We went to the natural U-Pick farm I mentioned on Tuesday: Sterken Farms.
We brought home many types of lettuces, baby mixed dark greens, turnips, radishes, asparagus, and free range duck eggs. Other things are not quite ready — the cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beans, peas, onions, green onions, and berries.
I brought boxes, but found their baskets handier to use. So now I know that next time I need to bring some smaller containers for picking. Oh, and kitchen shears, several pairs, would help.
I also need to figure out a way not to bring so much dirt home. Or slugs. 
We spent several hours at home yesterday afternoon washing all the lettuces and greens, turnips and radishes. The kids were great helps with cutting off the tops and bottoms of the root veggies, and spinning the greens dry. I had to clean each batch of greens three times in cool water in the sink before they were clean.
Now our whole weeks’ worth of salad fixings are in the fridge, ready to go. I hate the work of prepping, but am so thankful when it is all done!
As regards the turnips, I bought many of them and have plans to pickle them today ala Nourishing Traditions.
About Wardeh
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Take the guesswork out of what to fix, what to buy and what to prepare. This week:
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Sooo happy to have another u-pick farm!
Kelli — They told me when I was there that they go to the Roseburg Farmers’ Market and the Springfield Farmers’ Market each week, in addition to having their farm store open every day of the week.
Maybe we’ll see you there soon- Beginning of June, they should have strawberries!
Hi Wardeh,
Sterken Farms sounds & looks great! Do you cut your lettuce? and how do you store the lettuce and greens?
Jessica
Jessica –
Sometimes I tear and sometimes I cut. Tearing is better to prevent nutrient loss. If they are baby lettuces, I leave them whole. At this farm, we got both babies and heads. The babies are easier to clean and have less bugs.
I wash three times in cool water, then spin dry in the salad spinner. Then I store in the fridge in zipper freezer bags, sucking out as much air as I can. If I have paper towels around (not usually) I’ll add a piece inside the bag to absorb excess water.
Hope this helps-
Jessica — just in case I wasn’t clear. I don’t cut/tear when storing the lettuce, just right before serving.
Thanks Wardeh! I was hoping you had a non-ziploc way to store the lettuce, as that is what I do right now. I tear the lettuce for several days though, primarily b/c I often feel pressed for time during lunch. Thanks again!
Jessica – this is one of those things where I haven’t found a way to replace the plastic. So I buy the zipper bags but reuse them as long as I can. Eventually, I will dispose of them, but I don’t consider them as truly disposable if I get so much life out of them. When I think about how many zipper bags I used to use – I feel I’ve come along way if I only buy a box twice a year, if that, now.
That sounds like so much fun! I’m looking forward to when the pick your own berry patch opens in June here!
I’m looking forward to hear how the turnips turn out! Good luck with pickling them.
Sterken Farms is also a member of Localvore Fresh Oregon Foods, so you can find their products at the store, also.
Larisa – That’s great news!
Wardeh,
So, wasn’t sure where to post this question but seems okay. What should healthy duck eggs look like? IN and OUT. We are starting to buy them now and then and I am just wondering if you’ve done any research on what they should be like when they are really
healthy.
Thanks!
Jory