Spring seems to have sprung a little early this year. Perhaps the wonderful weather we enjoyed during the past week is Mother Nature's way of making amends for the unending rain she's been unleashing on us lately. If so, I'd like to give her a high-five for giving us a short reprieve from the torrential downpours (who knew New England had a Monsoon season?). With spring either sort of upon us, or at least just around the corner, it's time to sign up for your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
For a reminder on how CSA programs generally work, see this previous post: http://christinenurnberger.blogspot.com/2009/06/community-supported-agriculture-csa.html
Last year we participated in the CSA program at Arrowhead Farms in Newburyport and couldn't have been more pleased. Each week (pick up was available Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon) I'd head down the street to the farm and there would be a bulletin board posting all the veggies you could select for the week's share. The produce was amazing, and the amount of veggies we got was generally too much for two people to eat, so our friends and family got part of the take as we gave away tomatoes, ears of corn, squash, greens etc. I think just about everyone who knows me got a squash last fall.
In addition to picking up the food, I picked up an education as well. The farmer, Dick Chase - super nice guy, was almost always there to tell me about the week's adventures in getting the food from the dirt to my tote bag, what was growing well/what wasn't and why, and to offer suggestions for how to prepare some of the more unique veggies that I hadn't cooked with before (kholrabi anyone?). He's also share the heritage of heirloom vegetables and fruits, local, and farm history. Going to the farm, spending time picking out my veggies and planning meals around them actually became one of the highlights of my week. Please save the comments on how that reflects on what an exciting life I lead ;-) The cost was $575 for a full share, which was way too much food for us, so we'll be signing up for a half share at $350 this year. Unless you are 100% vegetarian, you'll likely have more than enough veggies for the week.
Many of you have voiced interest in CSA programs but haven't been able to find them in your area. This website enables you to put in your zip code and locates farms with CSA programs nearby: http://www.localharvest.org/
For those of you in the Woburn vicinity, check out this one:
If you have any questions let me know!
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