The 6th Harvest

The Weekly Share 

  •  Lettuce (romaine, red sails, butter )
  • Herbs: sage, mint or cilantro (great with any chicken dish)
  • Spinach or Beets!! (use the greens too!!)
  • Chinese broccoli (small broccoli flower and large lush leaves, eat the whole thing in an easy stir fry see recipe below)
  • Purple Bok Choi or Mizuna (a little slug kissed but add it to a stir fry and it will taste spicey)
  • Bright lights chard or Kale (Cavalo Nero or Red Russian Kale)
  • Green garlic (a spring time treat like a garlicky leek, use white part, slice thinly as you would use garlic or a leek)
  • Turnips or radishes (check out the recipes on this site for both the root and the greens, we eat them raw daily.

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It is hard to believe it is raining again, good for recent transplants but bad for future planting and growth. We have beds of lettuce growing in millimeters instead of inches. We need a few weeks of warm weather to make up for this incredibly cold and wet spring. We still don’t have enough of many crops for everyone to enjoy at the same time. There are a lot of either or items on the list this week. There are beds in the greenhouses that have already been cleared of their crops and are being prepared for the next planting.
We have started harvesting from the outside beds we put in at the end of March. The spinach and mizuna and bok choy come from beds up near the bee hives. There are tons of tiny little slugs on everything so wash your veggies well. This is your proof we are organic.
Juvencio brought home 6 cute pink pigs! They are really skittish but as they get used to their environment they poke their noses out more often. If you wish to visit them be wary of the ram he is out in the same pasture. He is unpleasant and at times a bit aggressive.
We welcomed our new Catlin Gable Senior Volunteer Jena. She helped out with the harvest last Wednesday, planted shallots and seeded for the farmers market on Thursday and spent 9 hours with us at the Beaverton Farmers Market yesterday. A busy start to her 3 week stint here at the farm. We have really appreciated the help as it is really crunch time on the farm.
We hope to get the tomatoes and cucumbers into the ground this week. The rain today may delay plans, but it is always good to hope. We see that people are already getting tired of certain crops. We do our best to offer variety but this is what is available at this time of year. We do have a share basket so that your unwanted veggies can go to a happy home. Alternately they go into the farmer’s stomachs.
There are no more  pork shares but there is still lamb and beef available. Make sure to let us know ASAP if you are interested. The sign-up sheet for farm help is posted in the barn and you are free to sign up for as much help as you would like to give, minimum 2 harvests over the course of the remaining 47 harvests.
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Greens and Grains
 
1 generous bunch beet greens, stemmed and washed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 large cloves green garlic, peeled and sliced, or one small head that has not separated into cloves, chopped
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 eggs
1/2 cup 2 percent milk
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup cooked barley (regular pearled or purple), brown rice or arborio rice
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (2 ounces)
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 2-quart gratin dish with olive oil. Blanch the beet greens for one minute in a large pot of generously salted boiling water, or steam over 1 inch of boiling water for two to five minutes until wilted and tender. Rinse with cold water, squeeze out water and chop medium-fine. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the onion, and cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Continue to cook for another minute or two until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the cooked greens and the thyme, and toss together. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in the greens mixture, the barley or rice, and the cheeses. Mix together well. Scrape into the oiled baking dish.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until sizzling and lightly browned on the top and sides. Remove from the heat, and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Yield: Serves four to six.
Advance preparation: The gratin will be good for three or four days. It is as good served cold or at room temperature as it is hot.
Nutritional information per serving (six servings): 181 calories; 4 grams saturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 106 milligrams cholesterol; 13 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 188 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 9 grams protein
STIR-FRIED CHINESE BROCCOLI
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 lb Chinese broccoli (sometimes known as Chinese kale), ends of stems trimmed and broccoli cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup
Thai chicken stock or canned chicken broth
2 tablespoons Thai yellow bean sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
Special equipment: a large (6-qt) wok
Heat oil in wok over high heat until hot but not smoking, then stir-fry garlic until pale golden, 10 to 15 seconds. Add broccoli and stock and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add bean sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar and stir-fry until broccoli is crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
Cooks’ note:
Broccoli can be trimmed and cut 6 hours ahead and chilled in a sealed plastic bag.
Gourmet
May 2004
 
Chinese Broccoli
(Lyn’s Quick Stir Fry)
1 bunch Chinese Broccoli (flower, stem and leaves) – remove any hard end of the stem
2-4 cloves of garlic minced
1 – 2 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup water
Olive oil
Heat a wok or frying pan and add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Add minced garlic until aromatic (about 1 minute) then add the broccoli and toss to coat with oil and garlic for about 1 minute. Add soy sauce and coat then add the water and cover for 3-5 minutes until tender and still bright green. Serve by itself or over rice. . . YUM!
 
