Anyone doing a CSA?

[AliceIn]

I was interested in it until I saw the list of produce. There are a lot of them that I don't think I'd find a way to use a lot of it. This is a typical share for where I live:

Example of Spring CSA box: arugula, radishes, lettuces (bibb and romaine), endive, kale, chard, mustard greens, spinach, carrots, kohlrabi to name a few....

Example of Summer CSA box: heirloom tomatoes, basil, tomatillos, eggplant, zucchini, patty pan squash, cucumbers, leeks, fennel, tatsoi, kale, chard, peppers...

Example of Fall CSA box: onions, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, winter squash, spinach, lettuces, arugula, kale, chard...

The greens wouldn't get used much. I'd probably like the summer/fall only, but would waste a lot of it.

 

[The Princess]

what are your prices like?? I have found that different farms vary in prices which has me confused I don't know which farm to order from.

 

[christygobar]

I do a Bountiful Basket, which unfortunately isn't local. However, the pickup location is much more convenient for me. I also like that I get a much more broad selection of produce than a local CSA, that I found to be very heavy on the greens. I purchase organic, $25/basket.

I also like that you aren't stuck to a particular schedule. You pay for that week and you aren't penalized the weeks you don't need it.

But I have done local CSA's in the past and we have some great ones here as well I just wish they were closer to home!

 

[The Princess]

what are your prices like?? I have found that different farms vary in prices which has me confused I don't know which farm to order from.

 

[pocomom]

what are your prices like?? I have found that different farms vary in prices which has me confused I don't know which farm to order from.

There are so many variables, what is included, what size, how long a season... it is really hard to compare. Typically I see prices work out to $20-35 a week for what they call a "full" share. But it is very farm dependant. Mine says our share is enough food for a family of 4 who eats primarily a veggie based diet to eat for a week. It includes fruits, and I know I can spend a ton on berries and whatnot for my gang in a typical week. We shall see how it works out! Some csa's even include meat, bread, eggs... I think you just need to think about what you will use and need, for us it was easy as it was the only one that grew enough variety for us and was close enough. It is probably best to start with a smaller share and see how it works for you. I think I'll keep this thread going once we start picking it up- maybe everyone doing it, gardening, or just picking up at the farmer's market can share recipes.

 

[kelcoppens]

I live in PA and our local CSA comes out to $33 per week. After reading these, I realize now that that is very high! I am jealous of those posting $18, 22, etc.!

Ours does have the option of reducing the price to $25 a week but only if you help weed their garden and do other farm chores throughout the season (I think they clock your time and you have to put like a total of 40 hours in).

 

[Sadie22]

I was interested in it until I saw the list of produce. There are a lot of them that I don't think I'd find a way to use a lot of it. This is a typical share for where I live:

Example of Spring CSA box: arugula, radishes, lettuces (bibb and romaine), endive, kale, chard, mustard greens, spinach, carrots, kohlrabi to name a few....

Example of Summer CSA box: heirloom tomatoes, basil, tomatillos, eggplant, zucchini, patty pan squash, cucumbers, leeks, fennel, tatsoi, kale, chard, peppers...

Example of Fall CSA box: onions, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, winter squash, spinach, lettuces, arugula, kale, chard...

The greens wouldn't get used much. I'd probably like the summer/fall only, but would waste a lot of it.

That sounds like a good variety. Some of the items are freezable. Root vegetables can be frozen or stored in a cool, dry place. We're still enjoying sweet potatoes we got last October.

The first year I did a CSA I wasn't working much and I could come home with my bagful of vegetables and process everything right away. The second year I didn't keep up quite as well. This year I have one less person here so I'm just going to go to the farm store and buy what I want when I feel like handling it. I like to do batch cooking, so when broccoli is in season I will get a bunch to soak, rinse, blanch and freeze at one time, and the same with other freezable veggies. We have two big freezers, so plenty of space.

The farmer's wife is always around to answer questions and suggest recipes. We added a lot of things to our diet due to belonging to their CSA, and they gained a loyal customer. It doesn't hurt that they have several stands around the area as well.

 

[The Princess]

I signed up!!! I did the standard box which is $23/box. I figured I would give it a try this year if I like its a go and if not then I won't do it again. We eat alot of fruits and veggies and if I have any left I will juice them (we juice every day)

 

[Sunnywho]

When we did a CSA half-share, we wasted about half of what we got, but despite that I felt really good about the fact that we all were eating veggies every day and much better variety than I'd have picked up at the store. Our weekly grocery bills dropped significantly too. Instead of buying processed foods I was buying specific things in order to use up the veggies I'd gotten.

It's not a good summer for us to do it this year, but we'll probably do it again next year.

 

[cjackearl]

We joined a local CSA this year for the first time. I am ex-ci-ted!! We're paying $200 for 21 weeks of organic produce. The farmer, who lives locally to me but farms about 45 minutes away, offers 3 options for pick-up: 1. At his house, with a pre-packed box of produce 2. At the farm, where you pick out what you'd like from what's being harvested at the time or 3. At the farmers market, where you can choose what you'd like from a more limited selection. I'm taking option #1. Bring on the veggies!

eta- the price we're paying is for a half share

 

[HM]

We belong to something like a CSA, but we get choices in what pre-planned baskets we get each week and we choose which they deliver to us. It's called The Produce Box and buys from farmers in NC (and VA). We only have three of us at home right now so get a "small box" for $18.50 week usually. If we're gone a week or don't want what's available, we can skip a week.

 

[nic98omo]

We have been CSA members for 3 years. Last year it was $25 a week. This year, it's $30 a week for certified organic. Our CSA offers a trade out box. If there is something in the share we don't like, we can trade it for something else. A list of recipes was also offered each week to help with cooking. I tried kohlrabi for the first time last year and found I loved it.

In regards to menu planning. I plan weekly around what is in my box. My pick up location is down the street from Sprouts and Whole Foods.

In regards to choosing which CSA/farm to choose, my advise is talk to the farmers. Talk to them about their farm, what they offer, etc. You may find you like one over the others.