I have been considering joining one for several years and this year I just finally decided it was time. Wes and I eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies as is but we thought if we had an entire box, we'd feel obligated to use it all up, thus eating better.
During the summer months we try to get as much of our produce from the Farmer's Market as possible and we will still frequent it but now we'll have a weekly box to supplement it with. Plus if it's raining or we're out of town, we'll still have fresh produce weekly.
This was our first week for pickup and I have been like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to see what was in our box and what challenges I might face with the ingredients. I love a good challenge but I also welcome the chance to get to try new things. Here's a sampling of what was in our box:
1 head of baby romaine
1 head of dark baby romaine
1 small sprig of sage
3 garlic greens (my learning curveball for this box)
5-6 radishes (I'm the only one who will eat these and they are STRONG)
1 small pint of strawberries
1 bag of red stemmed spinach (I've never heard or seen this before so I'm anxious to try it)
I should note that we only signed up for the mini-sized box in order to give it a try. So far this amount seems to be perfect for us. I used one of the garlic greens tonight in some sauteed spinach - so much flavor! It's like a mini leek but with a garlic taste. We also had to bust into the strawberries which were delicious as you'd expect. Tomorrow I plan to use up most of the salad greens, some of the strawberries in the salad, and another garlic green in a chicken casserole dish.
I hope I feel the same level of excitement next week and in future weeks with the contents of the box! Do any of you participate in a CSA and have you been pleased? Do you feel like you have much waste?
Those strawberries look delicious! We are not a part of a CSA but I've really been wanting to go to the Farmer's Mkt (not the same, I know, but still--local fruits and veggies). I think I'll finally get to make it this weekend! Anyway, have you heard about a farm in G-town that lets you do your own berry picking? It's strawberry season and I want to go pick some! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst - you should offer to do the advertising photos for the CSA b/c that pic is AWESOME!!!
ReplyDeleteSecond - we are in a CSA of sorts (it's not an official one) - and I love it. We get to choose between 3 boxes. The first week I chose well and used almost everything in my box. I liked that it helped guide my food decisions (something that's often hard for me) and that I was trying new recipes. The second week I chose poorly and we went out of town so I did much worse that week! But I learned and I'm hoping to redeem myself this week!!! :)
What I really like about it is that you try new foods and new recipes!
How fun! I remember you saying that you all were going to try this - looks like you're hooked, and with good reason!
ReplyDeletemmmmm...this looks good! hey, sara said you may do the i heart faces walk. i signed up to do it. hope you can make it! it'd be fun to meet ya!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried it, but I think it sounds like a great idea. I'm guessing I'd eat healthier if I tried it. There's no excuse if that's what's sitting in your kitchen. :)
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Jess's Baby in My Belly blog and wanted to say hi.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I started getting CSA boxes about a year ago and we love it. It can be a (fun) challenge to find ways to use all the produce each week, particularly when it is something that is new or not a favorite for us. We just had our first experience with green garlic last week and so far so good!
If you haven't tried it, you might give roasted radishes a go. We've found that it really mellows the flavor. Toss in some potatoes or carrots as well and it makes a lovely dish.
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ReplyDeleteelizabeth
ebethxo@yahoo.com
This does sound like an awesome idea!! I really need to get me and my husband eating fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market. Not only is it better for you but I feel we need to support the local farmers!! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing! I wish I were motivated enough to be a creative cook so I could justify one of these boxes... You seem to have the creativity part down!
ReplyDelete(And to answer your early/late delivery question from your comment--I was given two due dates the first time around a delivered right in between! Logan was measuring big, so they moved the date up from Nov 14th to the 5th--born on the 9th! How about Colin? Jude seems so active and I *feel* so big this time...Jude must be coming early, right?!? :))