What Can I Expect From a CSA?

This was the question I was asking early this spring.  I had been hearing so much about fresh produce that you can purchase directly from local farms but wasn't really sure what I would be getting for my money.  After several days of research, I chose a vegan organic farm in upstate New York (less than one hour away) that had a pick up location in my area of New Jersey.  A lot of people have asked me what I get on a typical week so I thought I would share this week's "haul" and information about my particular CSA.

What do you get?  This week we received two heads of lettuce (romaine & red curly), three nice sized zucchini, a large summer squash, a dozen potatoes, one head of cabbage, curly parsley, flat leaf parsley, basil, a huge cucumber, 10 baby beets, seven radishes, a big shallot, a giant bunch of broccoli raab and a small head of broccoli.  Previous weeks have included garlic, green onions, cauliflower, carrots (the best I've ever had), etc.  In future weeks were are expecting more squash, tomatoes, tomatillos, and larger broccoli, amongst other things.

What does it cost?  I pay $25 per week on a monthly basis.  This particular farm runs from May to October.  For the three large bags of veggies I picked up today, I would've spent way more than $25 at Whole Foods or ShopRite.  I do give away some of my items and I have had to throw some out in the early weeks because I didn't use them fast enough, but I still feel this is a very good deal.  Now that I am getting better at planning meals and pre-preparing some of the items (i.e. steaming, sauteing, freezing), I end up with very little waste.

Here are some pictures of the greeny goodness from this week.  Please excuse my kitchen - it is original to this house that was built in the 1950's (appliances excluded). Someday I will replace that faux marble counter top and backsplash...someday! :)

Oh, I should mention that since the items are harvested the morning of pick up, they do require a good washing before use.  Check out my dirty potatoes (my kids' absolute favorites)!  They also aren't as "pretty" as the produce displays at the supermarket, but let's not judge a book by it's cover.
 

My pick up location also offers various local items for sale on pick up day as well like honey, butter, maple syrup, free range eggs, fruits and bakery items.  Today I opted to pick up some NJ blueberries as I want to make muffins later tonight.  I enjoy supporting my local farmers and you really can't beat the quality and taste of fresh produce.

To find farmers markets and CSAs available in your location, check out Local Harvest's website.