What is a CSA?

I promised to write a post explaining what a CSA is, so here is my best explanation.  CSA (community-supported agriculture) is a program where people in a community can buy a "share" of a farm at the beginning of a growing season and in return receive a weekly sampling of the farm's harvest.  Every week it changes as different crops are in season.  This is a great way to support small-scale, local farming, as well as a way to ensure your family is eating fresh, seasonal produce.  I am finding there are other benefits, such as trying new vegetables that you might not try, learning new ways to prepare dishes to include items from your weekly share, and learning how to cook with fresh herbs.  Plus, I feel like we are starting a fun ritual with Grayton.  On Saturday mornings, we load him onto my back in the Ergo, grab our reusable bag, and head to the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market on foot to pick up our weekly share from Downing Hollow Farm.

Here is the share from this past Saturday:

As you can see, it included a loaf of fresh baked bread, different lettuces, tomatoes, radishes, bok choy, sweet field peas, herbs like oregano and dill, and a big bag of sorrel.  Also, not pictured, we added a dozen fresh eggs to this week's order.

Farmer's markets have popped up all over the city and in surrounding suburbs over the last couple of years.  As a result, CSAs have also increased.  There are several farms to choose from.  Check one out today!