A couple of years ago we joined a CSA for the first time and loved the experience--so much awesome produce! (Too much in some cases--there is only so much corn you can eat, and I probably still have an ear in my freezer somewhere.) Anyway, after skipping last summer, I decided to join a CSA again, and this was the share from week one. (For those who aren't familiar, CSA stands for community supported agriculture and is a program where you basically purchase a share of a farm's output. It's great because you're directly supporting a farm and in return, you get many, many weeks of extremely fresh produce. It is not great if you don't like or are picky about your vegetables!)
Week one spoils: scallions, garlic scapes, cilantro, radishes (extremely peppery!), spinach, dandelion greens, mixed salad greens, and arugula. Plus two quarts of strawberries and an apple, from the fruit share. (As a bonus, you get to see my extremely cluttered windowsill where I take most of my photos. Unfortunately, that is also where most of my plants are now living...)
I am determined to make use of everything! The scapes have already gone into a stir-fry with some pork.
The dandelion greens, spinach, and some of the cilantro got turned into saag paneer (thanks for the suggestion, Jack); making paneer at home is the easiest thing in the world! The scallions will become scallion pancakes. And as you might have guessed, I will be eating a LOT of salad this week.
There are lots of CSA programs out there now; this is a good site if you want to find one near you. For those who are in NYC, Just Food is a good resource. And if you're interested in Chubby Bunny specifically (which is the one I've joined!), you can visit their blog. I'm looking forward to a summer (and fall) of vegetable goodness!
6 comments:
I've always wanted to get on a CSA list, but it doesn't seem practical for the two of us. I just make a point to go every week and get as much as I think I can use. Looks like you're making some great stuff!
I'm always afraid that I'll end up not having the time to cook from these weekly deliveries and I'm impressed with what you've made from yours! Great way to eat healthily though!
Megg, i have to say, this share is a little bit too much for me, and I struggle to finish up some of it (the lettuces are what give me the most problem). But it is definitely forcing me to be more creative!
Su-Lin, I was worried about that too and I do definitely spend more time in the kitchen now, but it's worth it! Everything is so fresh and delicious :D
yummy i getting hungry
hmm.. maybe i should join a CSA too?
Amanda, I can highly recommend it, especially if you like experimenting! I've definitely learned a lot about preparing veggies that I'd never tried before :)
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