HeyLo-Food From the Heart

Unfortunately some people don’t know what a CSA box is, even more unfortunate are those who don’t have the opportunity to get one. CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Many local farms will offer a variety box (weekly, biweekly, small, or large) of fresh, organic, seasonal fruits and vegetables at a reasonable price. It definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you are up for a challenge and really really like vegetables (especially beets ;) ) you should definitely check it out. I have found that the box challenges me to get creative in the kitchen. I get a large box for 30 dollars every other week from the farm Be Wise Ranch. Here is a look at my last box.

Nectarines, plums, and blood oranges!

Squash, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, kale, basil, beans, and beets.

Sometimes you even get giant fruits and veggies :)

and everything tastes absolutely delicious and is so very fresh!

This is the list of what I am getting today and I am super excited:

Arugula
Beets, Red, Gold, Chiogga
Basil
Carrots
Collard Greens
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Lettuce
Plums
Onions, Green/Purple
Oranges
Peaches or Nectarines
Spring Mix
Tomatoes, Cherry
Tomatoes, Heirlooms (praying that I actually will get these)
Zucchini

There are definitely pros and cons to CSA boxes, the biggest one for me is not getting what it says we are going to get. I will be so sad if it says strawberries or heirloom tomatoes and we just don’t get any. It all depends on the farm and the size of the crop. Here are a couple more pros and cons.

Pros:

Fresh and Organic Produce

Variety

Supporting Local

Affordable 

Getting New Interesting Food

The like a present every time and you never know what you are going to get

Pushes you to eat more fruits and veggies 

Cons:

Getting the same produce week to week when it is seasonal (my least favorites are mustard greens and beets, please help)

Getting food you don’t like (beets and mustard greens haha)

It can be hard to plan what other food to buy until you get the box because the list isn’t always accurate. There have been times where I didn’t buy lettuce and then didn’t end up getting any so I had to go back to the store. 

Food can go to waste if the week you get the box you go out to dinner or out of town.

Overall, I love my box and I look forward to this afternoon when I pick it up and get to discover all the goodies! If you have any questions please ask! I think CSAs are great and if you have an opportunity to join one give it some thought :)

Happy Friday!