“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
―Ernest Hemingway
Reflections from Norm
The 2013 summer CSA season is almost at the midway point, and a fine time to reflect on how it fits with your you and your family, your lifestyle, and your hopes with eating more local and healthy food.
There are many ways in which to evaluate: Do I look forward to receiving Thursday’s produce? Am I eating more fruits and vegetables this summer? Is it worth the money I paid for it? Do I enjoy the overall experience?
I can share with you two comments that I have received over the last few weeks to highlight the “fit” of a CSA.
*”There is grass in the greens and the herbs are always wilted, the food is not fresh at all. I am asking for my money back.” I receive a comment like this once every other year or so. I feel bad that a member is dissatisfied, but do not hesitate to send them a check and chalk one up for a bad fit. The fact is that there is grass in some of the greens and herbs, and the herbs are somewhat wilted at times. But fresh means quick from the field to the table without chemicals or preservatives and high in nutrients and you can only beat CSA with your own garden on that one. I farm with the philosophy that I cannot please everyone and that I can always do better.
*The CSA makes me spend more time in the kitchen. I love food and I love to cook. My only regret is not having joined a CSA earlier.” This member would most likely answer yes to most of the questions above. CSA is a good fit for them. Having a box of produce come every Thursday requires some management and time to deal with. It takes some creativity and planning to use all of the produce in a timely and delicious manner. It leads to more time in the kitchen, more time thinking and planning your meals, more intention to taste, smell and the aesthetic beauty of food. These things alone make eating more healthy and pleasurable.
My journey was somewhere in between. I joined a CSA after growing up on a farm and years of having my own garden. We shared a box with friends. Remembering to pick up the box every other week was the first hurdle. Then managing the produce in the box, often crops I had never cooked with. And finally making the effort to create meals, follow recipes, and learn how and what could be stored. It actually took us a few seasons to feel really comfortable with it. And now it never gets old, there are always new combinations, flavorings, recipes.
Thanks for joining Earth Dance Farm for our 2013 CSA experience. We hope it’s a good fit. Enjoy your box!!
Farmer notes:
- First of the bell peppers – many more to follow
- Enjoy the sweet corn – there will be several more deliveries
- The Italian eggplant and 2nd planting of Japanese are just coming in. This week you have just one for a stir fry, but from now on there will be more
- Potatoes with garlic and chives is always a winner
- Lettuce is only for the full shares
- Farmer’s choice is tomatoes/melon/cilantro
- Garlic and potatoes are straight out of the ground and uncured
- Many vegetables are fabulous on the grill
- We could use some rain and some heat
- Wash all of your produce before you eat it
Link to:Produce list-notes-recipes
