My CSA – Roots and Shoots Farm
For better or worse we all have a local food system – and I don’t mean the grocery store. Sure there are retail stores, but there are other ways for you to get your hands on fresh produce. The farmers’ markets are definitely a great place to shop, but how about a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. CSA’s have become a very popular way for consumers to get the freshest produce straight from the farm. Not only is it a great way to buy produce, its also a great way to meet the person who grows your food. The connection you can make with the people who grow the food you consume is something that is lacking with your big box grocery. What you receive in your box is what is fresh on the farm at that time. Don’t expect corn and tomatoes in June or strawberries in September. The idea is to be seasonal. You will also need to be a little creative using up a couple items that you don’t normally purchase, but that becomes the fun of it too. Your own “Iron Chef” competition.
This summer to help fill our fridge we have purchased a CSA share (typically you purchase a share or percentage of the farmer’s harvest, each week or pick up is different depending on the season and what has been grown) from Roots and Shoots Farm. Robin, Jess and their whole crew do a great job growing food and are great people to talk to. This is what we received in our box this week:
- tomatoes
- garlic
- cucumbers
- green onions
- zucchini
- carrots
- kale
- rainbow chard
- head of lettuce
- basil
As you can see from the picture, the produce is fresh and beautiful, picked at its best and full of nutrition. A raw salad would be perfect from this box!
CSAs are a great and easy way to support your local farmers and your food system. If you haven’t, consider trying one out.
Landwaterfork Food Inc. is a Ottawa, Ont. based catering, private chef service and sustainability consulting company, created by Justin Faubert, whose goal is to provide high quality, professional, personalized service for every client.