It’s time to join a CSA…community supported agriculture! CSA’s are a great way to support local farmers, introduce organic produce to your diet, and boost your vegetable consumption! My view is, if I can’t eat it fast enough I juice it or share it with friends. I was a member of one in San Diego for many years, and marveled at all the variety of vegetables I was introduced to during that time. You can definitely be challenged with cooking up a green you’ve never seen before! Here’s a clip of me whipping up dandelion greens:
The Fuelin’ Roadhouse now has a small “Square Foot Garden” for the summer, and I’m also planning on joining a local CSA here in Austin. If you haven’t checked out Edible Austin you are missing out! Edible Austin has a quarterly publication promoting local food in Austin and Central Texas. They also have a page designated to CSA’s in the area: http://www.edibleaustin.com/content/csas-resources-108
If you’d like more information about CSA’s check out the USDA’s website LocalHarvest.org Here you can put in your zip code and search local CSA’s, farmer’s markets, co-ops, and more all near you! Here are some key reasons to join a CSA (taken from LocalHarvest.org):
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
Just Wendy Jo
