Veg Box News - 10th - 13th April, 2018

The sun is reflecting too brightly on the computer screen! What a change… I’m not really complaining. 

Here are the lists for this week.

A

Potatoes 1.2kg

Onions 500g

Carrots 600g

A Bag of Kale

Leeks 500g

Courgettes 600g

Swede (Tuesday and Wednesday)

or Butternut Squash (Thursday and Friday)

B’s will get a Cucumber instead of Potatoes

D’s will get a further 800g Potatoes and a Pepper

E’s will get the Cucumber and a Bag of Purple Sprouting Broccoli

G’s will get Cherry Plum Tomatoes 250g and a Lettuce instead of the Courgettes and Butternut

L’s and M’s will get the above additions and a portion of Mushrooms

Organic Red Bartlett Pears from Argentina 

K

Bananas 600g

Apples 600g

Oranges 600g

Avocados 400g

Pears – Red Bartlett x 4

A Lime

Q’s will also get a portion of Grapes 300g

Veg Box News 20th - 23rd March, 2018

Late and basic Veg Box News...

A

Potatoes - Marfona or Cara (both good all-rounders)1.2kg

Carrots 600g

Onions 500g

Broccoli 400g

Leeks 500g

Fennel 400g

Pointy Peppers

B's will get Parsnips 600g in polace of the potatoes

D's will get a further 800g Potatoes and a Lettuce

E's will also get a Tundra Cabbage

G's will get Mushrooms and Beetroot in place of the Fennel and Peppers

L's and M's will get the above additions and a punnet of Mushrooms

K

Apples - either Crimson Crisp or Ida Red 600g

Bananas 600g

Pears 500g

Avocados 250g

Lemon

Oranges 600g

Q's will also get Kiwis 500g

Veg Box News 20th - 23rd February, 2018

Is there a turn in the season?  Not sure yet,but the Chard has certainly been looking delicious this past week and so we're hoping that will continue.

This week also sees Jerusalem Artichokes going into the boxes.  These always get a mixed response from box customers and we usually field a number of phone calls from people wondering a) what they are and b) how do you cook them?

Jerusalem Artichokes are not related to Globe Artichokes at all.  They are the tubers of a type of sunflower and the 'Jerusalem' is simply an abstraction of the Italian name Girasole - (translating roughly as 'turning to the sun'.)

They do take a deal of scrubbing but it is helpful to soak them in cold water for a few minutes before you try.  No need to peel though.

One or two recipe suggestions here...

Sautéed

Roast 

Soup

A

Potatoes 1.2kg

Carrots 600g

Onions 500g

Chards 400g

Jerusalem Artichokes 600g

Fennel

Leeks

B's will get a Pepper instead of potatoes

D's will get a further 800g Potatoes and a portion of Purple Sprouting Broccoli

E's will get one Red Pepper and one Green

L's and M's will get these additions and also a Lettuce

K

Apples 600g

Kiwis 500g

Oranges 600g

Clementines 500g

Lemon

Avocados 250g

Q's will also get some Bananas and a Grapefruit.

Veg Box News - 30th January - 2nd February, 2018

Slightly late with Veg Box News this week – apologies for that.

Reports from the veg ordering team are that stocks of interesting, good value UK-grown vegetables are running a little short now and we will be using more imports over the next few weeks. The largest impact is of course on the G 'UK only' boxes as options become very limited for a few weeks. If you are a G box customer you may need a good supply of recipes for root-based dishes... mashes, roasts soups and stews of course... Alternatively, you might like to consider switching to an A or a B for a few

weeks.

A

Potatoes – Kestrel 1.2kg

Carrots 600g

Onions 500g

Red Pepper

Kale

Celery

Beetroot

B's will get Leeks 600g in place of the Potatoes

D's will receive a further 800g Potatoes and a head of Broccoli

E's will receive the Leeks 600g and a Green Pepper

L's and M's will receive the above additions and a Squash

K

Apples – Gala 600g

Pears 400g

Orange 600g

Clementine 500g

Lemon

Grapefruit

Q's will also get some Bananas and Avocados 200g

At this time of the year Bananas are often very green when they arrive in the shop – we have set up a small, warm banana ripening area but are wary of sending hard green bananas out. If, as a K box customer, you really miss Bananas when they are not in the boxes then you might like to consider having an 'If Not In Box' type Standing Order as part of your delivery. Then we will bring you your specified amount of Bananas separately if they are absent from the box recipe.

Apple Day at Sheffield Organic Growers

Visitors sample the freshly pressed juice

"I've been to an apple day!" I said to my father who asked what I'd done with my Sunday.
"This may be a stupid question, but what is an apple day?" was his response.

