“CSA” stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s new to us this year, but it’s a concept that goes way back, according to LocalHarvest.org.
LocalHarvest outlines 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.”
Cool stuff, huh?! We think so. You can read up on more of the benefits here.
We’re a member of LIFE Farm for the extended growing season April-October! We’ve received three shares so far, mostly consisting of leafy greens, some herbs, radishes and things we’ve never tried previously like pea shoots and yukina savoy. We sauteed the pea shoots in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper — they were surprisingly really tasty. We’ve not yet cooked up yukina savoy. It’s a good thing we’re open to new foods! And you should probably like surprises (as I really do. well, to clarify, it’s the good surprises I really like, so don’t bring any bad surprises on me ok?). You receive what’s fresh and ready to harvest. That’s the best. And it all comes from within 60 miles of home, so that’s even better!!
If you’re interested, look to your local farmers market for vendors offering memberships. Or, check on LocalHarvest to find them.
Here’s a photo of our second week’s share, a bounty of spinach, arugula, mixed greens, swiss chard, radishes. Cherry tomatoes made an appearance last week!
by Jennifer Bowersock
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