Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Great CSA Experiment

Have you ever heard of a CSA or a Community Supported Agriculture? I had a vague idea of a CSA but must admit, visions of hippy, dippy people in Birkenstocks danced in my head. A CSA was something that other people did.

Until now!  I recently learned that come July 2nd, Confreda Greenhouses and Farms will be holding its own CSA for the first time.  Please click here to read all the details.  I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful program!

As you all know by now, I love to cook and I equally love to eat. However, lately I have found myself in a rut, buying the same foods from week to week. In fact, I can give you a laundry list of the usual produce I buy: baby carrots, celery, romaine lettuce, arugula, onions, potatoes, spinach, green beans, nothing too "out of the box".  I often pass by certain veggies because, like you, I just don't know if my people will eat them or I'm not always sure how to prepare them. 

But now, I am going to perform the Ultimate Challenge (wow, I have been watching a lot of the Food Network!) and take myself, my family, and my faithful readers to a new level.

Like you, I will be picking up my bushel of mystery produce weekly. We won't know what is inside, but for a preview and a clue click here.

My euphoria will carry me home and after I unload it all, I will scratch my head and say "Now what? Do I cook it all at once? Should I give some away? Can I freeze it? Food save it? Can it? Juice it? Help! I have no idea what this green stuff is! (Maybe I should buy some Birkenstocks, STAT!)

Have no fear. We are all in this together. I will be here to guide you over the next 2 months.  Here is what will happen:
  • Each week, I will provide you with tips for storing and preparing your new bounty.
  • I pledge to provide at least one practical recipe using at least one of the ingredients in your bushel.
  • I promise not to disappoint you. And I will welcome your feedback and suggestions each week. Sometimes it takes a village to write one blog so I will be happy to rely on you, my Village People.
In return for joining Confreda's CSA and following this blog series, here are the benefits you will reap.
  • Enjoying freshly picked, native produce all season. Farm to Table!
  • Pure joy in knowing you are supporting our local farmers and the local economy
  • A healthier lifestyle by eating fresh produce and finally fulfilling the Five A Day quota. Phew!
  • Becoming part of the agricultural community.
  • FREE access to farm tours and other events this summer
  • New recipes to WOW your friends and family
So what do you say? Let's all step out of our collective comfort zones and jump ship on the "Big Box" stores.  Join Confreda's Community Supported Agriculture and take a journey with me this summer. It may very well be the best Staycation you've ever taken!

PS. Mom, sorry, the pies are not included in the weekly bushel. BUT you can certainly purchase one (or two) while you are there.

3 comments:

Mark said...

Looks like an exciting and interesting opportunity. Can wait to see and taste the fruits (ummm. vegetables) of your labor.

Mark said...

Looks like an exciting and interesting opportunity. Can wait to see and taste the fruits (ummm. vegetables) of your labor.

Debra Turner said...

Sounds delicious! With a google search, there's nothing you can't find a recipe for and cook!