Beet with Sesame Vinaigrette
1 pound beets (after cooking there should be about 2 cups)
6 tablespoons mild olive oil
2 teaspoons Oriental sesame oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, additional for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
 
Trim tops from beets, leaving about ½ inch from the beets, so that they don’t bleed too much. Put the beets in a pot and cover with cold water. Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until tender. Pour off most of the hot water and add cold water to the pot. Peel the beets while they are still warm. Or you may rub the beets with a little oil and bake them in a covered pan at 350 until tender. If the beets are large, cut them into ¼ inch slices. If they are small, cut them into 4 – 8 wedges. Place the beets in a large mixing bowl. 
Whisk the remaining ingredients together, pour over the still warm beets, and toss to coat. Sprinkle more sesame seeds if you like and serve.
Swiss Chard and Garbanzo Bean Soup
Published May 25, 2010
Makes 8 servings
This soup is super easy to make because you only have to chop one vegetable — the onion — which allows you to put it together in less than an hour. Serve with baguette slices and a green salad to round out the meal.
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon nonhydrogenated margarine
  • 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press
  • 1 bunch (approximately 1 pound) Swiss chard, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups (24 ounces) chopped canned tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili sauce, such as sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot
  • 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Soy sour cream substitute for garnish
Instructions
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and margarine until they melt together. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion turns translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the chard to the pot. The leaves should come almost to the top of the pot but will shrink when they cook. Cook until greens begin to wilt, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, chili sauce and garbanzo beans. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Add the broth and bring soup to a boil; lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Serve, garnishing each serving with a couple of teaspoon-sized dollops of soy sour cream substitute.
Adapted from Blue Earth Farms, Chehalis, Wash.
 
Kale Omelete
By the Armard Family
 
INGREDIENTS
 
– as much kale as you could get with two hands together (as a buch) after it has been chopped (aprox. 2 cups)
– Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons)
– One small well-chopped clove of garlic
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of feta or chevre cheese (small pieces)
– 1 small-medium riped tomato or 4-5 cherry tomatoes (chopped)
– Fresh black pepper
– 3 eggs
– Finely chopped basil or parsley
 
PROCEDURES
 
– Stir the eggs very well with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside
– Heat the olive oil at medium-high and when hot add the kale and the chopped garlic. Cook until kale is soft stirring constantly. Don’t overcook. Then take out
– Reduce the fire to low-medium (let the pan cool down a little first), re-stir the eggs and poor them on the pan (use more olive oil if needed before adding the eggs)
– Immediately add the cooked kale/garlic, the chopped tomatoes, the cheese and the remaining salt
– Cover for about a minute with a lid
– Fold or whatever you prefer or can do (fritatta Vs. Omelette)
– Take out and add some chopped parsley or basil on top
 
 
ROASTED BEETS AND BABY GREENS WITH CORINADER VINAIGRETTE AND CILANTRO PESTO
Vinaigrette
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 small garlic clove, peeled
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pesto
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 small garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Beets
2 pounds 1-inch-diameter baby beets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Coarse kosher salt
6 cups assorted red baby lettuces (such as red oak leaf and lolla rossa)
For vinaigrette:
Stir coriander in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Cool. Coarsely grind coriander in mortar with pestle or in spice mill. Transfer to small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with coriander. Add vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in 7 tablespoons oil. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill; discard garlic after 1 hour. Let vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.)
For pesto:
Puree first 9 ingredients in blender until smooth. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Reblend before continuing.) Whisk in lime juice.
For beets:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash and dry beets. Cut off beet greens 1 inch from top of beets; reserve for another use. Rub beets with oil. Place light-colored beets in 1 roasting pan and red beets in another; sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover pans tightly with foil. Roast until beets are just tender, about 55 minutes. Cool slightly. Using towel, rub off peel and stems from beets. Cut beets in half. Place light-colored beets and red beets in 2 separate bowls. Toss beets in each bowl with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Let stand 30 minutes. Toss lettuces in bowl with some of vinaigrette to coat lightly; divide among plates and top with beets. Drizzle pesto around salads and serve.
White House No-Cream Creamed Spinach
Published May 25, 2010
Makes 6 servings
This side dish is one of Michelle Obama’s favorites because it has a creamy texture without a lot of calories and fat. One person who’s not a fan, however, is Sasha Obama, who is turned off by the bright green color — a shade of the vegetable rainbow she has yet to embrace.
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 shallots, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash and clean the spinach. Place a large bowl of water near the sink, and put several handfuls of ice cubes in it. Place a colander in the sink.
Fill a medium-sized pot with water, and sprinkle in some salt. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil over high heat. Carefully add 8 ounces of the spinach (about a quarter of the leaves) and let it boil for just 30 seconds.
Carefully pour the spinach and water into the colander to drain the spinach. Then, using tongs or a fork to handle the hot spinach, immediately "shock" the spinach by putting it into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Let the spinach sit in the cold water for a minute, then drain it again in the colander. Squeeze the spinach with your hands or press the spinach against the colander with the back of a spoon to remove excess water.
Place the cooked spinach in a blender and purée. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add shallots and garlic and cook until the shallots turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the rest of the spinach leaves, tossing with a spoon and sautéing until the leaves are wilted. Add the puréed spinach and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
Adapted from White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford
 
