Harvesting the First Napa Cabbages of the Season

Napa cabbages are officially back in season! Check out the first harvest in the photos! Napa cabbages, sometimes called Chinese cabbages, have an oblong shape, crinkled leaves, and a mild sweet taste. Napa cabbage can be eaten raw in slaws or salads, cooked in a variety of methods, or made into a classic kimchi and other fermented dishes. Farm Educator Nick recommends making melting cabbage, a recipe that sears wedges of the cabbage before braising it in a flavorful sauce in the oven. Here’s a link to the recipe if you’d like to try it.

Remember our rows by the chicken run that were planted with a clover cover crop? The clover had plenty of time to grow and fix beneficial nitrogen to the soil so it was time to mow it down. After mowing the clover down, we tilled the rows in order to incorporate the organic matter into the soil. This process is a reminder that the health of our soil is vital to the health and productivity of our crops! These rows were planted with dill, parsley, cilantro, head lettuce, burgundy broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and Napa cabbage.

If you weren’t able to attend Farm Educator Nathan’s gardening basics workshop last month, you’ll have another chance this Sunday! On Sunday, December 12th at noon, Farm Educator Nathan will be leading another backyard gardening basics workshop here on the farm. Attendees will learn the how-to’s of where to put their garden, how to pick the right vegetables or herbs to plant, and gain some hands-on planting experience. All participants will receive a plant to take home at the end of the program to kick off their home gardens! The workshop is free of charge but is limited to 15 participants. Since space is limited, we ask that you only reserve a spot if you are certain you will attend. Please register using this link.

Currently in Season: Sugar Snap Peas, Beets, Radishes, Turnips, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Roselle, Kale, Cabbage (Napa and Caraflex), Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Chicory, Fiolaro, Swiss Chard, and Salad Mix