Farmer’s Market

I’ve been seriously considering a subscription to a local CSA farm.

“Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.” source

I’ve spoken with Edible Earthscapes and Double-T Farm. I know there are a few others out there, too. I’m wondering if anyone out there has any experience and would like to offer their feedback.

I like the idea of locally grown organic produce at a good price. I also like the challenge of cooking with the seasons. I’d feel like the Iron Chef – what’s the secret ingredient?!

For the past few weeks, we’ve been going to the North Hills Farmer’s Market in North Hills shopping center.

It’s really quite a nice experience with Henry. It’s much smaller than the State Farmer’s Market, with much less variety, but it more than makes up with its share of dog sightings. He is constantly entertained.

There is also usually a band (bluegrass, beach music, etc.) that is fun and entertaining for both kids and adults alike. The kids end up dancing and running around the little “grass” square and having a good ol’ time.

The stalls include more than just fruits and vegetables. You can get coffee at Starbuck’s, breakfast at Chick-fil-A, and lunch at Five Guys. There’s a guy selling Italian ice, a lovely lady selling Kettle Corn and candied nuts, and a number of bakery vendors. There are also vendors selling beef and pork and eggs. Most of the vegetable vendors seem to be “boutique” farmers, growing fewer and smaller crops, not on the same scale as the farmers at the State Farmer’s Market. Most of them offer CSA memberships, where you buy a share of the farm and then get weekly produce as a result. It’s something we’re considering but subscriptions don’t start again until January.

So we’ve been getting food on Saturdays for the week, and we’ve been eating more local food that way. Last night we had fresh pesto. Before that we had fresh green beans and fresh figs. Oh, and we’ve had the most wonderful local tomatoes – YUM!! And we went to the State Farmer’s Market this past Sunday and bought a dozen ears of corn for $5. Last night I blanched and froze about 8 cups of fresh corn for the winter.

To top it all off, we’re “cowpooling” with our neighbors. We bought a 1/2 cow from a local vet who raises a herd of cattle and we’re splitting it with our neighbors. We’ll be getting about 100 pounds of locally grown, grain- and pasture-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free, dry-aged (2 weeks), flash frozen beef for $2.33/pound. I can’t wait!!