May 13, 2013
The beets have exceeded my expectations this year. I grew only Renee’s Garden ‘Baby Ball’ beets, the variety I’ve grown for many years. I like their intense beet flavor. Though I love the hue of the golden beets, the flavor was disappointing and the 'Chioggia’ rarely produced the distinct circular pattern advertised.
Next year I’ll try a few rows of the 'Bull’s Blood’ beets. The rich red-purple leaves would brighten a winter salad and be a lovely neighbor to 'Baby Ball’. Photo credit: Burpee Seeds
The artichokes don’t mind our foggy days. “About 75 percent of the nation’s artichokes grow within 15 miles of the tiny coastal town of Castroville, just a sand dune or two away from the Pacific Ocean.” (Castroville Newswire)
Last month, the artichoke was proclaimed the official California State Vegetable by Lt. Governor Gavon Newsom. You can celebrate at the Castroville Artichoke Festival May 18th-19th.
And then there are the blueberries, ripening daily.
I’ve caught Lucy bumping the plant to make blueberries fall to the ground so she can eat them. There are enough to share.
I add a dozen or so to cereal or granola each morning. Each one bursts with flavor.
Farewell to spinach, though chard pushes onward toward summer.
And this weekend I made a final round of Kale and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (101 Cookbooks)
Now I’m dreaming about summer tomatoes…
Harvest Monday is hosted by Daphne’s Dandelions. It’s a time to share what you’re harvesting in your garden or how you’re storing or using it.