For him, and anyone else uninitiated with the joy of apple days, I thought I'd write a little review of the recent apple day at Sheffield Organic Growers.

Sheffield Organic Growers is a cluster of five independent organic growers, based on a 12-acre site in the beautiful Moss Valley on the edge of Sheffield. Part of their site is now a successful orchard producing a variety of desert and cooking apples and pears, supplying various shops across Sheffield including Beanies!
We arrived in the glorious sunshine to find the orchard already teeming with people; mainly, it turns out, from the University Conversation Club on an a day trip. There was plenty to do, including having a go at pressing apples to make fresh juice - an activity popular with the children and supervised by Beanies' own Matt West.

Hugh, another grower, gave a large group a tour of the orchard, explaining how they manage the trees in accordance with their organic principles, and dishing out tips and advice to budding apple enthusiasts in the crowd. Being allowed to pick and eat apples fresh from the tree and warm from the sun was a particular treat.

Matt pressing the apples

A mini cafe was set up selling proper coffee, homemade soup and cakes, and there was even a craft and story-time corner set up for the children. A chance to taste the different varieties such as Kidds Orange, Spartan and James Grieve produced on the orchard was well received! There was also plenty of freshly picked apples, as well as other produce from the surrounding fields available to purchase.

A delightful day all round, helped by the glorious weather and made even more special thanks to the lovely team working at the event. I'd strongly recommend future apple days and other events at this unique location in Sheffield.




At Beanies we currently have the aforementioned varieties and many more! Come visit!

Words: Rachael Eyton
Photos: Keenan Goddard-Donovan

Veg Box News: 24th - 27th October, 2017

You are no doubt very busy preparing your Hallowe'en Spectacular event so what you'll really need is a fantastic organic Carving Pumpkin as a centre piece!  We have some very large ones at just £4.98 each and some interesting White or Ghost Pumpkins for added spookiness, for £3.30 each, but you’ll need to get your name down quickly if you want one delivered before the day itself.  Just drop us an email or give the shop a ring.

(We do have a selection of Non-organic ones too...)

A

• Potatoes 1kg
• Carrots 600g
• Onions 500g
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Parsnips
• Red Cabbage

B’s will get 600g locally grown Turnips instead of potatoes

G’s will be as A’s as all produce is currently UK grown

D’s will get a further 800g Potatoes and a bag of Spinach

E’s will get the Spinach and 800g Turnips

L’s and M’s will be getting those additions and a Surprise! (ie We haven’t quite worked it out yet!)

K

• Apples 600g
• Bananas 600g
• Pears 600g
• Clementines 600g
• Avocados x 2
• A Lemon

Q’s will also get either some Oranges or a Pomegranate depending on availability.

If you’re out and about in Derbyshire on Saturday (21^st October) do drop by the Bradfield Farmers Market where Jake will be setting up his stall again.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

The big orange pumpkins or white ones that people tend to use for carving are not particularly good eating - they have a high water content which makes them relatively easy to carve but means they lose out on flavour.  If you are wanting to cook one then it is highly recommended that you cut it into wedges, no need to peel, and roast it first.  This drives off much of the water and intensifies the flavour.  Scrape the roasted flesh from the rind and use in soup or pumpkin pie etc...

The seeds are usually discarded, but hold it right there! Jamie Oliver has a suggestion for you...

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Veg Box News 17th - 20th, October, 2017

A mixture of roots and leaves grace the boxes next week – although broccoli of course is actually a flower head, so…

Next week we will be taking part in the Bradfield Farmers Market again so if you’re out that way come and pay us a visit.

Here are the lists for next week…

A

Potatoes 1kg
Carrots 600g
Onions 500g
Broccoli 400g
Pointy Cabbage

Leeks 600g
Beetroot 600g

B's will get a Lettuce in place of the potatoes

G's will be as A or B

D's will get a further 800g Potatoes and a Lettuce

E's will get 400g Peppers and a Lettuce

L's and M's will get the Peppers, Lettuce and a Squash.

K

• Apples 600g
• Banana 600g
• A Grapefruit
• Avocados 300g
• A Mango
• Mandarins 500g

Q's will also get a portion of Kiwis


With the wetter weather coming we would appreciate it if you could keep empty boxes dry when leaving them our for us to collect - just fold them flat and pop them into a binbag if you haven't got anywhere undercover to store them.  No expense has been spared to bring you this stunning tutorial video...

