You may be wondering what exactly a CSA is. Well, a CSA is a Community-Supported Agriculture program. Okay, so what does that mean? Well…
Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. (source: Local Harvest)
I’ve been thinking a lot about CSAs lately and considering whether I should join one. I’ve used DC’s Green Grocer in the past and been very happy with them, but am curious to see what other people in the DC area do. There is no way I could cook / eat a full CSA share by myself, but I’d definitely do a half share or even split a half share with a friend. There are numerous CSAs that have pickup locations in the District. I’m curious – if you use a CSA, how has your experience been?
After all in order to make all my favorite delicious meals (see below!), I need great food to work with! The thing I like about a CSA is that the food comes each week. While that can be overwhelming, it basically MAKES me cook new things often. Which is great because searching for new recipes is truly when you find the gems like my favorite soup ever, or a fantastic kale caesar salad.
What is your favorite way to get fresh produce? CSA? Farmers market? Grocery store? Share your thoughts!
I can’t speak for ones in DC, but you should definitely try it out. My local co-op has Facebook groups so we can communicate, and I bet yours would too. Then you can make plans to trade if you get something you really dislike, or as you thought you might want – there’s probably someone out there who would want to split one as well. Can’t wait to hear about it if you check it out!
That is a great idea – I never thought of searching for local CSAs on FB 🙂 Thanks Elizabeth!
I was thinking of joining one. There is one now that delivers to my JOB! So I’m looking into it! Won’t kill you to try it out I don’t think 🙂 I don’t think my farmer markets here are all that great. I went to one while in DC and was like NOW THIS IS A FARMERS MARKET! lol.
Wow, that’s super convenient. And yeah, we do have some great famers markets here. Do you remember which one you visited? Dupont Circle is huge, so maybe that one?
I get a “bitty box” (small portion – usually 10 items mix of fruit and veg) every other Tues. I love it. I get some things I would not normally try and it is super fresh and local. I live in a doorman bldg in Chicago so it is easy for me to get. I also go to the farmer’s market once or twice a week. I supplement a bit from the grocery store with things that are not grown near here.
Erica, that sounds like a great schedule. How often do you typically go to the grocery store to supplement?
I HEART my CSA so hard! http://www.lancasterfarmfresh.com/ Do it… I’d suggesting splitting a half share with a friend unless you want a second full time job of eating produce. I blog a lot with ingredients/recipes on my blog. They’re taking sign-ups for fall… Also, we should grab a drink soon!
Thanks Sarah! I will check them out. I’m so not suprrised that you CSA 🙂 You actually probably could’ve written this post! And YES to a catch up drink post labor day!
We do a CSA through Clagett Farm. We love it. If you pick up at the farm in upper marlboro, you also get as many herbs and other sorts as you would like. They also have a good variety of produce and deliver to Dupont as well. When we get to much, we either can or dehydrate and save for later.
Oh, I’ve heard of this farm! Dupont delivery would be so great, since I work there. Thanks for commenting Becca 🙂
I did one this summer and so far I’m meh on my experience. I did a half share so I get my stuff every other week for 12 weeks. My biggest disappointment has been that some of the veggies and fruits go bad VERY quickly. I understand that obviously they aren’t using major pesticides and stuff that might otherwise keep the stuff “fresh”, but there is no reason why eggplant or zucchini should go bad within a few days of having received it. I don’t know if this is an issue with my particular farm or all CSAs but unless you have time to cook within 2 days of receiving everything I sadly have had to discard a number of items because they spoiled before I could prep them. In two instances the lettuce wilted literally the next day. The stuff I have been able to use has been great, but you should be aware of this issue knowing that some of the stuff just won’t get consumed. I’m not sure if I will do it next year. You may be better off if you can split it with someone. Part of the trouble I had is that I am only cooking for two people.
Yeah, I’ve experienced this w/farmer’s markets and Green Grocer as well. I agree that you definitely have to be able to prep / freeze / cook quite quickly or the produce will go bad. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I would LOVE to do that. They have bountiful baskets here and I have heard nothing but good things about them. Just got to find the budget for it. =)
That’s true, but I find I spend less on food overall when I buy fresh stuff because then I eat out less 🙂
When I lived in DC we used Green Grocer and I loved it!
I do really enjoy them!!
We’ve done a CSA in southern California for almost two years. Best food decision of my life so far. Forced us to eat new things, to eat MORE of the healthy stuff – crowding out my naughty snacks as I tried to make sure I didn’t waste any CSA food. We often do an end of the CSA-week juice where things that haven’t been eaten get juiced and then drank. Sometimes it gets crazy and weird but it’s always fun.
That end of week juice is a wonderful idea! Thank you so much for weighing in — I’m pretty excited about my first CSA experience!!