CSA!

A welcome addition to my fresh, whole foods journey was my dad deciding to join a CSA. That would be Community Supported Agriculture, a farm that offers shares to the public. As a shareholder you receive a weekly bounty of farm-fresh veggies, and the farm receives the financial support they need to continue producing crops. You interact directly with the producer, and are able have any questions or concerns answered face-to-face. Additionally, it is a great way to become part of a greater community of conscious buyers/eaters. Another benefit is the crops are organic & pesticide free. There is some risk involved, if you participate during a season that doesn't bode well for the crops, your share would be smaller than in a better season.

Gloria, one of the owners of Red Oak Ranch, our CSA farm, let us know that it is still quite early in the season, so as the weeks progress our shares will be much larger, and include a greater diversity. Even without this knowledge I was quite satisfied with the wealth of veggies, and wonder how I'm going to use them up in a week!

Carrots, Green Beans, Cabbage, Boston Lettuce, Zucchini, Scallions (and hiding Radishes)

Corn & Garlic

Look at all those veggies!

So of course I made a salad, all from the CSA veggies

(and some canned Tuna, it's going to be one of my vices for awhile)

Boston Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Scallions, Green Beans, Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette & Tuna

I wouldn't be exagerating to say it was one of the best salads I've ever eaten. I'm looking forward to learning new & creative ways to prepare veggies. Hopefully I'll find a few that my family loves, and I can keep them eating fresh (at least in part) all summer!

If you want to find out more about CSA's check out Local Harvest, they give you a nice description of the program and help you find farms in your area.