Veg Box News - 10th - 13th October, 2017

Autumn is well and truly here now and over the next few weeks Box customers can look forward to delicious English root crops for hearty stews and roasts, but just before we get there we’ll be taking a last few shots of greens, this week Kale, Broccoli and Chard.  If you’re thinking: ‘What? Three types of greens?’ I’ve included some links to recipes below which would offer a range of different options.

Boxes will also all receive a squash this week.  It’s always best to roast squash to bring out

the nutty flavour.  Cut into slices or chunks dress with a little olive oil and salt and roast in a moderate oven for 40 – 50 mins.  You can eat just like that as a side vegetable or incorporate the roast squash into other dishes – soups or stews or mash.

A

• Potatoes 1kg
• Onions 500g
• Carrots 600g
• A Bag of Kale
• A Head of Broccoli
• A Squash
• A Pack of Rainbow Chard

G’s will be the same

B’s will receive a Swede instead of the potatoes

D’s will receive a further 800g Potatoes and a Portion of Mushrooms

E’s will receive a Swede and a Portion of Tomatoes

L’s and M’s will get the above additions and a Lettuce.

 

K

• Apples – Rajka 600g
• Pears – Conference 600g
• Bananas 600g
• Oranges 600g
• Grapes 400g
• A Lemon

Q’s will also get a portion of fresh Figs.

Kale

Kale is a versatile vegetable and can be finely shredded and eaten raw; steamed, stir-fried or added to soups.  Try shredding it and then roasting in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt.  Roast until dry and crisp for delicious healthy Kale Crisps

Other ideas:

From the Hemsley sisters: Kale and Quinoa Sauté 

Broccoli

Broccoli has of course long been a family favourite but have you tried roasting it?

Break into florets and split any thicker stalks.  Peel and quarter the thick stem – it really is the best part especially for children who don’t like the flowery bits of the head…(speaking from experience) Preheat the oven to about 180°C.  Toss the florets into a roasting tin with some salt and olive oil and place in the oven for about 40 mins but do check for doneness from about 30 mins because cooking time will vary according to how small you’ve cut the florets.

I find stir-frying broccoli can work providing it is either blanched first or cut very finely.

Tempura is also a tasty way of preparing this vegetable (and many others).

It is easier than you might think to make tempura and I find it is mental preparation which is the key – prepare ahead of time and think about timings of the meal before embarking.  Ideally tempura is served straight from the wok so it becomes an eat-it-as-it-comes meal.  There’s a sense of drama though which can be a great ingredient to tempt younger eaters!!
From www.MaryMakesGood.com:  Kickass Vegan Tempura

Chard

Of the three chard is the lightest leaf and requires shortest cooking time.  Try shredding and adding at the last minute to pasta, or simply briefly sauté with a chopped onion in a little butter or olive oil.  It behaves and tastes similar to spinach so you could substitute it in any of your favourite spinach dishes.

Sautéed Chard with Garlic 

If you try any of these recipes or have any that you would like to share please add a comment below.

Veg Box News: 3rd - 6th October, 2017

Bit late this week with the posting so just a skeleton Veg Box news today.
So here are the box lists for the first week in October....


A

• Potatoes 1kg
• Onions 500g
• Carrots 600g
• Savoy Cabbage
• Sweetcorn x 2
• Salad Pack
• Celery

Rainbow Chard

B's will get Red Peppers (approx 300g) instead of the potatoes

D's will get a further 800g Potatoes and a Bag of Rainbow Chard

E's will get Rainbow Chard and Red Peppers

G's will be the same as the Standard boxes as all produce is UK grown

L's and M's will receive Rainbow Chard, Red Peppers and a Squash

K

• Apples - Windsors 600g
• Bananas 600g
• Pears 600g
• Pomegranates x 2
• Oranges 600g
• A Lemon

Q's will also get a portion of Grapes 400g

Veg Box News: 19th - 22nd September, 2017

Cavolo Nero, or Black Kale,
great as a side vegetable or in a Bean Stew
Try Caldo Verde
or Cavolo Nero, Potato and White Bean Soup

Well the mornings are turning quite nippy now and with Golden Nugget Squash and Cavolo Nero appearing in the boxes this week, things are beginning to feel a little more Autumny.

Here are the lists for next week.  All produce in the Standard Boxes is UK grown so  G's will be the same as A's and B's.

A

·        Potatoes 1kg

·        Onions 500g

·        Carrots 600g

·        Fennel

·        Golden Nugget Squash

·        A Bag of Cavolo Nero or Curly Kale (which is coming from Sheffield Organic Growers and will depend on which is best to cut next week)

·        Tomatoes 500g

B’s will get a Cucumber in place of the potatoes

D’s will get a further 800g Potatoes and EITHER a Bag of Pak Choi on Tuesday and Wednesday OR a pot of Mushrooms on Thursday and Friday.

