Zucchinis and Cucumbers
Two of my favourite summer veggies are growing in abundance at the farm right now – zucchinis and cucumbers. Searching for them amongst the lush leaves and bright yellow flowers is like going on a treasure hunt!
Zucchinis and cucumbers are both members of the cucurbit or gourd plant family. Although we call them vegetables, they are (botanically speaking, at least) fruits.
Most cucurbits have separate male flowers (thin stem) and female flowers on the same plant. In order for fruit to grow, pollen from the male flower has to be transferred to the female flower. When this happens, the ovary at the base of the female flower grows into the delicious green ‘fruit’ we love to eat.
The job of pollination usually falls to insects, and we have lots of hardworking honeybees on our farm to do this work for us. But if you’re growing cucurbits at home and insects are scarce, you can pollinate by hand to increase your growing success! Either use a paintbrush to transfer pollen from the male to female flower, or pick a male flower, remove the petals, and touch the pollen onto the stigma in the centre of the female flower.
We hope you enjoy the cucumbers and zucchinis in your box this season!
Lindsay Burlton, Fair Food Coordinator
In your box on Tuesday 31 January 2023:
In your box on Tuesday 24 January 2023:
Note: We sometimes need to make changes to what we pack in your veg box based on the quantity or quality of produce that we can harvest and source. If you have any questions about what is in your box, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Feature Veg: Joi Choi
Joi choi, like bok choy, is a staple ingredient in Asian dishes and a surprisingly versatile vegetable. With dark green leaves and crisp white stalks, it packs a nutritional punch compared to similar veggies. You can prepare it by sautéing, frying, steaming, shredding, pickling, grilling, or eating it as is! Make sure to stop cooking when the stalks are just tender to avoid overcooking. Store your bok choy in a sealed container or reused plastic bag in the veggie crisper of your fridge. For more info about bok choy and joi choi, including recipe links, visit https://green-connect.com.au/produce/bok-choy/.
