CSAs

Last year I started a website in order to share my experiences cooking with the seasons.  The audience was intended to be anyone who was a part of my club or interested in the club.  I've decided to start a blog as well so that I can more quickly post my comments, recipes and photos.

I recently joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  It is not an easy task to decide on a CSA, as there are so many to choose from in some areas, and they offer slightly different things.  Some important things to look at when making your decision are: where the pick up locations are, when farm events take place (if you are interested in visiting), price, size of shares offered, how many weeks, what items they grow, farm history & how long they have been a CSA.  You can find more tips, as well as CSA listings, from the link above.

In the past I've just told myself that I would purchase fresh produce from the local farmer's markets, but in reality, I don't make it to the markets as often as I intend.  I also know people who garden, but again, that requires special trips or random visits.  So this year, I'll be receiving a box of organic produce once a week for the next 20 weeks (starting in June).  I'll have a regular pick up location that is conveniently on my route home from work.  I had the privilege of speaking with a member of this CSA while I was volunteering at the Brooklyn Center EarthFest and was able to ask a lot of questions and express my concerns.  She was very helpful, and even let me try some fresh cut produce (it was delicious!).

One by one my friends have also decided which CSAs to join, and they are all different!  So do your research, and if it feels right, go for it!  If markets or gardening or grocery stores fit your lifestyle or location better, that's great!  The most important thing is that you're eating your veggies!