Weeeee! I’m so excited to blogging here. Justina and I share many loves, but the one which stands out to me most is definitely our unabashed, totally punch drunk shared love of… plants! Edible plants! But while I consider myself somewhat of an urban farmer, here’s the missing piece: I am just not much of a cook. I grow tomatoes and let I often find myself uninspired, and tend to make the same ol’ dishes week to week with little variation. So this past year, I challenged myself to get out of much kitchen rut and start making meals at home. And if there is one thing I refuse to do, it’s waste food. So I decided to trick myself into making better meals! Playing veggie roulette gave me the inspiration I needed to switch up the meals I make at home.
Now, how to play said game. Sign up for a local CSA (community-supported agriculture), pick up your box of fresh goodies, have a mild panic attack upon realizing that you have no idea what garlic scapes are or how to use them, breathe in, breathe out, and then head to the kitchen. Bring your iPad/internet device, or favorite cookbook. (I was recently gifted this beautiful vegetarian cook book, PLENTY, which has fabulous recipes… And I often head over to Sprouted Kitchen if I want something healthy and fresh).
Since you will never be certain which veggies or fruits will come in your box each week, your CSA share will encourage you to explore new recipes- a challenge you will come to relish. It will also help expand the range of vegetables that you eat. And beyond that, joining a CSA supports your local food system, local economy, and local farmers. By joining a CSA, you are investing in your local food system, while reaping in the benefits of getting ultra-fresh food that’s flavorful and nutrient-rich.
Playing veggie roulette by joining a CSA will make you a more adventurous cook, a better eater, and an integral part of your local food system. You can find a comprehensive list of CSA programs here, on localharvest.org. Happy cooking!
(Image of plate by The Eleventh Hour)
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Thank you Shauna! Check out Shauna’s blog HERE