farm purchases.

HOW MUCH ISA CSA SHARE?

Full share is $500. Half-share is $290. Shares are purchased in advance of the season (checks, cash and credit cards accepted). Pro-rated shares for the remainder of the season can be purchased in advance at any time based on a flat rate of $35/week. Work-shares are occasionally available, please inquire.

WHEN ARE CSA SHARES AVAILABLE?

CSA shares are available at anytime at The Dahlia Farm, and available now for the 18-week 2009 season (late spring thru autumn).