Winter CSA Goodies

Image via WikipediaThink there's no way you could get fresh local veggies in the winter where you live? You could be wrong. Really wrong!  We've posted a few articles on here lately about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), but maybe you're thinking there's no way there is one in your area. Well, maybe not, but with the growing popularity of CSAs in the last few years, there have been a number of winter options springing up.

For example - see below post, on the goodies from one of Tucson's local winter CSAs (this was what shareholders received last week):

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 – Week 3 of 11
Navel Oranges, Butternut Squash, Purple Top Turnips, French Breakfast Radishes, Curly Mustard Greens, Baby Kale, Spinach, Green Onions.
Publish Date: 12/14/2010 15:59
http://www.tucsoncsa.org/2010/12/wednesday-dec-15-week-3-of-11/

Image via WikipediaOkay, you're thinking, but Tucson isn't exactly the heart of the snowbelt....  Well, I can tell you that I live in central Ohio (really not a year-round warm climate, to say the least), and last week I got a big lovely bag of sweet potatoes, collard greens, swiss chard, salad mix, sprouts, mushrooms, apples, and winter squash - all grown organically and within less than 2 hours from my home. While there may be a bit less variety than in a summer CSA share, I'm definitely still well-fed on fresh local produce, even throughout the winter months (in fact, my grocery shopping is cut more than in half now). (Sorry - these pictures aren't from mine - I forgot to take one; I will try to remember to take one of my next share, and post here soon.)

Here is the CSA I am currently a member of, if you are in the Central Ohio area, and are interested in learning more:

Athens Hills CSA: December 8th Newsletter
Nestled in the hills of Athens County, lies a 120 acre farm - the home of Green Edge Organic Gardens & the Athens Hills CSA. CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a way for you to have a direct relationship with the farmer who ...
Publish Date: 12/08/2010 11:40
http://greenedgegardens.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-8th-newsletter.html

Next month I will also be signing up for several months of local meats, again through a CSA.

Visit www.newholisticliving.com/csa.html to learn more about CSAs, and find out how to find one in your area. And you, too, may be able to eat local, even during the non-gardening season!