Posted by Stacy Spensley on Jun.26, 2010

Have you found a farm that offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in your area? Buying a share of a CSA is a great way to vote with your fork. Your up-front payment supports local farmers and commits your household to fresh seasonal produce for the length of the regional growing season. Once you’ve researched and chosen a farm, signed a pledge, written a check, and picked up your first box full of leafy green bounty… what do you do with all those vegetables?

The most common reason that first-time CSA subscribers don’t participate in a second season is waste. It can be hard to use that much produce before it spoils, the share might include vegetables your family doesn’t really like, or you might just not know how to use some of them (kohlrabi, I’m looking at you!). However, once people overcome that learning curve, a CSA can be a great way to incorporate new and healthy produce into your diet while supporting local foodsheds.

Here are five ways to make that first season go by smoothly:

1. Do your research

Before you commit to a farm, read about them. Contact someone who is already a member and ask them about their experience. Think of your family’s eating habits; it might make more sense to find a CSA that offers both fruit and vegetables. Some even supplement produce with eggs, cheese, flowers, or bread. Ask what they plan to plant so you have an idea of what you’ll get throughout the season. This is especially helpful if you plant edibles in your garden and don’t want a glut of zucchini from your yard and the farm at the same time! Don’t expect tomatoes in April or asparagus in August, and be prepared for lots of spring greens early in the growing season.

2. Stock the pantry

Having a ready supply of starches and spices will give you more options for preparing your produce. If you get asparagus and zucchini in your CSA, some garlic and pasta with olive oil make a nice primavera, ginger and scallions and rice make stir fry, or potatoes and a vinaigrette make a hearty side dish. Having the ingredients for different flavor profiles offers variety to prevent boredom.

3. Be flexible and add one veggie

Most CSA shares do not guarantee specific items that you can count on receiving. If you make a weekly meal plan, make it vague. Instead of planning on fajitas and being disappointed if you don’t get bell peppers, plan for “Mexican food” which could be tacos if you get lettuce or quesadillas if you get zucchini. When you pick up each box, prioritize which items need to be eaten first. Lettuce, radishes, and fresh herbs don’t last as long as beets, potatoes, and winter squash.

Another way to use the produce easily is to add one CSA item to a favorite meal. If you make sandwiches or burgers, add a leaf of lettuce to chip away at the two heads you got this week. Serve a small salad with spaghetti (grate a carrot into it, too), or try adding spinach and summer squash to your lasagna.

4. Share a share

Some farms offer small and large boxes, or they deliver once a week or once every other week. If you’re not confident that you can eat that many vegetables, split a share with another family. If the CSA box needs to be picked up, then you can alternate who goes to get it. Switch who splits the produce up or find a method that works for you. Some families then have CSA potluck meals to make it a social occasion!

5. Learn to preserve the excess

Preserving food isn’t limited to jam and jelly. Make pickles out of cucumbers, carrots, or beans. Learn to make sauerkraut or kimchi with extra cabbage. Blanch and freeze broccoli, green beans, and peas. Dice leeks, carrots, and celery for mirepoix to make soup stock. If you live in a temperate climate you’ll be glad to have a stocked freezer in the winter.

Does your family participate in a CSA? What tips worked for you?

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Posted under Food Facts, Food, Nutrition & Recipes.