By Amanda Caloras, Farm Crew
Surprise rotten pepper juice splat to the face. Waiting not-so-patiently for the last succession of cucumbers to ramp up production. Peering at the near fully mature winter squash in the fields and starting to once again entertain the idea of soup. Opening a milkweed pod and noticing it’s a little drier than it was a few weeks ago, with a couple seeds inside already browning. Begging the blackberry bush for just a few more fruits. Unlocking the best harvest of the year: potatoes. Slamming a midday popsicle because it is still pushing over 90 degrees even though The Old Farmer’s Almanac insists the “dog days” (pronounced dawg daze) of summer are already behind us. I suppose one may refer to this collection of events as Main Season Week 12.
At this point in the season, most tasks are routine. Driven by consistent harvests, the majority of crops already planted, and structured volunteer hours, there is a steady, enjoyable rhythm going. It is a level of consistency that remains distinct from monotonous. Yet, during a frequent harvest, while attempting to be alert to varying conditions, I must disclose that my mind wanders trying to latch onto something to make the particular harvest unique and memorable. This does not always work and sometimes days blend together into one ginormous vegetable blob. However, occasionally, distinction is achieved because you have found it. Or more accurately, it has found you. It is a misshapen weirdo vegetable. You see it and you know that’s your new best bud and dearest compadre for the day. I’m partial to buddies that are fully mature, but so ridiculously tiny I almost cry. Sometimes you see the perfect buddy for one of your coworkers. For instance, any eggplants with noses go straight to Anne. Curvy carrots? Those are for Cherese and Lindsey. Baseball bat zucchinis? Hey Jeremy. Funky ‘matoes? That’s all Eric. Conjoined potatoes? Into Russ’ pocket they go. The buddies take endless forms, and just like the environmental/growing conditions that caused their non-traditional growth or mutation, each one is special and distinct in their own way. I draw comfort and inspiration from them in situations that are verifiably not particularly comfortable nor inspiring, such as hobbling through a field lugging a 40-pound bag of zucchinis wearing pants that reek of a suspicious allium odor. Now compare that to hobbling through a field lugging a 40-pound bag of zucchinis wearing pants that reek of a suspicious allium odor BUT also have the tiniest pebble sized sweet pepper you ever did see in the pocket? That’s a very different story and suddenly, things are quite simple and life is good.
Admittedly, I am quick to anthropomorphize plants. However, it is abundantly clear that finding a buddy during a harvest serves as a boost for everyone’s mood, especially on a hot, low energy day, which there has been no shortage of lately. I can picture the different smiles of each of my coworkers from times that someone has bestowed a veggie weirdo onto them. Selfishly, those smiles serve as a source of uncomplicated joy for me. Of course, we love growing food for our shareholders and pantry partners. Working pickups and farm stands and saying hi to the pantry delivery drivers are genuine delights! But I find it important to emphasize that we take care of each other here too. Maybe it’s in wackadoodle ways, but from where I’m sitting as a seasonal employee, that is a significant part of what gets me out of bed every day at farmer o’clock.
Without further ado, I am pleased to introduce Green Earth’s 2024 Gallery of Buddies. Please review their brief respective narratives intentionally. Because every weirdo, veggie or not, has a story. 😉
Herbert
A kind, wise gentleman. Gave himself to the cause of being made into delicious baba ghanoush courtesy of Anne.
Earl (Herbert’s Cousin)
Goofy dude. Dedicated his life to yours truly, on a day when I was desperate for an 11 A.M. snack. Thank you for your service, Earl.
Penny the Pucker Cuke
Handed to Eric in a quick drive-by before separate tasks, who subsequently consumed Penny in two bites after flashing a big smile.
Señor Calabaza
A very charismatic fellow and definitely related to Mr. Potato Head. Felt a little too personal to eat. Was enjoyed as decoration in the Milkhouse for some time before being sent to return to the fields one day as compost.
Tomato Scissorhands
SPOOKY! Got us brainstorming Halloween Costumes – then got sent to a lucky delivery box shareholder.
Pepper Candy Cane
Had me thinking about what snow feels like in the middle of a clear-sky August day. Put out at pickup for a shareholder to find and hopefully ponder the same.
