Summer CSA Guide: Why We Go Local
Austin locals are pretty lucky, because we can reap the benefits of CSAs all year round. If you’ve never heard the term, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s sort of like the foodie version of the Stock Market. You buy a “share,” and each week the farm provides you with a just-picked portion of produce. The mutual reward is that farmers get advance funding for crops and shareholders have direct access to locally-grown fruits and veggies—and in some cases, meat, chicken, and eggs.
My favorite CSA is Johnson’s Backyard Garden (JBG). This farm really takes its practices to a new level by growing high-quality, organic produce in the heart of Austin. Expanding from an urban garden into a 40-acre farm (in just 6 years), JBG is feeding lots of hungry Texans. If you don’t have a stake in the CSA, you can still purchase their produce at many of the farmers markets in town.
The cool thing about buying from them is that you can swap out any CSA ingredients you won’t use. So let’s say you really don’t like collard greens; they allow you to trade it for something else of equal value. And it all works on the honor system. Plus, you have the option to pick up your bounty or have it delivered. These folks truly care!
I love shopping with JBG for my family and my personal chef clients. Local food is not only more fresh, but it also tastes better, has less impact on the environment and is traditionally more cost effective. It also offers an awesome way to bring the community together.
With today being the summer solstice (the first official day of summer!), I can’t wait for this season’s veggie share. Some of what I expect to see? Take a look…
Summer Produce Guide
Heirloom Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Eggplant
Peas
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Arugula
Beets
Basil
Salad Greens
Are you part of a local CSA and need some delicious recipes? Or, have you always wanted to be part of one, but don’t have time to cook? Contact us and find out how we can help!
Posted in: Personal Chef Service, Seasonal Eating