Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Community Supported Agriculture...CSA


a few samples of the weeks' bounty

I am so glad I have had the opportunity to be part of a CSA this summer - especially since it is nearby and it has been too hot to head to our own farm to do much of anything. I joined Stoney Lonesome Farm in Gainesville as a "Harvest Helper" and in spite of related back problems have really enjoyed the weeks spent harvesting and packing up food for the CSA. My main goals were to learn and to try new foods and both have been accomplished. Swiss chard, baby bok choy and different greens have been part of the "new" harvest over the weeks since May. The whole idea behind sustainable agriculture and organic growing methods has really been an eye opener. The farmer's market in Manassas on Thursday nicely supplements my Wednesday package.

This week I received tomatoes, cucumbers, blue potatoes, red onions, garlic, beets, leeks, herbs and fresh flowers and a huge zuchinni which will become a chocolate cake soon.
A few new cookbooks grace my counter and I am eager to try some new things with fresh veggies. My most adventuresome to date was swiss chard gnocchi. Not only was it delicious but also surprisingly easy.
Someday soon, perhaps my own farm will support my "new habit." Afterall the watermelons we picked last weekend were the best we've ever had (of course)!

No comments:

Post a Comment