CSA basket challenge week #1: Belle of the basket

It's here! It's here!  Spring, and along it, the abundance of produce.

This is our first time to subscribe to CSA after hemming and hawing for many years.  Now that we're focusing on healthy cooking, I say, bring it on! And because cooking is really just kitchen alchemy, I'd be highlighting one vegetable in the science corner. So, how did we do with this week's basket?

This week's basket:

Salanova Lettuce - we had salad, salad, salad! With the best balsamic vinegar, you can't go wrong.
Romaine - More salad!
Zucchini - was turned into a savory zucchini, herb and cheese cornbread with anise seed - an experiment that turned out so awesome! I'll have to make this one again... and soon!

Turnips - Turnip fries for the head, which were a big hit with the adults but not so much with the kids. The turnip greens were cut up and baked in crustless quiche with brie, mushroom and tomatoes. YUM!
Swiss Chard - TBD - will most likely be sauteed although I really want to make a tart with it. Next time!
Asparagus - I really wanted to make this side dish/salad last Friday but didn't get a chance to, so asparagus will most like be roasted tonight.

Honey - enjoyed au naturele on homemade chocolate Challah and coconut lemongrass tea from Trader Joe's!
Raspberry Jam - sooo good on that chocolate challah and even on the zucchini bread. I can't wait to get fresh raspberries though.  I probably won't make it as sweet.

 
Maple Syrup - on banana pancakes today for Father's day, hello?

Herb Plants: Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Parsley - We pruned the chives and put some in salad but the rest of the herbs need to grow a bit more.  So far they're alive!! Huzzah!

Cherry Belle Radishes - This is the chosen cinderella in the basket.  The one vegetable that got turned into something magnificent.  Alas, the credit goes to my husband.  While the root was added to salad, the radish greens were made into delicious soup! The soup which was a hit with the kids and adults, and I'm hoping we get more radishes in basket #2.

Overall, I think week 1 was a success. I can't wait for week 2, 3, 4...! (And crossing my fingers for more radishes!)


Science corner:

Radish (Raphanus sativus), while low-caloric, is a highly nutritious root vegetable and contains isothiocyanate compound called sulforaphane, which is also found in brussel sprouts, cabbages, etc. Because of its molecular structure, sulforaphane is said to have antioxidant properties. Radish is also rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, and potassium, and a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium.