What the heck is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture

I always thought CSA stood for "crop share something that starts with A." I had the wrong words but the right idea. Local Harvest really spells it out nicely for you though....

"Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer. In brief...

Advantages for farmers: 
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin 
- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow 
- Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers: 
- Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits 
- Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking 
- Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season 
- Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat 
- Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown"

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

This is our first year participating in a CSA. We signed up with the lovely Heidi of  Heidi's Homegrown and Organics. It's only been a few couple weeks, but I already love, Love, LOVE it! I never know what I am going to get in my weekly basket. So far I've been getting some veggies that I normally wouldn't buy, so it's really getting me to think out of my normal cooking box. I am so excited for the new and delish meals in my family's future. 

Week 1: Lots of organic leafy greens, asparagus, and strawberries.

Week 2: So much organic goodness! Double the strawberries, cabbage, romain lettuce, spinach, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, huge scallions, giant carrots, AND fresh, local, raw HONEY.