• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Earth Dance Farm

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Delivering fresh, local, chemical free food to your neighborhood.
We offer Spring, Summer, Fall and Egg shares.

  • Home
  • About
  • Join Us
  • Drops
  • Crops
  • Members
  • Newsletters
  • Internships
  • Contact

Newsletters

Newsletters
2022 – Summer Week 2 Newsletter June 23, 2022
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Summer Share Box 2 Crop List
  • Bok Choy – All Shares
  • Honey – All Shares
  • Kale – All Shares
  • Napa Cabbage – All Shares
  • Sage – All Shares
  • Radishes – All Shares
  • Romaine Lettuce – All Shares
  • Rhubarb – Flex Shares Only
  • Chard – Flex Shares Only
  • Asparagus – Full Shares Only (Not Pictured)
  • Chives – Full Shares Only
  • Greens Mix – Full and Half Shares Only

 

Farmer Notes

*The radishes add some needed color to the box of green, and a nice crunch
*The honey is from last year’s harvest and is not pasteurized
*Use the honey to make a tasty salad dressing
*The salad mix contains several types of kale and Asian greens
*Remember to soak any green(kale, choy, chard, napa) in very cold water for 20 minutes or so to rehydrate them if they look a bit wilted
*Make some sage butter, or dry it for later cooking.  You can also use it to make a dressing and, of course, in soups, with meats or on eggs
*Romaine is given most every week as the foundation of your go-to salad
*Garlic scapes, some strawberries, and kohlrabi should be up for week #3
*Tiny flea beetles make the holes in the Napa and Bok Choy even though we have row cover on them
*Please wash everything well and remember to return our boxes and ice packs

 

This year’s farm crew! From left to right, top to bottom: Maddie, Holly, Kel, Kyle, Dylan, and Vanessa 🙂

 

Flea beetles are tiny, black and jump around in swarms.  They have one hatch in May and another in early August, but they remain a pain all season long.  The crops that they love the most ( Napa, Choy, kohlrabi, radishes, and baby greens) are covered with row cover as soon as they are planted in the field by seed or transplants.  Even so, these little buggers are already in the soil or manage to sneak under the fabric and do their damage.  Some seasons are worse than others, and at times we need to spray a pyrethrin based, organically approved, Pyganic just to save a crop from failure.  I know that these holes in the leaves do not look appealing, but there is nothing in the least to worry about.  We wash the produce and you should as well.  There is ample research that shows that crops that have struggled to overcome pests actually have more phytonutrients than those who have not.  It is also a fact that some 40% of the produce grown here in the U.S. never makes it to the dinner table.  We try our best to grow food that is nutrient dense, fresh and, most of the time, looks fantastic.  That being said, if a crop is subpar in your book, shoot me an email and let me know – we are always striving to do better.

Thank you for your confidence,

Farmer Norm  

 

Crop of the week – Bok Choy
Bok choy is a member of the brassica genus, which includes vegetables such as brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. Bok choy was first cultivated in China around 3500 years ago. Its cultivation and use in the United States can be traced back to the 1800s with the influx of Chinese immigrants into California’s farm labor force. Popular in Asian dishes such as Kimchi, the slightly bitter and nutty flavoring of bok choy is well-matched with soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. All the parts of the plant are edible. Its leaves cook quickly while the stalks may take a few minutes to become tender. Bok choy could also be used raw like other cabbages.
~Farmer Kel

 

Some Recipes To Try:
Print Recipe
'Perfect' Bok Choy
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
  • 1 pound baby bok choy cut into quarters with core still attatched
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil for serving (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds for serving (optional)
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
  • 1 pound baby bok choy cut into quarters with core still attatched
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil for serving (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds for serving (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute.
  2. Add bok choy, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons water. Cover and cook 1 minute, then remove lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until cores are tender and all liquid has evaporated. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
Print Recipe
Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy Salad
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Peanut Topping
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts roughly chopped
Dressing
  • 2 tbsp Peanut Butter
  • 1 tbsp reshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce
Salad
  • 1 1/2 cups napa cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups Bok Choy thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1/2 apple cut into thin matchsticks
  • 2 spring onions or scallions
  • salt
  • black pepper both to taste
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Peanut Topping
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts roughly chopped
Dressing
  • 2 tbsp Peanut Butter
  • 1 tbsp reshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce
Salad
  • 1 1/2 cups napa cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups Bok Choy thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1/2 apple cut into thin matchsticks
  • 2 spring onions or scallions
  • salt
  • black pepper both to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add peanuts and cook, stirring constantly for 20 minutes. Transfer mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and stir until smooth. Add 1 tbsp water, if necessary, to thin out the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients.
  5. When ready to serve, add dressing and toss to combine.
  6. When ready to serve, add dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and top with peanut mixture.
Print Recipe
Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
cup
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Vinegar white wine, balsamic, & apple cider vinegar all work well
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
cup
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Vinegar white wine, balsamic, & apple cider vinegar all work well
Instructions
  1. Mix together all ingredients except the olive oil.
  2. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing thickens and forms an emulsion.
  3. Taste and adjust quantities as desired.
Recipe Notes
  • Lemon, orange, or lime juice can be substituted for the vinegar.
  • Add fresh herbs to the dressing to create endless variations!
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Primary Sidebar

