First Post and Eve of First CSA Pick-Up

This is my first season utilizing a CSA for a majority of our vegetables.  This is also my first attempt at blogging.  My girlfriend and I are vegetarians, so hopefully we will have no problem utilizing our CSA bounty each week.

Before we get started, let me explain what a CSA is for those unfamiliar with the concept.  A CSA, which stands for community-supported agriculture, is a membership-based association.  Members pledge support to a local farmer and in return members receive a weekly share of the farmer's product.  These members accept the risks and rewards of the farmer's season, if the season is good, the member is rewarded with a bountiful harvest of a wide variety of vegetables.  On the other hand if the season is not so good, the member may not have as wide variety of vegetables, or a lesser quality of product.

The CSA I have joined for this season is a 26-week long share, through Henry's Farm here in Central Illinois.  The CSA share was $400.00, which is about $15.00 a week.  $15.00 a week may sound like a lot for vegetables, but pricing organic and out-of season vegetables at the local Kroger came out about the same price.  The fact that these vegetables are in-season and grown locally helps even out any price differences.

This blog will be a place to reflect upon my CSA impressions, as well as a place to share recipes, and results of these recipes, on some of the new veggies I get in the weekly share (what in the world do I do with beet greens?).   Without further ado, let's see what is in the inaugural CSA share. 

Week of May 31, 2011:

Green Garlic

Leaf Lettuce

Radishes

Spinach

Cilantro

Beets with Beet Greens

Rhubarb

Pictures and initial impressions will (hopefully) follow after pick-up tomorrow!