A Few Other Things to Consider
Maybe you’ve read all of this and are thinking to yourself, This sounds fantastic, sign me up! But before you run out and join a CSA, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.
The first is this: Are you going to be cool with not having a choice over what foodstuffs you get? If you’re a picky eater, or just a control freak, you might find that the pre-selected nature of a CSA doesn’t appeal to you.
And then there’s also this: What’s your lifestyle like? Joining a CSA means doing a lot of cooking and eating at home. Are you up for that? If you regularly work late, or eat out with friends, all that produce may end up going to waste. The set pick-up day and time is another thing to really think about — if the only CSA in your area offers pick-up on Saturdays, and you’ve joined a weekend house share at the beach, this is probably not the year to try out a CSA share.
READ MORE: You Can Now Get Your Kale Fix … At McDonalds?!?
There’s also the matter of kitchen skill. Are you an adventurous cook? Great! A CSA will be perfect for you. Do you find incorporating new ingredients and techniques into your weekly dinner routine daunting? Maybe skip the CSA — you’re likely to freak out in the face of a pound of kohlrabi. [Editor’s Note: OK, I had to Google that one.]
Okay, You’ve Decided To Go For It. Now What?
Welcome to the wonderful world of the CSA! It will be marvelous and maddening in equal measure. This year will mark the third time I’ve been a CSA-er, and throughout the summer and early fall, I’ll chronicle my haul, what I’m doing with it, recipes, tips, tricks and a good dose of humor. Join me here each week, as well as on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CSASurvival. Got questions for me? Ask away!
Additional reading and resources:
What Is a CSA? | Just Food
Find a CSA | Local Harvest
Where Can You Find Sustainable Food? | Sustainable Table
