Last week I joined a co-op. I am thrilled with the color and quality of the fruits and vegetables. They give us such a wide variety. Every two weeks, you can pick up your basket. I had more than enough food for both weeks after sampling my first basket a couple of weeks ago.
I love the fact that I don't need to go to the grocery store, and that I won't be using plastic bags. The difference in freshness is amazing! I can even walk to the pick up location from my house.
It feels satisfying to get back to basics. Leaving the car at home, walking outside in the fresh mountain air, buying food locally, and supporting the farmers in California is very rewarding.
Do you have something like this available where you live?
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In the summertime we have plenty of farmers markets which we like to frequent. The produce is 100% better, we get to ride to the country it makes for a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteA ride to the country sounds so relaxing, Faith. Fresh produce is such a treat.
DeleteHow fabulous. We have a similar scheme here, although it is rather expensive. X
ReplyDeleteIt is, Jules. I'm really pleased with the pricing, too.
DeleteSounds like you found a very good way to get fresh, quality, local produce! My daughter once signed up to receive boxes of what were called imperfect produce - the fruits and vegetables that were misshapen and either too big or too small to be sold to grocery stores. Apparently, a lot of farms end up throwing that produce because they can't sell them. Daughter tried it for awhile and then, stopped.
ReplyDeleteHi Bless, Yes, it's an excellent program. I don't mind the shape of the produce. The freshness and flavor is what I appreciate.
DeleteHow wonderful that you have found a source of more localised food, one that support the farmers in your area/state and offers an alternative to supermarkets. It's such a different experience! Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Meg. I feel so much more energetic after eating this food. The quality is excellent.
DeleteSounds ideal!
ReplyDeleteI have been a CSA member of an organic farm for the last 15 years.
Get an amazing seasonal veg box weekly for 6 months.
It's expensive up front, as csa requires payment in full at the beginning of the season, but I'm ensuring that some of what was Long Islands gorgeous,prolific farmland is saved from development and I get delicious veg picked the day before I get it.
I find it has made me a better cook than I was, as it forces me to use veg I don't often buy in the markets as well as creatively use or preserve every last bit in my box.
It's fun and exciting to see what arrives each week.
I feel it's very important for my ongoing good health as well.
It's a perfect solution for people who have no garden space or can no longer do the work.
I agree, jill. I still grow fruit, but this makes it easier for me. We need to really water in Canyon Country to grow veggies, and we have watering restrictions here.
DeleteThe Co-op sounds wonderful. We don't have anything like that here, unfortunately, Stephenie. The closest thing we have are the veg boxes you can order for delivery but they are too expensive and the quality isn't always the best so I don't bother. If there is a farmer's market not too far away, then I prefer to go there. Enjoy your weekend x
ReplyDeleteHi PP, That's great that they are close to you. I like the farmers' markets, too. Ours is very expensive, though. The co-op prices are much cheaper, so I use them.
DeleteNothing quite as organised, but we have a 'buy nothing' group that offers surplus things when in season
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds nice, earthmotherwithin. It's amazing how much fruit one tree can give. I have a surplus in the backyard right now.
DeleteI love the idea of a home grown basket of food. It's about time we all took a good hard look at what is produced on our doorstep and spent a little of our hard earned cash on supporting our own economies. I am more than happy to pay a little extra if it supports one of our own farmers
ReplyDeleteHi Cherie, I like buying from our local farmers, too. We are so spoiled in California. Almost everything can be grown here.
DeleteSadly no not at the moment but certainly something I would be interested in. I have high hopes that we will be able to grow a lot ourselves this year.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will be able to grow your own, too, mm. It's so rewarding. (and healthy.)
DeleteWe don't have anything exactly like a co-op, but you can buy into a vegetable delivery service. The service has a booth at the local farmer's market. It is much too expensive for the 2 of us though. Luckily we are able to grow our own lettuce and many of the vegetables we like in our small gardens. I have started cutting way back on plastics as well. Still have snow at the cabin?
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, Yes, we still have some snow on the ground. That's great that you are growing your own lettuce. It's so delicious. I should plant some here at the cottage, too. I usually grow it each winter.
DeleteWe don't have a Co-Op nearby. It's nice to be able to buy locally grown fresh vegetables. You are lucky. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nil, Yes, I am fortunate to have this group. The potatoes are so fresh and delicious. I am amazed at the difference in taste and quality. I was buying what was on sale at the Armenian market, and a lot of it was a bit old...
DeleteI think we have one in our area but I have yet to sign up, I really should look into it this year. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really convenient, Sandra. I love having something so close to my cabin, and the price is much less expensive than our Farmers' Market.
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