Written By: Lauren Briggs, RN, BSN, TNCC, RYT
What is a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and that’s exactly what it is! A community of individuals coming together to support a local farm by buying shares as you would in a company. In return, the farm gives its shareholders an equal portion of their harvest. There’s nothing quite like weekly fresh and organic vegetables from a trusted source! Imagine knowing your farmers by name, touring the farm in which your vegetables are growing, and knowing that you have made a difference to secure the future of a small farm.
I have been a member of a CSA for five years now and a coordinator for my local farm since year four. I fell in love with not only the organic farm fresh vegetables but also the process of the operation. The vegetables we receive are local, seasonal and incredibly fresh. Yes, my lettuce has some holes in it, but that guarantees me that there are no pesticides in my salad. In fact, joining a CSA has made me think about vegetables in a whole new way. Perfect vegetables are now worrisome to me, wondering about where they come from and what is in or on them. Knowing the farmers and understanding the process of how they grow organic vegetables gives me peace of mind in what I feed my family. Joining a CSA has expanded my taste palate to fully understand what vegetables should taste like and opened up a new range of vegetables that we eat. I loved being introduced to Rainbow Swiss Chard, now a staple in our house! Or Kholrabi, which I have listed a fantastic recipe for below.
The CSA we belong to is in Upstate New York and delivers to NYC, Westchester and Lower Connecticut. The farm harvests their vegetables and delivers them the next day to your CSA for pickup. Pickup times are sometimes challenging, usually after working hours. This is where a share partner or friend comes in handy! If you find that you cannot make the pickup time, someone else usually can. It’s important someone shows up on time for pickup or you forfeit your vegetables for that week. Your share partner is also very useful on weeks when you are away. It’s great to swap vacation weeks so you know your food won’t go to waste. Most CSA’s offer a donation program as well. In case you forget to pick up, your weekly share will go to a food pantry or family in need. One common logistical problem that arises is the abundance of the harvest. People worry that it will be too much food for their family and this might be true. If you are not a vegetarian family, I highly suggest thinking about getting a share partner. This person would share in the cost and help make sure nothing in your weekly basket goes to waste.
If you haven’t considered it before, think about joining a local CSA! Just Google, CSA near me to find a farm that you can trust and love. Every CSA is a little bit different, but they all have the same amazing goal: bringing you one step closer to growing and knowing your own food. It’s an investment in your health that is definitely worth making!
About me: I am a full time mother of two little boys and a part time RN specializing in functional medicine and vitamin infusions. I currently live in Stamford, Connecticut and coordinate for a farm in Upstate New York. I am currently heading up my second CSA start up operation out of Stamford with Stoneledge Farm. I love to cook, practice yoga and travel as much as possible!
Email: laurenbriggsrn@gmail.com
Facebook.com/LaurenBriggsRN
www.stoneledge.farm
Blueberry, Fennel and Kohlrabi Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
This recipe uses three ingredients commonly found in a CSA basket that people often question how to use. It’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare using the mandolin. If you don’t have a mandolin, simply use a potato peeler. The salad is delicious on its own, with crusty bread or with a grilled protein on top.
Salad Ingredients:
1 head of frisee – rinsed and chopped
1 Kohlrabi – sliced thinly with mandolin
1 Fennel bulb– sliced thinly with mandolin
½ cup sliced almonds – lightly toasted
1 cup blueberries
Homemade dressing:
¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and Pepper to taste
Add all dressing ingredients to a Mason jar and shake! Toss on salad and enjoy!!