Faced with the realities of getting produce from the farm to your table at peak freshness, I realized pretty early on that I'd have to invest in bags + packaging. Contemplating the amount of waste this would create literally kept me up at night!
Despite the additional cost, I decided plastic-free packaging was worth it a long time ago. It's why, despite the name, 'Veggie Boxes' are actually bags! When I developed the program in 2019 I intended to use cardboard boxes like many farms do, but after assessing, switched to biodegradable bags. The vessel changed but the name stayed the same.
Both the green outer bags + clear zip lock bags you receive produce in are made from plants. Corn, to be exact. They can withstand multiple reuses at home, too! Just beware of using hot water or any hot liquid on them - that's when they start to break down. These bags are meant to be sent to the landfill with the rest of your trash. The difference is, instead of living for a million billion years like all the other plastics in the ever growing acres of landfill, our bags decompose! I sleep much better at night knowing that our organic veggies aren't contributing to the horror show of single use plastic.
Some Bio Bag Tips:
Extend the shelf life of your bagged greens by adding a paper towel sheet to the zip bag. This soaks up any excess moisture and keeps things fresher, longer.
Re-use both your green grocery bags + clear zip bags after you've eaten your produce. Flip inside out, rinse with cold water, and they're good to go! I keep the green bags in my car to reuse at the grocery store or pick up litter, and many of the zip bags make perfect freezer bags too.
Be sure to send your bio bags to the landfill with the rest of your trash after they've been used + reused. They will not break down in a home compost pile!
When it comes to Encompass Goods packaging for Infused Oil, Salt + Seasoning Blends, I have good news too! These heavy duty glass bottles + jars can be reused at home or returned to me for discounts on your next purchase. All Goods packaging, including shipping materials, are also plastic free! Shop farm grown goods.
In this week's Veggie Box:
Butternut, Radishes, Red Onions, Beets + Taters
Recipes + Tips:
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This dish is prepared in the style of Chioggia, a small town to the south of Venice that’s famed for its local produce, including the candy-striped beets that bear its name. Roasted butternut squash is doused with an onion-y vinaigrette, then layered with fresh basil leaves and left to marinate. This is a classic Italian contorni (side dish) and should be accompanied by thick slices of toasted bread for soaking up the savory juices at the bottom of the pan. If, like me, you don't have access to fresh basil this time of year, our Infused Olive Oil makes up for it with the fresh herb flavor!
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Roast Chicken Dinner with Butternut Squash Salad, Roasted Radishes, Whipped Potatoes with Garlic and Cheese
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Squash and caramelized onion pasta - the perfect use for leftovers from the above recipe!
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This is butternut squash like you've never had it before. It's tender but not mushy, comforting but not too rich, and pairs perfectly with caramelized onions, freshly grated fontina cheese, and a sprinkling of fresh thyme. The Galette crust is the other star, here, arriving from the oven with a croissant-like finish thanks to a quick brush of egg-wash.
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Roasted Beet & Potato Salad - use up any leftover greens from last week for this one!
- I love this simple recipe for beet fritters. They are a breeze to whip up and are bursting with fresh flavors. This is a great dish to serve as a first course if you’re having folks over for dinner. However, they can be served with a simple salad as a complete meal too!
- This beet and potato salad, tossed with a combo of sour cream, vinegar and sweet pickles, is slightly sweet and tangy.
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Beet, Radish and Apple Salad
- I generally don't include many Potato recipes as I figure we all use them enough to know what we like. These Potato Pancakes, or Latkes, though are my favorite way to eat taters.
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Knife and Fork Quesadillas with Butternut Squash, Radish and Black Beans.
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Smashed Lemony Potatoes with Greek yogurt and Feta Dressing
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Beautiful Hasselback Butternut Squash Tray Bake
- This butternut squash quiche with caramelized onions is a great vegetarian option for the breakfast or entertaining. Quiche is make-ahead friendly - and can be served for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Leftovers taste great too!
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Spicy Onions! Though all the ingredients pull their weight, the most crucial perker-upper is the spicy onions, which are just sliced red onions, quickly sauteed and then doused in lime juice and zest, honey, and red chile flakes. As they cool and lightly pickle, they turn a glowing ombré purple. You should make a triple batch of these every time, so that you can put them on every sandwich, salad, or bowl of rice that needs a jump.
Made to Make Farm to Table Easy:
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The Veggie Box
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Farm Grown Goods
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Farm fresh meals made easy!