What is a CSA anyway??

Community Supported Agriculture

Thinking about signing up for a CSA but want to learn more about the idea before you commit? Read on.

For over 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.

Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer. In brief...

Advantages for farmers:

• Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
• Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow
• Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:

• Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
• Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
• Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat
• Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

The Tuesday Email...

Now I have to decide... What sounds more exciting for next week? Any thoughts?

Wards Berry Farm
1 quart Strawberries
1/4 lb. Arugula
1 bunch Radishes
1/2 lb. Sugar Snap or Snow Peas
1 bunch Carrots
1 lb. Summer Squash
1 bunch Tatsoi
4 ears Popcorn
1 bunch Spring Onions

Langwater Farm
1 bunch Kale
1 bunch Rainbow Swiss Chard
1 bunch Turnip
1/2 pint Sugar Snap Peas
1 bunch Beets
1.5 lb Summer Squash
1 head Lettuce

Ok... so lets look at these...

They both have summer squash and snap peas.
Strawberries at Wards were fantastic, there is no fruit in LF. -Point for Wards
Arugula and Tatsoi -vs- Kale and Chard: Kale and Chard are repeats. -Point for Wards
Radishes, Carrots, and Spring Onions -vs- Lettuce, Turnip, and Beets -Point for LF
Popcorn... kinda fun!! -Point for Wards

It looks like Ward's wins again this week, but I think I need to make a point to get a turnip at some point.

Fresh Strawberries are in :)

My kids were so exited when we took the ride to Ward's Berry Farm to pick up the Farmer's Choice box after last week's adventure. They are still a little hesitant, but like to open the box and see the surprises inside. Right on the top was a box of amazing fresh picked strawberries. We couldn't help but buy biscuits there, so we could have strawberry shortcakes for dessert last night. I have big plans for the rest of the basket, lets see how it goes.

                Glazed Baby Beet and Carrot Salad with Cumin Dressing

I found this fun salad on pinterest today. It uses the baby beets, baby carrots, and lettuce. I cant wait to try it. I hope my hubby feels the same way. :) The fate of the Red Russian Kale, Red Mustard Greens, Spring Onions, and Potatoes is TBD, but possibly some tasty kale chips are in my future.

Opening up the first box

Many of the fruits and vegetables in this week's box are regulars in my grocery basket, so we were not too adventurous this week. Baby steps right? Here is what we did do...

The lettuce and the tomatoes were a no brainer, right into a salad they went. I wish I had thought to shave a few carrots in. They are still sitting in my refrigerator sad and lonely :( All of the fruit; plums, pineapple, mango, cherries, and peaches were snacks for my lunch. Sorry nothing exciting there. The avocado was used to make egg salad. I substitute the avocado for mayo. YUM! I HATE cilantro. I have tried it many different ways, and i cant find a use for it in my house. I asked around. No one could use it, so unfortunately, it went unused. I sauteed the rainbow chard with olive oil,  garlic and a mesquite seasoning one night to serve alongside BBQ meatloaf. Score with the kids! While I love broccoli, and could it it every day, my family is another story. I tossed it in the teriyaki marinade I used for steak tips, and it was a success.  One zucchini was battered and cooked when I made chicken Parmesan, the other is hanging in the fridge with the carrot.

The green beans became part of a delicious meal that my entire family loved. My 7 year old step-daughter, who hates potatoes, loved it. I used chicken tenders instead of breasts because that's what I had in the fridge, but it was a delight.

                                      Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

Let's get Started

I am trying to make healthier food choices for both myself and my family. I decided to start getting Farmer’s choice boxes at a local farm. There are two farms locally that offer a “Farmer’s Choice Box” or an “Organic Harvest Box.” These are the weekly shares that someone would get from a CSA without the financial commitment. Each Tuesday, I receive an email from both farms with the list of the coming attractions. I can then decide where I want to order from. I decided to do this because we often get stuck in a rut eating the same fruits and vegetables all the time. I look forward to finding and sharing new recipes as the season progresses.  I am excited to make this culinary journey, and I hope my family can hang on for the ride.

    Week 1: 6/8/13

·         1 head Lettuce

·         1 bunch Rainbow Chard

·         .75 lb. Green Beans

·         1 bunch Cilantro

·         1 Avocado

·         2 Plums

·         1 Pineapple

·         1 Mango

·         .5 lb. Cherries

·         3 Peaches

·         1 head Broccoli

·         1 lb. Roma Tomatoes

·         2 Zucchini

·         1lb carrots

 Week 2: 6/17/13

·         1 quart Strawberries

·         1 bunch Red Russian Kale

·         1 bunch Red Mustard Greens

·         1 bunch Baby Carrots

·         1 bunch Spring Onions

·         2 heads Lettuce

·         2 lbs. Potatoes

·         1 bunch Baby Beets