CSA bounty

This year, we're participating in our first ever CSA — community supported agriculture. And today is the first box of the year. So excited!


Here's what we're going to get today — Broccoli raab, kale, oregano, lovage and green onions.


We're splitting a share with another couple so we'll only get a box every other week. Which is fine. I heard each week is loaded with goodies, which would be too much for just two people (although I could freeze or can most of them).


Splitting the share also helps out the pocket book. I wasn't looking forward to paying $480 in just a couple of months. The farmer was willing to work it out with us so we could spread the payments out. But we split the share, cutting the cost to $240 so we were able to pay that by the April 1 deadline, which helps the farmers too. (The cost includes a deposit).


The farm is Groundswell Farm in Galax, Va., and is owned by Sara Fennell and Greg Korbler and their two young boys.


A bonus, a friend said both Fennell and Korbler are trained chefs so they've promised to share cookbooks, recipes and ideas with the group. That's good because I don't know what some of the items planned for this year are. Here's what we can expect throughout the year (dates and veggies could change):

Summer Session (July 9 - Aug. 27):

basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, chard, cucumber, dill, eggplant, fennel, lettuce, melons, parsley, peppers, potatoes, snap beans, summer squash, tomatoes

Fall Session (Sept. 10 - Oct. 29):

arugula, beets, chard, kale, leek, lettuce, napa cabbage, parsley, radish, red cabbage, rutabaga, spinach, turnips, winter squash

I can't wait to try these veggies out and to eat healthier this year!