I received a friendly email from one of our members this weekend and it politely asked why in the height of the summer we did not have more items coming from the farm? Fair enough observation so I would like to address it.

As the summer chugs on here, I have a laundry list of things that I would like to share with you this week. So let’s start with some financial prepayment option. A reminder that we are running our Prepayment option for the next month. Pretty simple setup, prepay $1,000 to your farm account and we will add a $100 bonus to your account as a thank you for your support.

First off this wet morning, members’ feedback on leasing land. I got a few emails that brought up the issue of how we get leased land certified Organic. It is an important question and one that I left out of the newsletter last week. Honestly, I think that I left it out because I take it for granted. Currently, all of the land that we own and lease, we have certified Organic. And this will not change moving forward. We are dedicated to this.

First off this week, what an amazing abundance of fresh flavors this week. I am surrounded by yummy foods everyday and still there are times (like this week) when I am in awe of the flavors of the season. Truly a great celebration for the 4th of July. I wish you all a safe holiday.

Over the years we have heard a bunch (no pun intended) of requests to bring in bananas. So we found a great grower in northern Mexico and started to offer them. In the first few weeks, 25% of all orders added bananas. So we knew the demand was there. But then there is the sticky part, bananas are the ONLY thing in our offering that cannot be refrigerated. They turn black. So how do we create a completely new system for just one product?

Quick produce note: the end of the season for Arizona grapefruit is in sight. So what does that mean? Well, it means that this fruit has been sitting on the trees for several months soaking up the rain and sunshine that the desert has enjoyed this spring. And as grapefruit relax on the trees, the acids turn into sweet sugars.

First off this fine summer day, a quick plug for our friends at New Day Family Services (http://www.ndnm.org). Every year they host an amazing concert to build awareness for their mission to help at-risk youth and to raise money for their programing. And every year we like to support them and to help advertise the show. This year they will be bringing Widespread Panic to Sandia Casino Amphitheater on Friday July 11th. Check their web site or Ticketmaster for tickets. It will be a great time I can assure you.

I did something that I usually never do. And before my guilt eats me alive, I want to share it with you and ask forgiveness…I went into a produce section at the grocery store. After a brief anxiety attack, I was able to do what I came for—price check our food.

First off, I want to thank everyone who came out last weekend for the Plant Sale. Great turnout and I have to say I love hearing from folks about all the success they had last season with our plants, so they needed more this year. We have trialed so many varieties of plants over the last 13 seasons, that it feels good to pass along plants to you that I know for a fact that grow well here.