Monday, February 13, 2012

New experiences.....

I've read about CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) for years, ever since I started reading blogs. For some reason, I never wanted to investigate it when I lived in NC...why??? not sure.

Anyhow, a few friends had mentioned the CSA they used, Bountiful Baskets.  They seemed very happy with the amount and quality of produce so I thought I'd try it.  It was easy to order which basket I wanted and had a few extras like 5 loaves of nine grain bread, cases of veggies/fruits, to which I didn't order...not that many people living here.  So good to know if I need/want to order case quantities that are offered I can.

So fast forward to my anticipation on standing in line at 8 am Saturday morning in the local park for my pick up. I'm lucky I have a few areas I can go to, but heck, when one is less than 10 mins from your house and the price of gas, you choose that one ;)

I was warned sometimes it takes a while, so dress warm.  I did in my hat/cowl set. Got checked in and shown to my 2 baskets (fruit/veggies divided) and filled my bags. It didn't take long at all!

Came home to sort out the loot! Another reason we're trying this, let alone the freshness, is to experience new fruits/vegetables to us.
1st CSA Haul!
I was amazed!  For less than $20 all of this.  Heck the asparagus and pineapple alone are almost $10!  I know the pears don't look the best on the outside, but they were delicious.

1st CSA haul
Had the corn last nite and have another meal of it left. Salad is tonite, asparagus tomorrow.  If we don't eat the broccoli in the next few days, I'll be blanching it and freezing it.  Celery is all ready for snacking.

Eggplant, hmm...I've had it fried...anyone give me a recipe for a small eggplant?  Side dish maybe?
1st CSA Haul
Total haul first week was: 1 pineapple, 8 bananas (good thing we like smoothies around here, plus good for bread), 5 oranges, 1 lemon, 4 pears, 1 eggplant, 4 ears of corn, 1 celery, 1 head romaine lettuce, 1 bunch broccoli, and 1 bunch asparagus

I'm pretty pleased so far.  They send an email out with information for newcomers and tell you to try it for at least a month.  We will, but I'll be bummed I can't next Saturday.....why???

Ahem.....college visit out of town...ahem...not sure if I'm ready for that one to leave the nest....well I won't lie, sometimes I am ;)

4 comments:

Shannon said...

I'm jealous of your bananas and pineapple! I never see those in my CSA!

Discoknits said...

Now that's a great farm box! Nice find :0)

Anonymous said...

I wish we had a CSA close to us. Your haul looks GREAT!!!! I had a peach like your pear this week --- ugly, but delicious!

Our closest CSA is over an hour away and with gas prices going up ... just not worth it. :-(

Enjoy your bounty. It looks great!

Unknown said...

I drizzle garlic olive oil on slices and grill it, yummo