Mother Nature always keeps us on our toes. Just when I thought I had a pretty good idea about when we have certain products available, Mother Nature throws a curve. I thought ume (Japanese plums) would start to be ready in mid May. Well, the early variety of ume is ready for harvest, nearly two weeks early. Mulberries were also expected mid May. We started to harvest them last week.
The mulberry trees are loaded but the rain was unexpected and harmful. As a result of rain we see some berries are molding on the tree. 99% of the mature berries are on the ground and unsalable. Our first rounds of mulberry harvest are disappointing. I am hoping drier weather will still provide us with a good harvest. Our Pakistani Mulberries are long, dark and sweet.
We are carefully watching the ume trees. The trick is to pick them when flavor has developed yet still hard and green. Ume remain sour even when soft and over ripe. The ume is processed for its unique flavor with salt, alcohol or a sweetener. For different results it can be used when hard and green to when it is yellow and softer. At this time it looks like orders have exceeded supply. I really won't know till every thing has been harvested.
Early vegetables are finished. We are selling spring veggies: lettuce, komatsuna, beets, sugar snap peas, and arugula blossoms. The garden beds have been formed for the next crops. As early vegetables finish, we are transitioning to summer vegetables. The tomato and eggplant plants are in the ground. Last week we planted cucumber seeds and this week we may be putting squash seeds into the ground.
SLOW SEASON HOURS
February to mid May:
Tues, Wed, and Thurs: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Fri and Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
You may request an appointment if you need a different time We will try to accommodate. Call my mobile phone and LEAVE A MESSAGE. (916) 300-0720.
Here is what we have at the Farm Stand from Otow Orchard.
Vegetables:
Komatsuna: Tender leafy green vegetable, thought of as a Japanese spinach. Taste is more like bok choy, mild with slight mustard flavor. Can be added to salad, stir-fries, and soup.
Beets: Vibrant red and healthy root vegetable. Often boiled, roasted or pickled. Can also be eaten raw. The leaves are also desired for saute, and adding to soups and stews.
Sugar Snap Peas: Fresh, crisp, and juicy. These sweet and crunchy peas can be enjoyed raw or gently cooked. Can be used for garnish.
Hoshigaki : These are whole dried persimmons. They are hand massaged while they dry over a period of four to eight weeks. Some are firm, others are soft and moist. All are coated with naturally formed white persimmon sugar. No sugar added and no preservatives used. We strive to make the best hoshigaki without any shortcuts. This takes time and attention during the drying season. We are currently selling hoshigaki at the farm stand. For on farm orders of more than 1 pound it is best to email or call us to make a pre order.
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Hoshigaki strips: Thin slices of hoshigaki for snacking.
CITRUS:
Valencia: These are juicing oranges but most people just peel and eat like any other orange. They are sweet and very juicy.
UME: Japanese Sour plum. (Limited supply). Processed with salt, alcohol or sweetener.
Local Honey Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard. Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard is also available.
⚘ Calendula Salve and Lip Balm: Wonderfully thick salve for healing dry skin, bug bites and scrapes.
Here is what we have from other producers:
Arrow Place, Auburn, No spray.
La Bella Vito Farm in Loomis is bringing us fresh🥚 eggs from pastured 🐔🐔chickens.
The California Persimmon: A book published by the ANR covering history and background of persimmons. Contains many new and traditional persimmon recipes.
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| Pomegranate tree in bloom. |
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