CSA: An Introduction

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inHealth & Well-Being, NutritionTags:, , , ,
One week’s CSA haul, including roasted chilis

For years, we have purchased the majority of our produce from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, in both New York and Arizona.  There are over 12,000 in the U.S. now, but I find that when I talk about my new favorite veggie from this week’s CSA haul, most people are unfamiliar with the concept.  Because it’s such a win-win for farmer and consumer (as well as the planet!), I want to share the idea here.

A recent “kitchen soup” made with CSA veggies

CSAs have their origin in mid-1960s Japan, at a time when more & more farm land was being lost to development, farmers were moving to cities, and imported foods were becoming more common at local markets,  according to Robyn Van En, co-founder of the CSA in this country.  In an effort to change that trajectory, a group of Japanese women met with several farmers, and a plan was hatched: the farmers agreed to provide fresh produce weekly if a financial commitment could be made by multiple families.  Today, this kind of partnership continues to benefit thousands in that country.

Purple carrots are the most delicious & beautiful on salads

The idea didn’t catch on in this country until the 1980s, and since that time, there have been evolutions on the theme.  For example, rather than going to participating farms each week, we have a CSA store in Northern Arizona where our goodies are delivered.  When we pick up our box of fresh veggies, we can also shop for homemade soaps, local honey, locally-made jams & pickled items, and the like.  (What a joy to shop there!)  Another variation is the solitary farmer in upstate New York who allowed us to choose our weekly produce from the limited harvest picked from his fields.  If we didn’t want garlic scapes, we didn’t have to take them.  We were able to choose 8 items out of about a dozen.

When I have more than I know what to do with, I roast ’em!

While researching this article, I learned about another variation of the original CSA set-up.  The work of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger includes a program involving a CSA that provides fresh food to underserved communities on a sliding scale.  This is no doubt a welcomed solution to some living in the many food deserts (low-income areas with less access to food and transportation) in and around the city.  

As mentioned before, the CSA concept benefits both farmer and consumer.  I believe one of the most attractive advantages for farmers is the shared risk, meaning if crops don’t do well in a given season, the consumer receives the smaller bell peppers and the chard that doesn’t look so great while still paying the regular fee.  And the steady income is certainly beneficial for the farmers.

I have made lots of pesto varieties with the many greens from our CSA

For the consumer, the benefits are more than ample, well worth the shared risk.  Locally grown foods, as you’ve no doubt read in my past blog posts, are much healthier than those grown elsewhere.  Regional, seasonal microbes provide a huge boost to our immune system.  Also, when produce is shipped from another state or country, it loses nutritional value, and many times is picked green & sprayed, or coated with wax or other additives to extend shelf life.  Smaller, local farms often use sustainable growing methods to avoid chemicals, and many of them are organic, so better for the planet.  Local produce keeps longer in the fridge if you don’t get around to using it right away.  And the taste – you won’t believe how delicious local arugula, carrots, and fruits are!

CSA veggies add lots of color – and therefore phytonutrients- to our meals

If you are interested in purchasing healthier, yummier fruits and veggies (and maybe other locally-made goodies), check out the website local harvest.  Your taste buds and gut bugs will be happy you did!

Locally-Grown Blessings,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

37 thoughts on “CSA: An Introduction”

  5. I’ve been using our local CSA for about a decade and love it… except when they kohlrabi, which I’ve yet to find a palatable recipe for haha. Blue Sky Organic partners with a farm in Northern AZ and your produce looks (freshness, vividness of colors, organic labels) look Blue Sky, so I’m curious now if it is. 😊

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  6. I like the concept, wonder if it could be applied to sugar markets! I had to chuckle at the “you won’t believe how delicious local arugula, carrots, and fruits are” prompt. I bet you can guess my immediate response was to that challenge hehehe. No I have to go do some searches for a CSD(esserts).

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  7. How wonderful! Anything that is a win win for farmers and consumers has to be good. During our nearly four months in Cooktown we bought regularly and mostly from local producers. Great post Lisa!

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