Summer, with its glorious bounty, is an excellent time to join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between a farm or group of farms and local members who purchase “shares” of its harvest. Some run year-round, while others have sign-ups for each season. Many continue to allow new members to sign up for a pro-rated share throughout each season, as long as shares are still available. Here are 5 reasons I encourage everyone to consider joining a CSA.
5. Get more nutrients. Fruits and vegetables begin losing their nutrients immediately after being picked. The majority of produce in a grocery store spends 1-4 weeks in transit before reaching its destination. To make sure it gets there before spoiling, the fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they’re completely ready. In contrast, CSA produce is allowed to ripen on the plant, ensuring optimal nutritional value, and is usually picked within a few days of delivery, sometimes as recently as the day before. Less time in transit means less time for the produce to leak nutrients, as well as a smaller carbon footprint. Better for you and the Earth!
4. Expand your palate. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut a
t the grocery store, choosing only what is already familiar, such as tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, etc. But we need to eat a wide range of colors and types of produce in order to get all the nutrients we need. CSA’s encourage a spirit of adventure. During my first season as a member, I brought this beauty home. The farmer told me it was kohlrabi. My husband declared it looked and sounded “like an angry Klingon blood vegetable.” My first attempt at cooking it didn’t turn out too well, but we ate it anyway and then I found these wonderful kohlrabi recipes for the next time.
3. Get more for your money. Since CSA’s cut out all the middlemen, the average cost per pound is often lower than grocery store purchases. And when growing conditions produce a bumper crop, the members usually reap the benefits! Of course, there is some risk to members, too. “Bad” years can mean lower yields and less variety all around. But experienced farmers are pretty good at ensuring there will be enough to go around, keeping the exchange fair and balanced. Farmers want to keep members happy; their livelihood depends on it!
2. Know your food. It used to be that every family had a farm, or at least a garden. Personally, I have a black thumb, so I understand growing your own food isn’t for everyone. But as a society, we’ve lost touch with where food comes from, and what real food looks like. Here’s a hint: it’s not the pristine, perfectly-shaped items you find in the grocery store. Yet what I have found is that the shape of a vegetable has little effect on its flavor. And the first time I saw a caterpillar on an ear of corn, I shrieked and dropped it. My farmer patiently explained that the caterpillars only go for the good ears, so it’s actually a sign of quality. It took me a while to come around, but now it doesn’t bother me. (Currently, my kids have had a corn earworm in a jar for more than a week. It’s been a fun little science project.) Getting back to our roots by reconnecting with real food has been a growth experience for my family. Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself; it can be a lot of fun, too!
1. Support your local economy. Most, if not all, CSA’s are offered by family farms. When you buy a CSA share, your dollars stay in your community. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your farmer and their growing practices. Many use organic methods but can’t afford to jump through all the hoops for official organic certification. These farmers know their land and its capabilities, and they know sustainable practices are necessary to ensure long-term success. Ask questions – lots of them! And not just about growing practices. Get to know your farmer and develop a relationship with them. Make sure to ask how they recommend preparing, cooking, and serving your haul, as well. They have great ideas!
Your top reasons to join a CSA may be different. The important question is: are you ready to take the plunge? I found mine via Local Harvest, where you can see what’s available in your area, compare pricing and selection, and read reviews. The USDA has several helpful databases, too. Not all CSA farmers will advertise with the big databases, though, so try asking around or doing a Google search for a CSA in your area, as well.
Dig in to your share of the harvest and enjoy!