2022 Newsletters

2022 – Summer Week 2 Newsletter

June 23, 2022

2022 – Summer Week 1 Newsletter

June 16, 2022

2022 – Winter Week 5 Newsletter

March 3, 2022

2022 – Winter Week 4 Newsletter

February 17, 2022

2022 – Winter Week 3 Newsletter

February 3, 2022

2022 – Winter Week 2 Newsletter

January 20, 2022

2022 – Winter Week 1 Newsletter

January 6, 2022

Past Years Newsletters

  • 2021 Newsletters
  • 2020 Newsletters
  • 2019 Newsletters
  • 2018 Newsletters
  • 2017 Newsletters
  • 2016 Newsletters
  • 2015 Newsletters
  • 2014 Newsletters
  • 2013 Newsletters
  • 2012 Newsletters

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

Before Footer

earthdancefarm

Pippa; Portrait of the farm dog in winter. Pippa; Portrait of the farm dog in winter.
Gonna let the rain wash the carrots. Gonna let the rain wash the carrots.
Advanced level drought skill: excited not for rain Advanced level drought skill: excited not for rain, but to be rain adjacent!
Got kraut? A tip for our members, two of the cone- Got kraut? A tip for our members, two of the cone-shaped cabbages make nearly a quart of sauerkraut. And Ball brand fermenting lids make the fermentation fool proof!
The 2021 crew! It has been a heck of a growing sea The 2021 crew! It has been a heck of a growing season so far; unusually cold and sunshine-less May, and now a crazy hot, dry June, but this team is more than equal to the challenge! Tomorrow is delivery day for the first summer share boxes. Grown with love. Enjoy!
Made from storage potatoes and beets from the fall Made from storage potatoes and beets from the fall. After it is roasted, I’ll top it with some rosemary butter, using our dried rosemary.
Working outside today, we saw (and heard) wave aft Working outside today, we saw (and heard) wave after wave of geese flying north. One week until spring!
Blowin’ in the wind Blowin’ in the wind
Farmers’ day off! Biking and beer. Hope you all Farmers’ day off! Biking and beer. Hope you all had a beautiful Saturday.
#karstbrewing #mnfarmers
Beautiful day on the farm. Beautiful day on the farm.
Instagram post 17850137045247252 Instagram post 17850137045247252
That crunch tho’ That crunch tho’
Beaver Dam pepper - found this gorgeous specimen a Beaver Dam pepper - found this gorgeous specimen a few minutes ago!
Garlic scapes! #csafarm #csaminnesota #mnfarm Garlic scapes!
#csafarm #csaminnesota #mnfarm
This morning, with the spring chicks. #chickencsa This morning, with the spring chicks.
#chickencsa #csafarm
Farmer Emma and her bunkhouse built for one. Farmer Emma and her bunkhouse built for one.
Fun with herbs! We made some chive blossom vinegar Fun with herbs! We made some chive blossom vinegar, and a take on chimichurri, made with parsley, cilantro, lovage, green garlic, olive oil and chive vinegar.
Instagram post 17842503797220521 Instagram post 17842503797220521
The cold snap is over and the transplanting resume The cold snap is over and the transplanting resumes. Look at that purple bok choy!
#csafarm #mnfarm
Laying row cover before the arrival of the polar v Laying row cover before the arrival of the polar vortex!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Earth Dance Farm

27842 141st Ave.
Spring Valley, MN 55975
507-378-4252

Earth Dance Farm

Earth Dance Farm, CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, Farm, Produce, Organic, Sustainable, local, food, farm to table, farm to school, herbs, honey, beekeeping, visits, eggs, pastured chickens, foodie, fresh, heirloom, vegetable, mushrooms, berries, fruit, yurt, biodynamic, heritage, breeds, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, land stewardship project, field to work, rural life, WOOF, living off the land, tiny house, fish emulsion, foliar food, green manure, companion planting, internships, farm fresh, alternative energy, footprint, wind power, solar power, lacavore, vegan morganic, pesticide free, non GMO, no herbicides, chemical free, no till, greenways, headlands, filter strips, grain, hay, neighborhood, delivery, boxed food, nourish, flavor, healthy, shares, full, half, single, flex, winter, spring, fall, summer, bushel, family, recipes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, raab, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, sweet corn, popcorn, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parships, peas, bell, peppers, hot, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, boc choy, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, tatsoi, kale, spinach, swiss chard, Spring Valley, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Austin, Highland Park, Lakeville, Merriam Park, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Hiawatha, Longfellow, Como, Norm the farmer

SPRING VALLEY WEATHER

  • Sign Up Today
  • Drop Locations
  • Crops Grown
  • CSA Movement
  • Farm Connections
  • Newsletters
  • Calendar
  • Recipes
  • News & Information
  • Gallery
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • Home
  • About Earth Dance Farm
  • Internships
  • Contact

© 2022 · Website Design and Hosting by SMG Web Design of Preston, Minnesota