This time of year, Nathan Hasler-Brooks’ daughter would be more than happy to eat tomato sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Made using one of eight different types of heirloom tomatoes grown at their family farm, Tine and Toil Farm in North Coventry, Chester County, Nathan, his wife, Kerry, and their two children like to add a thick slice of tomato to a slice of sourdough bread that’s been slathered with mayonnaise and finish it off with a sprinkle of salt.
Pottstown residents who receive a CSA share through Mosaic Community Land Trust’s CSA Scholarship Program in Pottstown are getting the chance to indulge in the same selection of tomatoes that are included in their weekly produce boxes and much more.
Supports local agriculture
The program not only makes fresh produce accessible to residents but also supports local agriculture through its partnership with Tine and Toil, which began in 2019.
The program has grown from ten half shares delivered every other week to 25 full shares delivered weekly this year. The food provided to Pottstown residents accounts for half of the food grown by Tine and Toil Farm. In total, they have 43 CSA members.
Summer favorites
Beyond tomatoes, CSA recipients are now receiving other summer favorites — all organically grown— such as sweet corn, basil and cucumbers. Fennel and escarole have also been making appearances as of late.
“We like to change things up every week, so people don’t get bored,” Hasler-Brooks said, adding they create a weekly newsletter for CSA members that includes recipes for more unique produce that aims to inspire different ways to cook it as well as reduce food waste. “We also include what’s going on at the farm.”
He has a favorite way of enjoying fennel during the summer months.
“I cut the fennel real thin and pair it with peeled orange segments,” he said, adding he then adds sliced red onion, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt.
Before starting Tine and Toil, Hasler-Brooks, who previously lived in Philadelphia, where he was a social worker who enjoyed gardening in his spare time, highly values his relationship with Mosaic.
“It’s an important part of our business,“ he said. “I love getting food out to people in Pottstown proper.”
5-ingredient summer squash
Adapted by Tine and Toil from www.SeriousEats.com, this is a quick and easy way to enjoy squash this summer.
Ingredients:
Quarter cup extra virgin olive oil
3 or 4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 medium summer squash, washed and cut into 1-inch slices
Kosher salt, to taste
10 to 15 basil leaves, torn
Instructions:
• Heat the olive oil and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until the garlic is softened and beginning to turn golden (about 4 minutes).
• Add the squash and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir occasionally until the squash is tender (about 10 minutes). Reduce heat if the squash begins to sear and brown. Season with salt as desired.
• Add the basil leaves and cook for 1 more minute.
• Remove from heat and drizzle with olive oil to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Mosaic’s CSA Scholarship Program is aimed at low- to moderate-income families in the Pottstown area.
For more information, call 484-214-5046. For more information, visit www.tineandtoilfarm.com and www.mosaiccclt.org
