HARVEST
Harvest has begun and the men are on the run!
Most days they leave very early and come home very late. When the soybeans are ready to combine, the men must be there. As I’ve said before, soybeans are a very particular crop to harvest as the beans can take on too much moisture or get too dry and crack all in one day.
So…when the going is good, the good guys get going :)….pronto, which brings me to my main job of importance right now: keeping Mr. Farmer fed.
When the harvesters are close by, it’s a joy to run a hot lunch to them and ride along for awhile, catching up on all the details of the day. Making a fresh batch of cookies for all the guys can brighten their day (or night) and boost their morale. But when they take off in who’s knows what direction and are a little to far away to run to the field, the prep-time for the lunches becomes very important. Sometimes Mr. Farmer pops his head in the door and asks for a quick lunch “to go”…. right now. And when he is standing and waiting patiently I’m wishing the food was prepped and ready …..especially those veggies, as good nutrition is key to his energy levels and keeping fit.
HARVEST PREP-TIME
The very best time to prep veggies, I think, is when bringing them in from the garden or home from the store. Handling once is definitely a time-saver.
Having someone waiting on you while cleaning the radishes frustrates me because I’m not prepared and I do so want to be.
The men appreciate nutritious lunches and that’s why the prep-time is so important. It’s so easy to throw in the pre-packaged processed stuff. Yep, we all agree it taste terrific and it’s easy to reach for first; yet, I know a lunch bag full of this isn’t the best for Mr. Farmer or anybody, for that matter.
But this is.
So, early this morning as the sun was coming up, Mr. Farmer said he’d run and chore and he’d be back. I peeked into the veggie draw and have to say not one kind of vegetable was ready to pack. Pulling the drawer out, I threw the contents in the sink, washed out the drawer and rinsed off each kind of vegetables in the colander. And, so….I peeled, chopped and sliced while I was making the rest of his lunch. Now I’m prepared for the rest of the week, whether he pops in for a minute or I have time. The veggies are cleaned and ready for the lunch bucket and for the rest of us to grab a healthy snack or ad to our meal.
LETTUCE-PREP
Lettuce is not my favorite vegetable to prepare, but boy am I happy when it ready to eat! I can make a quick salad or bring out a large leaf to top off that sandwich. I do love Romaine lettuce. Recently I watched a gal prepare lettuce which she said lasted for up to 2 weeks. I followed her instructions and she’s right.
Tear the lettuce to the desired size you choose. Place in the basket and rinse the lettuce. Then place the basket in the larger bowl and spin. Stop and empty the water. Spin again. Place half a paper towel in the bottom of a large plastic bag; throw in half the head, then add another piece of paper towel. Add the rest of the lettuce and top off with another piece of paper towel. The towel, of course soaks up the moisture and keeps the torn lettuce from rusting. It really works, and I’m really happy when I can quickly reach in the fridge and grab a piece of cleaned lettuce that’s not soggy for my sandwich or wet for my salad. 🙂
HARVEST SALAD RECIPES
Try these salad below when you reach in for your clean and dry lettuce:
And try this salad below if you have some tomatoes on hand:
Oh, yum!
Other quick and healthy items to have on hand are bulk cheese, sliced ahead of time, bags of popcorn and yogurt. They, too, are added components of a quick and healthy lunch or snack.
There’s rain in the forecast tonight. Perhaps our farmers can sleep in tomorrow.
JUST KIDDING!
Happy Harvesting! We’re praying for your safety!
The Gingham Apron
“And whatever you, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father, through Jesus His son.”
Colossians 3:17
We are trying to harvest soybeans here in NE IA too. It keeps raining though so I totally understand the “When it’s ready we’ve got to go NOW” mindset. Any more suggestions for those grab and go lunches. My farmer is fine with a sandwich, some chips, veggies and fruit and something sweet everyday but I’d sure like to change it up once in a while for the rest of our crew. They don’t stop to eat at soybean time, corn is an easier pace so those hot field meals happen much more often. Have a safe harvest!
Thanks for writing, Lynne. We appreciate it! I’ll think about more “grab and go” lunches and write a few thoughts down. Their days are so long and they seem so very patient to work hard and get the crop in when they can. I think I’d start complaining, but I don’t hear much. Take care and happy harvesting!
God bless you and yours,
Denise