One of my favorite things about living in Baltimore was the Farmers Market that took place every Sunday under the Jones Fall Expressway. It was something that I had never seen before and it absolutely blew my mind. There were stands with fresh fruit and veggies, homemade bread, unique cheese, fresh flowers, and many other things. There were also quite a few food venders that offered cheap, fast, and delicious foods. Unfortunately there isn't anything quite like that here in Columbus. Don't get me wrong, we have the wonderful North Market but it is just a different kind of wonderful.
Since moving home I have been trying to take a long, hard look at my lifestyle. I'm sure this is also due to the fact that I am pregnant and pregnancy forces you to really listen to your body. So as I am attempting to sew and garden, I am also attempting to learn how to cook healthy and inexpensive meals. My good friend Caitlin told me all about Community Supported Agriculture and the local farm here in Ohio that provide their produce in bulk for a very cheap price. She and her family have been doing it for years and she assures me it is the best way to get fresh produce and learn to make a recipe based on what you are given. This is how is works:
You find a farm that has a program and you sign up for a delivery. You can choose the amount you want based on your household and how often you wish to receive the produce. Caitlin assured me the portions are usually very generous so unless you eat way more than your share you can get away with signing up for the bi-weekly delivery as opposed to weekly.
Caitlin and her family use Wayward Seed Farms and she has said nothing but good things about them.
At first glance the price seems a little high but as soon as you break it down it is waaaay cheaper than buying the produce at your local grocery store. Some farms, like Wayward, even let you pay by the month instead of one large sum in the beginning. I am so excited to see what goodies we get this summer and I can't wait to try some new recipes. Wayward Farm's website also has some beautiful photographs of their produce (I'm a sucker for great photography.)
You lived in Baltimore, before? That is so awesome! I am actually part of the CSA here with One Straw Farms and am a weekly visitor to the Waverly Farmer's Market that is near 33rd street, if you can remember.
ReplyDeleteYou will be able to make some wonderful food, too, with your share! We've already made swiss chard fritatta, some colorful salads, and had a whole slew of strawberries at one point.