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Time magazine's cover page this week features a large apple with a little placard on it reading, "Forget Organic, Eat Local". I'm intrigued so I open up the magazine and find the story. After spending 15 minutes reading the entire article I feel I've found a kindred spirit. This foodie yet filet-o-fish-lovin' writer is right up my alley. I encourage everyone to read this little ditty regardless of your take on the whole organic idea--it's chocked full of valuable information.Here's a link:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html
Anyway, the article itself is titled, "Eating Better than Organic". Again, intriguing. We've already switched to organic milk in our household but the idea of going totally organic seems so expensive and time consuming; hence, I haven't been super interested in the prospect. However, I found some fantastic info in this article about CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture).
Here is how a CSA works: At the beginning of the season, members pay the farmer a lump sum. Each week, or perhaps once a month in the winter, the farm delivers fresh vegetables (and, for more money, items like fruit, eggs and flowers) to a central location. Prices vary widely depending on where you live. Here in Utah it is very inexpensive fortunately.
You can find your own local CSA by going to this website: localharvest.org.
It turns out it is actually CHEAPER to join a CSA and receive freshly harvested (that day!) produce on a weekly basis than to purchase the same produce at the grocery store. I'm feeling the Alice Waters inspiration through my veins right now just thinking of all that beautiful food I will be able to prepare and cook this summer. We've (okay it's really just me and Ben is along for the ride on this one!) are joining East Farms CSA this Spring/Summer (just a half share this year) and we'll see how it goes before joining for the Fall/Winter block. I will let you know how it all pans out once June hits.
This is so exciting. My boss in SF had a community supported agricultural box. It came from the North Bay area and he loved it, but said that it worked well for them mainly because his wife loved to cook and was adventurous--(sometimes you get some interesting things that you would not have necessarily picked up at Harmons). Sounds like you. I think that this would be a great way to support local agriculture, use fresh produce and connect your family more with the seasonal aspect of eating. I can't wait to see what you think. This is something that we have wanted to try for a while....maybe when we finally know where we'll live I'll subscribe! As always, your ability to act on a new idea inspires me.
ReplyDeleteWe joined a fabulous CSA last summer here in Boston - Stillman Farms. Theirs was the best produce I've ever had. Period. I'm not a huge tomato fan - but these were to die for. It's silly, but Stillman's is one of the bigger reasons I'm so bummed to move. I was so looking forward to corn on the cob that melts in your mouth and other amazing goodies from them each week. Anyway, you'll have to let us know how it goes. In the mean time, I'll be researching CSA's in NC.
ReplyDeletexoxo -R.
Hey, let us know how it goes Stephanie! We are very interested. And I assume we would be using the same local farmers as you?
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