It's no doubt that since I've discovered healthy eating blogs, I've totally broaden my horizon when it comes to healthy and fun foods. With the convenience of a Trader Joe's being right next to work (or at least where I use to work) and a new Earth Fare right around the corner, I've had ample opportunity to check out new foods.
Additionally, being close to the Davidson Farmers Market has opened my eyes to the wonders of eating locally. Not only is the produce comparable to grocery store prices, but it tastes better and stays fresher for longer than store bought produce. Plus, I'm supporting the local economy and cutting down on gas used to transport the food and all sorts of other stuff I've never gotten into about eating local.
Last year, I discovered Know Your Farms via A Healthy Slice of Life's blog. This "Community Supported Agriculture" program allows the community to purchase a "share" of the upcoming harvest from the multiple farms participating in the program. The result is the farms receive a sure-profit and the consumers (me!) get a weekly pick up of fresh goodies!
You can read more about the CSA program (and find the one closest to you) here- Local Harvest.
Tuesday is my pick up day so I eagerly waited in line for my bag of produce from the produce mobile.
Since I had to rush home to teach, I couldn't really explore my bag for a while. When I did finally dig in, I was pleasantly surprised!
Produce items included:
head of lettuce (HUGE!)
head of cabbage
2 tomatoes
green onions
strawberries
and a brown bag surprise of....
really freaky looking mushrooms! Eeek! Anyone know what kind of mushrooms these are?
I chose to go with the "small" produce share, which costs $222 (it's a little cheaper for returning costumers). The total length of the program is 12 weeks, which comes to about $18.50/week. It may be a little pricier than what you could find it for in the store, but I'd rather support the local farms and eat a little fresher ;)
Do you have a program similar to this in your area? If so, do you participate?
Do you know what kind of freaky mushrooms those are?
Anyone who can answer this question gets bonus points: what meal can be made using all 6 of those ingredients?
No idea what sort of mushrooms they are, but they look tasty! I'd make it into one giant salad with some ranch dressing...yum!
ReplyDeleteWe have a similar program and really should participate. I do agree that while it might be a little more expensive, it's important to support local agriculture and businesses as a whole. Not a clue on the mushrooms.
ReplyDeleteWe have Earth Fare and it's ok but I love Trader Joe's! I don't think we have a local program like this but our Farmer's Market on Saturday normally sells out of almost everything so I don't know that our local farmers have looked into a program like this.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with my TJ as well, but be aware- they're meats and animal products aren't always "clean." And they're not usually local either. Earth Fare does a much better job of being ethically responsible when it comes to meat, dairy, etc. But TJ does have some much cheaper pantry foods!
DeleteI am apart of a CSA near me, because I am further north, I am still waiting for my first share week. I am VERY excited about it. The local grocery store has clearly labeled sections for products that are created locally, including, maple syrup, honey, salsa's and tomato sauces. I like being able to support local families and companies, and most of their products have less added chemicals!
ReplyDeleteI've thought about joining a CSA, but because I regularly only cook for one, I'm afraid most of it would go bad before I got a chance to use it. But I completely agree about eating locally. The farmer's market by me is pretty big, so it's easy to go there on the weekends and pick up stuff for the week. Also, the grocery stores now indicate which items are local, which is great!
ReplyDeleteThat would definitely be a concern if you're not cooking for two. Though my CSA has an option to buy a small or large share. Farmers markets are an awesome alternative!
DeleteThose are oyster mushrooms from Cottonmill Mushrooms in Landis, NC. :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, oyster mushrooms! Thanks for the help =)
DeleteThe mushrooms made a fantastic Beef Stroganoff...
ReplyDelete