Last week we picked up our first CSA share of the season. You may have already seen Allan's post about it; go there to see the bounty.
We've still got food. Tonight we're grilling the last of the asparagus, and we still have a pound of ground beef in the freezer. Wednesday we'll pick up our next share.
I don't mean to imply that we've only eaten the CSA food since last Wednesday; we've eaten a couple of meals out, and there was only one meal that was completely composed of CSA food.
What I do want to say is how good the food is. And it was produced less than 20 miles from where we live. Can you say locavore?
While the initial investment might seem hefty, I think it's worth it for the quality of the food. Add in the lower cost of transport, the lower fuel expenditure, the fact that it's organic (and the meat is raised humanely), and it's a win-win-win thing.
And I should have blogged about it two or three months ago, so that you could get in on a CSA share in your area.
How funny! We just got our first CSA share yesterday too! We didn't eat the asparagus yet but it is HUGE! Mike sauteed the mustard greens and broccoli rabe we got with some garlic and chicken tonight and it was fantastic! The CSA was by far the best thing we've done all year.
Posted by: AndreAnna | May 19, 2008 at 19:52
I've always wanted to do this but I fear a bunch of the food would go to waste since I live alone. Someday!
Posted by: sizzle | May 19, 2008 at 20:03
I guess everyone but me knows what CSA is.
Posted by: Karsten | May 19, 2008 at 20:26
Karsten: CSA means Community Supported Agriculture. More here.
Posted by: Alison | May 19, 2008 at 21:07
sizzle, most places offer half shares.... like the one that allan and ali clearly belong too (this is our second year with elmwood).
glad you joined!
Posted by: jeorg | May 19, 2008 at 21:08
Our Ashley is very into this, except that she's a vegan.
Posted by: Margaret | May 19, 2008 at 22:44
tsk tsk tsk dereliction of blogging responsibilities, oh lala
Posted by: The CEO | May 19, 2008 at 23:16
I think I wrote a post about this system back in my Well Fed days. What a great idea.
BTW, I tried to order the book you recommended to me (The Omnivore's Dilemma?) and the order didn't come through! Maybe I'll get to it this summer stateside...
Posted by: Betty C. | May 20, 2008 at 01:15
Welcome to our small CSA world! Anybody that still needs convincing should read Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle". We signed up for our first CSA last year (before reading the book), but after the reading the stories of how food gets to your kitchen and possible alternatives ..... it's the only way to go.
btw, we didn't get any garlic greens. I wonder what differences we'll see in our baskets between Wednesday and Friday pick-up.
Are you interested in starting a blog/wiki for recipe sharing with CSA foods?
Posted by: Thomas | May 20, 2008 at 06:58
You and Allan are so cool.
Posted by: ɹǝƃƃolquǝʞoʇ | May 20, 2008 at 10:13
Alison,
I was searching the internet to see if there were any blogs that shared CSA recipes. This is my first year being a part of CSA too! I am share cropping with Three Springs Farm. My first pick up was last week. I'm looking forward to more delicious food. Thomas, please let me know if you start a blog of recipes! I would love to be a part of it.
Ellen
Posted by: Ellen | May 23, 2008 at 14:06