Sherry Vinaigrette
adapted from Mediterranean Fresh, by Joyce Goldstein
¼ cup sherry vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
S & P to taste
½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more to taste
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Shallot Salad Dressing
1 spring shallot, cleaned and chopped, include most of the light green part
1/3 cup (or to taste) vinegar: we use champagne or sherry vingear
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
S & P to taste
3/4 cup best olive oil
Whirl everything in a blender or food processor. I use an immersion blender for this with the ‘jar’ that came with it: any jar will do. Super easy! You control the quality of the ingredients! enjoy.
 
Julia’s Favorite Daily Dressing
Into a mini blender jar (or small canning jar, they work with most American blenders), put in equal parts vinegar (balsamic or rice or sherry or?) or lemon juice, and olive oil. With S & P you’ve got dressing. Extras I like to add to this dressing: 1 roughly minced, peeled garlic clove, a small dollop of fancy mustard, and a small dollop of jam. Screw blender bottom onto the jar, then insert into the blender and whirl. You’ve got dressing! The variations are endless….
Low-Fat Blue Cheese Dressing
adapted from Cook’s Country
makes about 1 cup 8 servings
Use a great pungent cheese
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced fat mayo
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 Tablespoons water
1 clove garlic, grated (try a microplane!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette
2 small shallots
2 Tablespoons Champagne vinegar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup extra‑virgin olive oil
Peel and dice the shallots very fine. Put them in a small bowl with the
vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.  Stir and let the mixture sit for 10 to
30 minutes.  Whisk in the olive oil.  Makes about 3/4 cup.
Low-Fat Ranch Dressing
adapted from Cook’s Country
makes about 1 cup 8 servings
1/2 cup low fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced fat mayo
1 Tablespoons water or buttermilk
1 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, grated (try a microplane for this job)
1 Tablespoon minced chives
1 Tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch cayenne pepper
Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
Tahini Dressing from Salad by Amy Nathan
1/2 Cup safflower oil
1/2 pound soft tofu
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
generous 1/4 cup tahini (julia says: use toasted for a richer flavor)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 scallion, chopped
2 Tablespoons tamari (soy sauce)
3/8 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. (Julia says: I like to use my immersion blender in a tall jar). Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding water. This stores well if covered.
Tahini Dressing
Adapted from The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin by Shopsin and Carreno
1 cup tahini
3 Tablespoons good olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon minced fresh garlic
¼ teaspoon sugar
Combine everything with 2 cups of water in a blender and blend until smooth.
Green Garlic Dressing
1-3 stalks roughly chopped green garlic, tough end leaves discarded
1/3 cup rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon honey or jam
1/3 cup olive oil
S & P
Whirl all in a blender. Can be used as a salad dressing or marinade.

Lime Dill Dressing
from Recipes from a Kitchen Garden by Renee Shepherd and Fran Raboff

2 T lime juice 1 T vinegar
1/2 t sugar 1/2 t dry mustard
2 T chopped dill 1 T mayonnaise
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together except oil. When thoroughly blended whisk in the oil.
 
GREEK BASIL DRESSING
Shepherd’s Garden Seeds Catalog
1 clove garlic, minced
1 shallot or 1 green onion, cut in thirds
6 Greek olives, pitted
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. grated lemon zest (yellow part only)
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 sm. tomato, quartered
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
salt
freshly ground pepper
Blend all ingredients except last three (garlic through basil).  Add
olive oil gradually, processing until combined.  Add salt and pepper to
taste.  Toss with salad greens.  Makes 2/3 cup.
Winter Herb Vinaigrette
from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by D. Madison
Use it also with steamed or roasted winter vegetables.  Makes about ½ cup.
1 garlic clove
Salt
1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
1/4 tsp. fennel seeds
½ tsp. dried tarragon
½ cup chopped parsley
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 Tbs. capers, rinsed
1 large shallot, finely diced, or 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, including a little of the green
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbs. champagne vinegar or tarragon vinegar
In large mortar, mash the garlic with 1/4 tsp. salt, the pepper, fennel, tarragon and 2 Tbs. of the parsley to make a smooth paste.  Add the lemon zest, capers, shallot, oil, and remaining parsley; let stand for 30 minutes.  Stir in the vinegar, taste for salt, and add more vinegar if needed for balance.
Dijon Vinaigrette

1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
2 T each plain non-fat yogurt, lemon juice and red wine vinegar
1 T Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc. or a mixture or dried, but use less if using dried.

