HARVEST INTERRUPTED
The atmospheric river is hitting hard and interrupting our winter pear harvest. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a welcome break for all and harder to get out of bed! The pear harvest team really needed a rest and the earth needed rain. Mother nature is just so wise. George even managed to get our first load of firewood. I can’t wait to cuddle by the fire!
Before the rain, we scrambled to harvest as much of our flowers that are specifically grown for drying. We have been drying all summer long, but we had a really nice flush of beautiful flowers that would’ve just been ruined with the rain. So, these rainy days have been spent cleaning and hanging flowers. My dad, who is the Marigold King, has made an insane amount of Marigold chains. A huge thanks to him because the Marigolds are officially ready for El Dia de Los Muertos!
Thankfully, the flowers in the U-Pick have survived the rain and probably even perked up a bit. However, fresh flower season is coming to a close when the first frost hits. Don’t know when that will be so don’t wait, get your flowers now! Seriously, come get these U Pick flowers while they’re here!
WHAT’S FRESH THIS WEEK:
Jalapeno, Serrano, Buena Mulata, Biquino, & Hungarian Hot Wax Peppers
Heirloom tomatoes
San Marzano Paste Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes (Sweet Red & Sun Golds!)
Starkrimson, Red & Green Bartlett, & Bosc Pears
20th Century Asian Pears
Gravenstein, Ginger Gold, Gala, Elstar Apples
Basil
Potatoes
Sweet Carrots
Beets
Winter Squash
Patty Pan Squash
Lemon & Slicing Cucumber
Corn
Round & Slicing Zucchini
Green & Red Cabbage
Sweet Onion
Shallots
INGREDIENTS FROM THE MARKET:
San Marzano Paste Tomatoes
Shallots
WINE PAIRINGS:
Willow wine - 2020 Chardonnay
Le Doubble Troubble - 2021 Columbia Gorge Pinot Noir
Ridge of Wonders - 2022 Rose of Pinot Noir
MARKET HIGHLIGHT: ALL THINGS MUSHROOM
We’re getting really excited for mushroom season!
I got really into mushroom hunting in 2020. I was pregnant and needed to stay active but away from people. So walking into the woods it was. I remember my doctor did a double take when I walked in and announced “I’m into mushrooms”. Ha! No, not that kind. I love hunting for Matsutake (aka Pine mushroom) and Chanterelles. Last year I found and ate my first Bear’s Head mushroom. I just love learning about this amazing fungi!
BLOOM & BUZZ PROJECT: The Importance of Habitats
Native habitats supply essential food and shelter for local pollinators. Loss of habitat due to urbanization and agriculture is a major threat to pollinators. Conserving and restoring native habitats can significantly help in pollinator protection.
Project Update: This week we are finalizing the planting layout and irrigation plan for the native habitat planting. People often think that when you plant native plants they don’t need irrigation. We assume they will just live. Because the climate has already changed so much and is unpredictable, we need to do as much as we can to help these plants get established and have the best chance of survival.
Thank you for helping to plant native pollinator habitats, enhance local biodiversity, and create a thriving ecosystem. 20% of profits from our flower sales are directed to the Bloom & Buzz project. The bees thank you!
EVENTS:
Lastly, a note on events. Among our rainy day projects are events! We are getting ready for an epic Harvest Fest happening Oct 13th to 15th at the Hood River Event Site. We go all out for this event. This year we will have a big surprise in the Pear Bloom tent….involving our pear and local wine!!! You do not want to miss the harvest fest this year! We are also excited to put together the official harvest fest photo booth this year… it will be a work of art! And of course, save the date for another epic Dia de Los Muertos on October 28th at Pear Bloom Farm.
This will be our last weekend at the Hood River Farmers Market. We will go out with a bang and have an extra amazing selection of flowers and other surprises. Make sure to stop in. The market opens at 9am and goes until 1 pm.
Well, that’s all folks. I’m going back to the rainy day projects now.
With Love,
Yesenia
