Fresh Produce Weekly – The Benefits of CSA Membership

There’s no doubt that the best way to get the freshest fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, and proteins is directly from the farmer. Our Piedmont region is blessed with a number of farmers markets you can visit, but there’s also a way you can participate in directly supporting farms and farmers – and be assured of the freshest produce possible.

Community Supported Agriculture or CSA is a personal relationship between you and the farmer. Typically it involves an advance payment to the farmer (although some are more flexible), and you receive a weekly basket of bounty throughout the designated timeframe.

What’s in the basket changes with the season, and usually several times within a season – and varies from farmer to farmer. Depending on the farm, you can also receive other goodies .. eggs, cut flowers, free-range chickens, and more are just some of the options that could be available to you.

CSA members usually get top priority over what the farmer may offer at farmers markets – especially important during dry spells when availability may be limited.

In most cases, you pick up your CSA basket directly at the farm. You get to see exactly where and how your food is raised. Many families use this as a fun and learning opportunity for their children (ok, grownups too!). Often, it’s a way to discover new varieties and new culinary experiences.

A number of Piedmont Culinary Guild farmers offer CSAs. The following PCG members have shared their info with us to share with you.

Eat well! And thanks for playing a vital role in connecting the food chain.