April 13th, 2026 Newsletter

BOX CONTENTS FOR WEEK OF APRIL 13 - 19:

1 bu Oregano

.75 lb Leeks

1 lb Carrots

1 lb Green Oak Leaf / Baby Red Romaine Lettuce

1.50 lbs Murcott Mandarins (Gold Oak)

1 hd Red Cabbage

1.25 lbs Bella Roja Potatoes

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Farm Notes:

Hello all, hope you are enjoying today's sun. After the three rainy days it is much needed here. To begin with, we are thrilled to announce we will soon take WIC payments at our farmers markets! We are happy to be able to help more families with providing them organic produce. We will announce on our social media when Markets will be able to process payments. (We are working on training our crew). Our harvest crew is to harvest our newest potato, Bella Roja. Our operations crew will be directly seeding Spinach this week and irrigating other plantations. I wasn't too sure in the difference in Directly Seeding and seeding post Green House. Directly seeding is within the word. The seed is being planted directly to cultivated land. Some seeds that can be directly seeded but not processed at our greenhouse for example are beets, carrots, and spinach. Examples that can only be processed in greenhouse are eggplants and tomatoes. Some seeds that can be either processed in our greenhouse or directly seeded are Squash and some varieties of Melons. That is something new I learned, definitely wouldn't have known!

Evelyn Cordova

RDF Bookkeeper

Exciting/New in your box this week:

Green Oak Leaf / Baby Red Romaine Lettuce:

Green oak leaf is super tender and buttery with a mild, slightly sweet, nutty taste. No harsh bitterness here! It's perfect for simple salads, sandwiches, or even lightly sautéed for a silky finish. It also pairs so well with cream-based soups… especially potato leek which is perfect timing with this week's box! Since we harvest our lettuce young, baby red romaine is extra crunchy and compact. It's perfect for layering into sandwiches and wraps, or even using as little taco boats. I prefer a tangier dressing to balance the flavor. Recipe linked below!

Oregano:

Oregano rounds out the mix with its bright, robust, slightly peppery character that complements roasted vegetables and hearty dishes. Note: Keep your herbs loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. Enjoy their fresh, vibrant flavor throughout the week!

Loose Nantes Carrots:

Our Nantes carrots are sweet with a nice crisp bite. Eat them raw with hummus, sliced into slaws, or roast them to bring out more of that natural sweetness. They're also great for juicing!

Leeks:

Leeks have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's way more delicate than onions or garlic. The entire thing is edible, though the white and light green portions are the most tender and flavorful. Once cooked, leeks turn soft and silky. They bring a mellow, savory sweetness to dishes without being too overpowering. They're perfect for soups, stews, braises, and broths. Leeks really shine in classics like potato leek soup, quiches, sautés, and stir-fries. These leeks are ideal for roasting or grilling. Their mildness also makes them an excellent choice for raw preparations like salads.

Red Cabbage:

Bold, crunchy, and pretty! Red cabbage has deep purple leaves with a flavor that's slightly earthier and a bit sweeter than green cabbage. When raw, it's crisp and refreshing. Perfect for slaws or mixed into salads for extra crunch and color. It also holds up really well over time, making it great for fermenting into sauerkraut or kimchi you can enjoy for months. When cooked, red cabbage softens up and gets milder and sweeter, especially when braised or sautéed. Toss it into soups and stews for body and texture.

Bella Roja Potatoes:

Bella Roja potatoes offer a rich, fresh flavor with a smooth, soft-to-medium cooking texture. These thin-skinned, creamy potatoes are perfect for potato salads or roasting with your favorite herbs. Their vibrant red skin and white flesh make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Red potatoes are also a good source of antioxidants. Keep in mind that most of the vitamins and minerals are found in the skin, so leaving it on helps retain its full nutritional value!

Murcott Mandarins (Gold Oak):

This week's citrus is all Murcott mandarins! They're known for their rich flavor and incredible sweetness, with a thin easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for snacking, juicing, or adding a bright citrus kick to salads, desserts, or even savory dishes. Grab them while you can! They come from Gold Oak Ranch, built on a 20-year partnership between Jose Luis Melendez and David Scheuring.

White Calla Lily

Riverdog Farm Grown. Certified Organic by CCOF. Perfectly shaped, ivory-white petals are a sight to behold and make for stunning, long-lasting cut flowers. This variety really is the crème de la crème of the calla world, just waiting to bring a touch of elegance to your home. As we enjoy the warming days and gentle rains, these beauties are thriving!

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Baby Romaine and Hot Smoked Salmon Salad

Prep time: 30 mins | Cook time: 30 mins | Servings: 2 people

Ingredients:

6 cups torn baby romaine and/or green oak leaf lettuce

⅔ cup Salted Red Cabbage

Cashew Caesar Dressing

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

2 oz. hot smoked salmon, torn into pieces

6 Tbsp. Puffed Rice and Coconut Crunchies

Instructions:

1. Divide lettuce between plates or shallow bowls. Drizzle with dressing as desired; season with salt and pepper. Top each salad with 1 oz. salmon, 1/3 cup cabbage, 3 Tbsp. crunchies, and some red onion. Drizzle with a little more dressing.

Check out our Instagram @riverdogfarm where we share images of the crops, farming, re-posts of your farm fixings photos and videos and provide market/CSA updates!