We got accepted!!!!

So we just found out yesterday that we got a share in a CSA, otherwise known as Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs are essentially a direct relationship that J and I as consumers have with a farmer. We buy a share in their harvest and starting in May we will pick up a box of produce every week. We cut out the grocery store and the Whole Foods and get our produce directly from the farm. The key is that this is a community partnership. We are tied into the fortune of our producer. A bad season means fewer veggies. A good season means a big bounty.

Actually this farm is the one we are getting our share through. Here's what they have to say about the CSA:

"If you purchase one `share’, you become a member of our farm. Each week, we will divide our harvest by the number of our shares (400). All you need to do is come to your pick-up site and take your portion of that harvest. In addition, you are welcome to come to your farm at any time to visit, to help, or to harvest as much as you want from the items on our you-pick list. The you-pick list might include flowers, herbs, and any vegetables we have in abundance, such as tomatoes or collard greens.

We plan for your shares to include a wide variety of vegetables throughout the six-month season, from MAY 18th to NOVEMBER 13th."

With all of the fresh, seasonal produce, we'll be our own Chez Panisse. Claggett farm has two other places where folks can pick up their share of produce - Anacostia and Dupont Circle. We decided to go with getting our share directly from the farm because we wanted to be able to pick flowers (free for shareholders who pick up form the farm) and the FRESH produce that doesn't travel well. WHEE!!!!!

Here's what's on their harvest list.

What Will Our Harvest Be Like?

We grow over 45 different kinds of vegetables. Here’s a sample of what your shares might include throughout the growing season.

MAY-JUNE: Salad greens, beets, turnips, radishes, broccoli, kohlrabi, collards, spinach, braising greens, and you-pick strawberries.

JULY-SEPT: Zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, basil, eggplants, okra, melons, sweet corn, cucumbers, potatoes, beans and garlic.

SEPT-NOV: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, butternut squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, salad greens, carrots, turnips, collards, chard, spinach, beets and radishes.

A big reason why we decided to get a share in a CSA was also to commit to eating a larger number and greater variety of vegetables. It'll be fun and challenging to come up with new recipes. We're also excited because we will be doing a monthly dinner with The Marrieds who have their own share in another CSA. The first few boxes look like they will be greens, greens and more greens. Any recipe you all may have for collards, kale, and spinach, feel free to share. We'll try and post some updates on our CSA recipes.