CSAs: The Final Call to Sign Up for a Full Season of Fresh, Local produce
If you're looking for a way to get fresh, local produce straight from the farm into your kitchen, a CSA may be just what you need. Spring is the time to sign up for an entire season of local food, and there's still time to join one in many communities around the country.
I love my local CSA, and I want to give you all the information you need to know about CSAs and why they're such a valuable resource for getting healthy food into your diet.
I bought my 2022 CSA Share from Lane's End Farm, which is local to me. I've been a certified juice therapist for years, and I love making fresh juice recipes with organic fruits and vegetables.
But Lane's End Farm is 'beyond organic'. Meaning they go above and beyond certified organic standards. As a Certified Naturally Grown farm, they use only organic methods to grow their produce. They don't use any synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides on their crops.
I can trust that the food grown at Lane's End Farm is healthy and wholesome, just the way nature intended.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and it's a way for people to support local farmers while getting fresh, directly, seasonal produce delivered right to their doorsteps.
CSAs typically operate on a subscription model, where members pay upfront for a share of the farm's harvest. They receive a weekly delivery of fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh items throughout the growing season.
Why join a CSA?
There are many reasons to sign up for a CSA, but here are just a few:
· You'll get fresh, local produce in season, which means you'll eat food at its peak of flavor and nutritional value.
· You'll have direct access to the farmers who are growing your food. Having direct access is to your advantage. You can ask them questions about their practices, get to know them as people, and feel good about supporting their work.
· You'll be contributing to a more sustainable food system. By buying directly from local farmers, you'll be helping to reduce the environmental impact of your food.
· You'll be eating healthier overall. Studies have shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables have lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
How to choose a CSA?
There are many different CSAs to choose from, so it's essential to research to find one that's right for you. Here are a few things to consider:
Location: You'll want to choose a CSA conveniently located near your home or workplace.
Size: CSAs come in different sizes, from small operations with just a few farmers to large ones with dozens of farms involved. Consider how much produce you'll need and whether you want to support a small or large operation.
Price: The cost of a CSA share varies depending on the size and location of the operation. Be sure to compare prices before you sign up.
Delivery: Some CSAs deliver their produce to your door, while others require you to pick it up at a central location. Consider what's most convenient for you.
Joining a CSA is a great way to support local farmers while enjoying fresh and seasonal produce. After all, buying local means that your food has traveled far fewer miles to get to you, reducing emissions from transportation. And by supporting your local farmers, you help preserve agricultural land and help grow and strengthen your local community.
However, many CSAs will include more produce than you might know what to do with - whether it's a few extra tomatoes or an abundance of kale or cucumbers. An abundance of vegetables can be overwhelming at first and may require some creativity to use those extra vegetables.
Using a cold-press juicer is a great way to use an abundance of produce.
As a certified juice therapist, I often recommend juicing to ensure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. Not only is juicing an excellent way to get your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but it's also a delicious and convenient way to enjoy fresh, local produce.
Here are a few of my favorite juice recipes:
- Kale, apple, and ginger juice
- Carrot, orange, and turmeric juice
- Beet, berry, and mint juice
Get more of Evie’s Juicing Tips here.
If you're thinking about joining a CSA this season, I encourage you to do your research and find one that's right for you. And if you need some help using up all that produce, let’s juice your healthy haul.
The benefits juice therapy:
· boosts energy levels
· improves digestion
· strengthens the immune system (which can be significantly enhanced by eating seasonally and locally)
My juicer is my surefire method for using my organic, locally grown produce. As a certified juice therapist, I have many trusty juicing recipes that call for in-season produce. Juicing organic fruits and vegetables helps me hit my daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but it's also a delicious way to enjoy the season's bounty.
If you're on the fence about joining a CSA, I encourage you to try it or at the very least check your local farmer’s market. It's a great way to eat healthily, support your local farmers, and reduce your environmental impact.
Now that you know all about CSAs, it's time to find one in your area and sign up for a share! Visit LocalHarvest.org to search for a CSA near you.
And who knows?
You might discover a new favorite recipe or two along the way. I have helped people from all walks of life improve their health by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. Schedule a 30-minute coaching call so you can be empowered.