Autumn CSA

Back in May, I started thinking about joining a CSA (community supported agriculture).  I've wanted to do this for a couple of years but I never stay in one city all summer so I hadn't done it yet.  This year, I found a CSA that offered Autumn only share, which is perfect because it starts today and runs through the end of October.  Originally, I was going to sign up for a small box every other week but it was kind of pricey.  So, I conned a friend into going into buying a full share with me, so we will each get a small box every other week but will save ~$11/week.  Cool!

Today, I finished work a little early and walked downtown to the shop where I was to pick up my box.  Now, first of all, it is mean that they make me go to my favorite health food market to pick up my box!  I never make it out of there without baked lentil chips and lemon garlic hummus.  Today was no exception!

Second, I went down into the basement of the store and was shocked by how many people in my tiny town are part of this CSA!  Very proud of my fellow residents.  Thirdly, I really did not realize that I would have that much to haul home.  That was one long walk!

If you are a veggie lover, opening your CSA box feels a little like your birthday.  Yes, I got an e-mail this week telling me what I can expect in my box, but until you open the box, it isn't all that exciting.  I was super excited to see the selection and traded in a cucumber and a large kohlrabi for an extra head of broccoli and a tomato.  Totally worth it!  So, here's what I got this week for a SMALL box:

2 small heads of garlic

2 giant leeks

huge pack of green onions

6 small to medium carrots

4 heads of broccoli

head of Boston lettuce

3 red bell peppers

pack of yellow cherry tomatoes

5 regular tomatoes

small kohlrabi

Wow.  I have a lot of eating to do!  Some things should keep for a little longer and I'll leave those to eat later next week while I polish off the more perishable items.  I will say that I was unprepared to store these veggies.  I'm not quite sure what I was thinking!  My cat was kind of wondering what was up and hung out on the bar stool watching me unpack the veggies (and falling asleep apparently).

If you haven't joined a CSA or have never heard of CSA's before, please check them out next spring!  My CSA in particular provides all organic produce.  And, it's locally grown (as in 9.5 miles away).  This is so great for our environment and our bodies!  I'm super excited!