CSA?

CSA?

 

CSA or community support agriculture is a famers “share” of their crops to the public, typically a share is a box of seasonal vegetables each week throughout the farming season. I personally believe that CSA’s are a great way to get local seasonal produce at a fair price while supporting local farms. There are benefits to the farms, consumers and the environment.

 

One of the main advantages for the famers is receiving payment early in the season, which helps with cash flow. This allows for better planning of crops and helps level the playing field in the food market. Mostly small, independent, family farms offer CSA’s. The consumer eats ultra-fresh, organically or natural grown food and wide range of produce. The variety gives you a chance to taste new vegetables that you may not normally be exposed to and an opportunity to explore new receipts. The proximity of the farms has its advantages to the environment as well. Reducing the amount of gas and carbon dioxide released into the air.  

 

Living in Chicago it can be hard to get around in the cold and going to the markets might not be top priority. Farms that offer CSA’s will most likely offer delivery as well. This way you never have to leave your house and the fresh produce comes straight to you, it’s the best of both worlds.

 

Genesis Grower Farms located in St. Anne, IL is the farm that I get my CSA from. I receive the fall medium share which is $200, from first weekend in Nov – Dec 15^th. The medium share is half the full share, but it is still a lot of vegetables. I live in a house with four people including myself and we split the cost at $50/person. Since the share comes once a week it forces us to eat all the vegetables or they will go bad or we’ll have a stock pill in the fridge. Being an average American, I don’t get enough vegetables in my diet; the CSA is a wonderful way to make sure I eat my veggies. Every week I receive an email from the farm with the list of produce for the CSA. That gives me time to plan out the next week’s meals and when I can cook these vegetables. Last week we received; Gray Kabocha Squash (winter squash, sweet and nutty), Portuguese Kale ( a lot like collard greens), Apples, Romaine Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce, Purple Mizuna ( salad green with a slightly bitter taste) and Small Sweet Onions.

 

 

 

The squash I roasted, Portuguese Kale I braised with ham & onions, the apples and lettuce we ate throughout the week. Looking forward to next week’s CSA to try out some new Thanksgiving dishes.