What are you doing today?  We’re gearing up for about 15,000 lbs of Texas watermelon that’s about to be delivered to our door!  Yes, all the co-op style produce shares will be getting a 20-30 lb Texas watermelon this weekend!  Here are more of the local items we’re planning* for your share…

• Watermelon from Gundermann Acres in Wharton County, TX **the first of the Texas watermelon!
  
• Figs from Gundermann Acres in Wharton County, TX  **they’re huge and juicy!
• Slicer Tomatoes from Johnson’s Backyard Garden in Austin, TX
• Sweet Bell Peppers from Johnson’s Backyard Garden in Austin, TX
• Okra from Morrison Organic Farm in Cleburne, TX
• Onions from Morrison Organic Farm in Cleburne, TX
• Yellow Squash/Yellow Scalloped Squash from Gundermann Acres in Wharton County, TX
• Arugula from Eden Creek Farm in Blooming Grove, TX
• Potatoes from Gundermann Acres in Wharton County, TX

*There are several more items in your share – this is just a list of the local items.  When working with fresh produce, availability can sometimes change last-minute.  We do our best to let you know what’s coming ahead of time, but sometimes things do change, especially when working with local farmers.  Thanks for your understanding!

Here are some photos & recipes for you…

Watermelon

Our favorite way to eat watermelon is to simply squeeze fresh lime juice all over it and suck it down.  Here are a few recipe ideas if you’re looking for something different…

• Watermelon Agua Fresca
• 15 Watermelon Recipes from Southern Living
• Watermelon!  10 Cool, Refreshing Recipes from TheKitchn.com

Figs

Figs are high in natural simple sugars, minerals, and fiber. Figs are fairly rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese.

Figs are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines because they are a very good source of fiber. They are also a good source of potassium, an important consideration in helping to control blood pressure. Figs are among the most highly alkaline foods, making them useful in supporting the proper pH of the body.

You’re probably just going to want to pop these in your mouth and eat them whole…but if you want a recipe, here are a few ideas…

• Figs with Caprino Royale Goat Cheese
• 9 Fantastic Fig Recipes from Cooking Light
• Fig Recipes from Food Network
• Fig Recipes from Bon Appétit
• Fresh Fig Recipes from Martha Stewart
  

What Is Arugula?

Arugula is a wonderfully “spicy” green that can be eaten the same way you would spinach.  Try throwing it in a pan with sautéed onions and mushrooms. Heat a pan on medium low with olive oil and add sliced or chopped onions.  Sprinkle some sea salt and let it cook low and slow for about 20 minutes.  As it starts to soften and become a slightly brown color, add the sliced mushrooms and then arugula.  Use this as a filling for fajitas, topping on a grass-fed beef or bison burger, or atop of a hot bowl of polenta and raw cheese for a veggie bowl like none other.

Our other favorite way to use arugula is to eat it raw.  Make bite-sized lettuce wraps with them.  Wrap the arugula around eggs and chicken sausage in the morning or try grass-fed beef with raw pepper jack.  Delicious!

Here’s one more arugula recipe for ya…

• Arugula Salad with Beets and Goat Cheese

Okra

So you’ve got lots of local okra to eat…now what?  Here are 5 ways to eat and enjoy it!

Thank you for being a part of Urban Acres and supporting Texas farmers and local, organic produce!  We ♥ our farmers, and we ♥ you!