Combine in a blender at medium-high speed. Chill overnight before serving.

From : Chef Andrew Cohen
Honey Mustard Cilantro Dressing
1C cilantro stems
1/4 C water
1/4 lime juice(or lime/lemon or lemon)
1/4 C honey
1/4 dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1 small clove of garlic peeled(optional)
Puree in blender til smooth, then through opening in top add olive oil slowly until the hole at the center of the dressing disappears. This is usually the proper amount of oil for a properly emulsified vinaigrette.
Options: use some cayenne powder to heat it up. Use 3:1 basil to flat leaf parsley instead of cilantro and use red wine vinegar instead of citrus juice.

Candied pecans to add to your green salad from: Chef Andrew Cohen

Spray sheet of foil with nonstick spray (if you have a Silpat cookie sheet liner, it’s perfect for this). Stir 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar over medium heat until sugar melts and syrup bubbles, about 3 minutes. Mix in 1 cup pecans. Stir until nuts are toasted and syrup coats nuts evenly, about 7 minutes. Turn nuts out onto prepared foil. Using fork, separate nuts and cool completely (coating will harden).
Orange Balsamic Dressing
3/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons grated orange peel 1 to 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste . Place the orange juice, vinegar, peel and cumin in a blender. Blend for a few seconds. While the motor is running, slowly add the oil in a small stream until mixture is emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups dressing.
Rice Vinegar, on it’s own, makes a great salad dressing.
Julia’s Easy Blue Cheese Dressing
1/4 cup light sourcream
1/4 cup mayo
a couple of ounces crumbled blue cheese
salt and
lots of pepper
a bit of finely chopped parsley
finely chopped red onion
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
Mix all of the above ingredients, then thin with buttermilk or milk.
 
WONTON SOUP WITH BOK CHOY
For soup
2 lb country-style (meaty) pork ribs
2 lb chicken thighs, legs, and wings
4 scallions, coarsely chopped
1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, chopped
12 cups water
1 1/2 lb bok choy, leaves halved lengthwise, then stalks and leaves thinly sliced crosswise
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper \
For wontons
1/2 lb ground pork (not lean)
1 large egg yolk
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
About 30 wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen
Make broth:
Simmer pork ribs, chicken, scallions, ginger, and water in a 6- to 8-quart tall narrow stockpot, uncovered, until meat is very tender and falling apart, 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Pour broth through a sieve into a large bowl and discard solids. Cool broth, uncovered, then chill, covered, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Make wontons:
Stir together pork, yolk, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper in a bowl in 1 direction with your hand until just combined (do not overwork, or filling will be tough). Put 1 wonton wrapper on a work surface (keep remaining wrappers covered with plastic wrap). Spoon a rounded teaspoon of filling in center of square, then brush water around edges. Lift 2 opposite corners together to form a triangle and enclose filling, pressing edges firmly around mound of filling to eliminate air pockets and seal. Moisten opposite corners of long side. Curl moistened corners toward each other, overlapping one on top of the other, and carefully press corners together to seal. Make more wontons in same manner.
Finish soup:
Skim any fat from broth, then bring to a simmer in a 5- to 6-quart pot. Stir in bok choy, salt, and white pepper and simmer, uncovered, until bok choy is crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add wontons and simmer, uncovered, gently stirring, until filling is just cooked through, about 3 minutes (cut 1 open to check).
Cooks’ notes:
• Broth can be chilled up to 1 day.
• Wontons can be made 1 month ahead. Freeze in 1 layer on a plastic-wrap-lined baking sheet until firm, about 30 minutes, then transfer to a sealable plastic bag and keep frozen.
Gourmet
January 2004
 
 
Raspberry Salad Dressing
(The Summer Book by Susan Branch)
1/2 C salad oil
3T raspberry vinegar
1T raspberry jam
1T minced green onions
1/2T Dijon mustard
a few fresh raspberries
Whisk all together-great on fresh spinach.
Makes 1 Cup

Magic Garlic Cream
(The Summer Book by Susan Branch)

1/2C milk
1/2C sour cream
2t olive oil
1 clove garlic, pressed
2T cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Whisk all together in order given. Makes 1 Cup.
 
 
 
 

 

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