BriarPatch Food Co-op | Summer 2021
Summer Greens
Arugula
Chard
Cilantro
Though a member of the beet family, it’s a bit like spinach in its bitterness quotient but comes with ribs of many colors. Pro tip: Prepare the stems as you would asparagus.
If cilantro tastes like soap, then you have likely inherited the OR6A2 receptor gene which can detect aldehydes, found in the green and also a by-product of soap. Read on, friends. … Otherwise, lavish it on a range of cuisines, like Mexican, Indian or Eastern European.
Little Gems
Oakleaf Lettuce
Red Butter Lettuce
Small and elegant, if Romaine and Butter lettuce had a baby, this would be it: crispy texture, yet a sweet taste. Perfect in sammies, salads or as a dipping vehicle with your favorite yogurt-based dip.
A mild, sweet and nutty type of butter lettuce. Best used in fresh applications like vessels for summer rolls, tacos or as a bed for grilled fish or stir-fries. Pairs well with bacon, turmeric and citrus.
One of the varieties that can be harvested multiple times from a single plant. A little sweet. Pair it with a light, lemony vinaigrette or go a little edgier and give it a braise with shallot and olive oil.
Sometimes pointy, sometimes round ends, sometimes eaten raw, sometimes eaten sautéed, sometimes called rocket, sometimes called rucola. This peppery member of the cabbage and mustard family is a world-wide fan fave.
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