If I learned one thing from last year's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) experience, it's that your eyes are bigger than your stomach.
A lot has changed since last year. I have a new job which has hours that extend way past "full time." I have one less pair of expecting parents in our neighborhood to show my philanthropy towards. And last year I did the work share option (work about 12 days a season and get a small percentage off a full share), an experience I wouldn't give back ever, but it would pose a challenge with my new work schedule. And although it's not a change, I really don't want to use the trash bin to collect our leftovers, as I did too often last year. (I also refuse to start up another vermi-composting bin after my worms escaped last time, but that's another story.) I also don't want to cook every day when it's 105 degrees in July.
So it's decided. I'm signing up for a half share. It's the way to go if you're only 2 people. Actually, it's probably the way to go if you're only 4 people.
A quick re-cap of why I've started this blog. I feel like a lot of times we are a little in the dark about what food is in season when. Almost everything we could want is in the supermarket all the time. I'd like to document my region's seasonal food production and show ideas on what to do with it when it comes to me in the form of a farmshare. And reference it down the road.
I also have a few goals and ideas for this year. Since all of the produce is locally produced, I'd like to share the farmer/producer's story. I have gained such a respect for the farmers and families that have brought food to my table every day. So much so, that Chris and I have added a clause to our nightly grace, giving thanks to the farmers and animals that went into making our meal. It didn't grow in the supermarket. Farmers should be our heroes. And the small increase in price that happens when you buy products that came from struggling small-scale farmers, healthy animals and healthy land is the price you pay for supporting what's right, and what's humane.
I'm still going to share recipes I've come up with and tested out, but I'm going to focus more on recipes Greensgrow has recommended based on the share. Less rating system, more results.
I'd also like to document my own little urban farming efforts. Last year we had heirloom tomatoes, kirby cucumbers, swiss chard, basil, and window herbs. This year I'm hoping for a similar harvest - maybe better.
See CSA description from Greensgrow's site (http://www.greensgrow.org) below:
What's a Share?
In a Greengsrow CSA share every week…
A seasonal assortment (5-8 items) of locally grown, freshly picked vegetables from our urban farm and the rural farms we work with.
2 delicious types of fruits. 5 pears and 4 apples, or quart of strawberries and a pint of raspberries. The summer is a bounty of wonderful fruits and every week you will get 2 of them!.
A locally-produced cheese. Some favorites include Garlic Cheddar, Fresh Chevre, and handmade Fresh Mozzarella.
A dairy option. Your choice of one of the following:
2 cups of Pequea Valley yogurt
1⁄2 lb. of Amish-style butter
1 dozen eggs - pastured, free-range, hormone- and antibiotic-free
a package of tofu
or a container of Seitan
In the share throughout the season you may receive special items of local interest such as…
A loaf of freshly baked bread from one of several local bakeries, including Metropolitan, Sarcone’s, Slow Rise bakery, as well as our home made dessert breads.
Oyster and/or Shitake Mushrooms from Angela and John at Oley Valley Mushrooms (featured at many local restaurants including Southwark and the White Dog Café).
LinVilla Orchards Apple Cider
Locally produced honey
Beer from Philadelphia Brewing Company, produced in Kensington.
Occasionaly you will find a non-food item, such as Copa Soaps. We feel that these items are important to include because they introduce you to other local businesses and directly fit into the mission of Greensgrow as Growers of Food, Flowers, and Neighborhoods.
Locally grown, cut flowers from our own "farmer Tom"
Alrighty! Let's get cookin - stay tuned!
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