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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Getting the Most from Your CSA or Farmers' Market

I don't know about you, but here in the northeast, we waited a long time for spring to arrive. And after the final frost comes the promise of a long, productive growing season and a bountiful harvest. 



As more people become educated about the journey of their food from seed to plate, many people are opting to stay local. Some plant home gardens. Others choose community supported agriculture, or CSA, available at local farms. Some support farmers' markets. And some do some combination of the three.



According to Local Harvest, (www.localharvest.org/csa) a CSA is a seasonal subscription program in which community members make financial (and at times, labor) investments in a local farm's growing season in exchange for a share of the harvest. 

These shares are divided among the shareholders and most often include whatever produce is harvested that week, but may include other items, such as eggs, milk, cheese, bread, honey, flowers, meat, or whatever else the farm may offer.

This program can be a win-win because the farmers have the initial investment for any costs associated with the growing season, and the community benefits from the local, consciously grown, and at times, organic produce.




For some folks, the farmers' market is a better option due to scheduling or the upfront and, perhaps risky, fairly substantial monetary investment associated a CSA. Also, the farmers' market is a great way to supplement a CSA box, in case of a meager season, or to supplement a family that eats more produce than what the farm share may provide. 



If you chose a CSA for your family's produce needs, here are a few things you can do to maximize the return on your investment. 

1. Prep and Store
Wash and store your harvest as soon as you return home. Wash and dry your greens. Separate what needs to be refrigerated, and prep anything that needs to be trimmed or cleaned to be ready to eat. Educate yourself about the best way to store tender produce. If you planning to can or freeze anything, prep for what you need. Seal in flavor at its peak ripeness.



2. Get creative. 
Often, the first harvest of a spring CSA box or farmers' market relies heavy on greens. Get creative. You can add greens to salads or soups. Toss with pasta, some white beans, garlic and olive oil. Try roasting them or adding them to a smoothie with some fruit. Can you use some of the bigger leaves for Asian-style wraps? Try making a pesto...add some garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts or walnuts. And when in doubt, ask. 


3. Build around it. 
In many European cities, people go to the market in search of what is fresh, and then, they build their meal. Start with your CSA box or what's fresh at the market and go from there. Search your favorite recipe websites for ways to prepare produce with which you may not be familiar. Increase your side dish or Meatless Monday repertoire. Talk to the farmer, and ask questions. 



Maybe there is newsletter that offers recipes or cooking tips. Start with what is fresh and go from there. 




Whether you have a CSA share or you venture out to your local farmers' market, you have the benefit of eating the best of what the local land has to offer. And if you have your own garden, you have the added benefit of taking your food from seed to plate. 

And, if you're on a road trip and want to support a local farm or farmers' market, this app by Foodlander (iOS and Android) allows you to search for farms by location, including their hours, their website and their offerings. You can also check the Local Harvest website to find one near you. 

Eating local simply makes good sense. 



It's seasonal. 

It's full of flavor. 

It is more environmentally sound because  it has a smaller carbon footprint: it's natural, unprocessed, and close by. 

You can meet people involved in growing your food and ask questions. 

You can support the local economy and support the idea that we care about what we eat and how it is grown.

It's a win-win.


Do you belong to a CSA or frequent farmers' markets? What are your tips for making the most of your share or navigating the market?









24 comments:

  1. I'm going to check out that app. I went to a farmers market last year and was so dissapointed at the selection and price but I couldn't find another one close to me that wasn't during a weekday. Look forward to finding new ones to try.

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    1. I love visiting the local farms as much as the farmers' markets. Some are better than others, for sure, but for me, the fresh food is worth the quest.

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  2. Great tips! I really need to figure out where my nearest farmers market is! When we lived in the city it was so close and easy to get to, but now I have no idea if and where there is one near me!

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    1. Thanks, Rachel. My go to is the Local Harvest website, but the app may be a good option. I hope you're able to find a great market or local farm. :-)

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  3. Everything looks so great! I've never really shopped at a Farmer's Market before. Thanks for the great tips!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I love going and getting what's fresh and planning around that. I love that I can talk with the farmer and ask questions. And I can experiment with new produce I've never had before. It's a win-win. :-)

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  4. I love buying local and discovering new farmer's market. It doesn't get fresher than the farm!

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    1. Agreed, Jessica. I love going and getting what's fresh and planning around that. I love that I can talk with the farmer and ask questions. And I can experiment with new produce I've never had before. It's a win-win. :-)

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  5. Great tips! I am trying to get more into buying local foods.

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    1. Thank you! :-) I hope you find a local farm or market that you love.

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  6. Enjoyed your Post Kelly. I frequent Farmers Markets, really appreciate the fresh foods, flavors, and preparing something special among local choices. I also enjoy gardening, vegetables, and lots of herbs too!

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    1. Thank you, Peggy. I love going and getting what's fresh and planning around that. I love that I can talk with the farmer and ask questions. And I can experiment with new produce I've never had before. It's a win-win. :-)

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you, Stephanie! It's great to find a market you know and love. :-)

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  8. There is a farmer's market in the city near us and I have always wanted to go. There's also tons of fruit stands along the old highway not far from our house. I love shopping there instead of the grocery store in the summer. We also grow a garden every year and my parents have a ton of fruit trees. We are pretty lucky to have as many local options as we do.

    I found you through the BeYouTiful link up.

    Jess
    CheapSkateBeautyBlogger.blogspot.com

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    1. That's great, Jess. How lucky you are to have so many options. When we are in Spain, we have a similar experience, but here in the States, we rely on local farms and farmers' markets. We have a short growing season here, so I really appreciate that summer produce once it's ready. Thank you for visiting. I hope you come back again soon.

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  9. I do a farm share in the winter and go to the Farmer's Market in my neighborhood every Saturday in the summer. I love it!!

    I am not savvy with greens. I'll typically just serve a protein over them, throw them in a pasta, or saute them.

    Great post Kelly! Have a good weekend.

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    1. We have been thinking about a winter share. We love the root vegetables. You say you're not savvy with the greens, but it sounds like you have a great handle on the best ways to use them. :-) Thanks, Steph. :-) Have a great week!

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  10. We have a great little farmer's market here every Saturday and honestly we probably don't go there as often as we should do. The local produce is always better than what you can buy at Wal-Mart or Kroger and of course the money is going to a good cause to support the local folks, but I guess when you get out of the habit plus when you are frequently traveling is tough to make time to get there. Great review here though Kelly!

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    1. Hi Chris,
      We do fall into buying habits, but it's great to have the local option. I love going and getting what's fresh and planning around that. I love that I can talk with the farmer and ask questions. And I can experiment with new produce I've never had before. It's a win-win. :-)
      Thanks so much!

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  11. Oh, I so wish there was a farmer's market near my place. Most everything in Singapore (including water) is imported from other countries.

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    1. Hi Nicole,
      Sad that everything is imported. What is the local produce of Singapore? What are your favorite food finds?

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