Fresh local produce every week

Posted by Dana McMahan on April 3, 2008

As the trees begin to bloom and my grass turns green I become impatient for spring and summer -- and the fresh fruits and vegetables they'll bring. This year I'm particularly anxious for the growing season as I wait for my first basket of fresh local produce. I'll enjoy a weekly supply of locally grown produce beginning next month with my first delivery from Misty Meadows Farm. We're participating in a CSA with a local farm this year for the first time and I can't wait to see what my bounty will be every week.

Community Supported Agriculture reconnects consumers with growers. Members share the risks and rewards of the small to medium-sized farms by paying in advance for a share of the produce for the season. In return they typically receive enough fresh produce to feed a family every week. They also know where their food comes from, support the local economy and encourage agricultural diversity through their involvement.

Participation requires a willingness to approach meal planning a little differently -- rather than picking recipes and shopping for ingredients, CSA members receive whatever nature and the farmer provides that week, and build their meals around it. I anticipate getting quite an education this year as I fill my kitchen with foods I've never tasted, let alone cooked. I'll get started with these 100 spring produce recipes from Food and Wine.

If you'd like to try (or go back to) eating with the seasons, check out Local Harvest. You can search for CSAs or Farmers Markets in your area and learn all about farms you're interested in. The CSAs typically list the products they offer and LocalHarvest conveniently links each item to recipe suggestions.

Learn more about CSAs.

TAGS: Csa, Farm, Produce
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