E’s will also receive Pak Choi or Mushrooms and also a Cauliflower but they won’t be receiving the Cucumbers this week

L’s and M’s will have the above additions and will also receive a Lettuce

Golden Nugget Squash

Adapted from www.specialtyproduce.com

Golden Nugget squash can be prepared with or without its skin, but the skin should be removed prior to eating. It can be baked whole or halved, or cubed and then roasted, steamed, boiled, and sautéed. Here's a simple recipe to try from Epicurious.com : Roasted golden nugget squash Cooked squash can be pureed and added to risotto, soup or curries. Cooked squash can be added to casseroles, pies, tacos, salads, pasta dishes and chili. Its petite size is perfect for stuffed and baked squash applications when filled with grains, vegetables, and cheeses. Its flavour marries well with cinnamon, nutmeg, curry, sage, chard, kale, parsley, coriander, bell pepper, apple, pear, quinoa, rice, maple syrup, toasted pecans, butter, cream, melting and hard cheeses, and balsamic vinegar. Gold Nugget squash will keep in cool, dry storage for one to two months.

K

·        Bananas 600g

·        Apples 600g

·        A Punnet of Red Grapes

·        Kiwis 500g

·        Limes x 2

Q’s will also get some Oranges

Need to change your delivery order?  Need to cancel for a holiday?  Email us on info@sheffieldbeanies.co.uk

Veg Box News: 12th - 15th September, 2017

Organic September is upon us - the Soil Association's annual promotion.

Win an Organic Hamper from Windmill Organics

 This year Windmill Organics are offering a hamper of organic goodies in return for you granting access to your email inbox.  Send us an email for a chance to win - put 'I want to win the hamper' in the Subject line - that's all -  and we'll add you to our mailing list and Windmill will add you to theirs. (You can unsubscribe at any time!)  Of course, if you want to share a vegetable related joke at the same time we'd be delighted to receive them - but the quality of joke will not affect your chances of winning

Here are the lists for next week's boxes.  At this time of year most of the produce is grown in the UK and so G Boxes will resemble the standard A and B boxes.  As usual some lines are grown very locally - this week the Leeks and Kale are both from Sheffield Organic Growers.  SOG are also supplying all our requirements for courgettes in the shop.  Cucumbers and parsley are also from these local growers. Fennel will be coming from Wortley Walled Garden.

A

• Potatoes 1kg
• Onions 500g
• Carrots 600g
• Broccoli 400g
• Fennel
• A Bag of Chard
• Leeks 500g

B's will get a Kohl Rabi in place of the potatoes

D's will get a further 800g of Potates and a bag of Kale or Cavolo Nero

E's will get the Kohl Rabi and some Pointed Peppers

G's as per standard boxes

L's and M's will get the above additions and 2 Sweetcorn

K

• Apples 600g
• Pears 600g
• A Melon
• Grapefruit
• Bananas 600g

Q's will also get a Mango.

This weekend (Sunday 10th, September) we will be attending Kelham Island Farmers market

Need to change your delivery order?  Need to cancel for a holiday?  Email us on info@sheffieldbeanies.co.uk

Veg Box News: 5th - 8th, September 2017

Apologies for late posting!  But we’re having a few problems posting things on our website at the moment so I’ve set up this blog as a temporary place to post Veg Box News.  It’ll take a little getting used to this end so bear with me!  I hope you find it easy to use.  Our archive is still available on the website but this will gradually grow as a resource too.  I'll keep you posted of any further changes.

A

• Pots 1kg
• Onions 500g
• Carrots 600g
• Beetroot
• Broccoli 400g
• Sweet Corn x 2
• Punnet of Tomatoes

B’s will receive a Salad Pack in place of the Potatoes

D’s will receive extra potatoes and a Celery

E’s will receive the Celery and the Salad Pack

L’s and M’s will be receiving other mystery additions from Sheffield Organic Growers.

All the produce in the Standard Boxes is UK at the moment so G boxes are the same as A's.

K

• Apples 600g
• Oranges x 3
• Bananas 600g
• Pears 600g
• A Punnet of Plums
• A Lemon

Q’s will also get a portion of Kiwi fruit.

We will happily take back the punnets used and either reuse or recycle them.

The weather has changed now and there is a very autumnal feel.  If it looks like rain on your delivery day please put any empty boxes in a dry place or wrap them in a bin bag.  It only takes one rain burst to make the boxes unusable.  Thanks!!

Need to change your delivery order?  Need to cancel for a holiday?  Email us on info@sheffieldbeanies.co.uk