Roots and Shoots Farm - 5th week of CSA Food

Oh how we have been enjoying our food from Roots and Shoots Farm. Since we are signed up for a half share, we receive food every other week, instead of every week. Although this is the 5th week of the program, it is our 3rd food package.

We have never participated in a CSA program before and so we are trying to find our way with it all. Here are some of our feelings about it so far.

Pros:

• We are receiving very fresh seasonal produce that is locally and naturally grown.
• We are being 'forced' to try foods we might not otherwise consider.
• We are trying new recipes to incorporate food we have never used before.
• We are consuming more vegetables into our diet.
• We are having a more adventurous approach to menu planning. The mystery can be fun!
• We are putting more effort into using vegetables at breakfast and lunch time as well.
  

Cons:

• It is harder to menu plan when we do not know what we will be receiving in our food basket.
• The arrival of food on the set day every other week does not always coincide with our plans. If we are not around then we arrange for a friend to pick up the food at the drop location.
• Our busy summer schedule of socializing out with others or being away does not allow us to use the produce in a timely way that best shows off the produce at its most fresh.
• We are used to setting a menu and then buying the food in a 'just in time' style of shopping. Our process is now in reverse. We are creating a menu based on what we have on hand. It may not be our 'ideal' menu.
  
• We have become a 'slave' to the food basket, wanting to optimize the use of all items to maximize their freshness. Where before, our social plans and work schedule would drive the food plans.

The verdict so far is still in favour of being a part of the CSA program. We are pleased that Roots and Shoots Farm is so dedicated to their product and also wants to be an active and contributing member of the community. This certainly lines up with the values in our kitchen.

Enjoy the photo anthology! We have an exciting week ahead in the kitchen.

BIN #1: A yellow and green zucchini.






BIN #2: A pint of potatoes.






BIN #3: 1.5 pounds of carrots.






BIN #4: Three green peppers and one purple pepper.






BIN #5: Onions.






BIN #6: Swiss chard.






BIN #7: Mizuna (mustard greens).






BIN #8: Lettuce.






BIN #9: A choice of curly parsley, cilantro or basil. I picked basil!





If you want to learn more about the farm, the contact information for Roots and Shoots Farm is:
ROBIN TURNER
robin@rootsandshootsfarm.com
www.rootsandshootsfarm.com
613.897.8975