csa
image via graygoosie
I have come to the conclusion, after a winter of scraggly, watery kale, bruised zucchini and abused swiss chard, that my cooking has suffered from its being beholden to the grocery store produce aisle. All grocery stores are not created equal, of course. But New York City produce is some of the saddest and mistreated (and yet still overpriced!) you will ever see. Then there are the fancy boutique style grocery stores with their flattering lighting and appealing packaging, but I can’t really cough up the cash to shop there regularly. True, there is the farmer’s market. But call it laziness or a love of sleeping in and puttering around, but I never seem to make it before closing time on Saturdays.
It has come to my attention, however, that a mere two blocks away, a CSA takes over a playground and lets its members chose the loveliest fresh fruits and vegetables. I love the idea of supporting a farm, and interacting each Saturday morning with people in my neighborhood. But members are limited, of course, to whatever arrives from the farm. Which means if you suddenly have a hankering to make a mushroom pizza, you’ll have to make a separate trip to secure your fungi.
(Aside: A mushroom walks into a bar and orders a shirley temple. The bartender says, “We don’t serve your kind here. The mushroom says, “Why not? I’m a fun guy.” Buh-duh-duh.)
So I’m asking for your input and opinions. Do you belong to a CSA? What are the pros and cons, and ultimately, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Should I go for it or resolve to hit the farmer’s market with more frequency this summer? Your sage counsel is requested.
