Local & Organic
Monday, April 14, 2008 at 01:07pmJust found out that we made it onto the invite list to become a shareholder in an organic student-run farm at Cook College. This means that every week we pick up a crate of vegetables and herbs, from June to September (or November, if we spend more money). I put us on the list because the produce in our local grocery store sucks, because pesticide-free food grown only a few miles away instead of being trucked here from god-knows-where really appeals to me, because it supports Rutgers University, and because it will completely force us to become more creative and healthy in our cooking, at least for the summer.
The cool thing is that every week’s harvest will be a surprise. Here is what last year’s harvest looked like. Apparently I am going to have to learn about chard. We just need to look at our budget and make sure we have the cash and, if so, we’ll start getting produce in about six weeks. My only worry is that there will be too much for us to deal with.
Michael on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Having just read The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food, I’m inordinately excited for you! Eat local. It’s good for you, it’s good for Rutgers, it’s good for the environment…..win, win, win.
RE: chard
Throw some in a bowl. Add dressing of your choice. Eat.
Sandyjoys on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1:30 pm
That is fantastic. I’m going to search if there is something like that near me!
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Go here - www.localharvest.org
Jen in OH! on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Awesome. Because I’m too exhausted to start farming the backyard, we’re probably just going to do the hell out of the local farmer’s markets this year. yummy + green = win.
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1:46 pm
And farmer’s markets can be really fun! Our local summertime market isn’t all that exciting, though.
Bluebunny on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hey, I’ll pitch in a few bucks and purchase anything you can’t finish.
Megan on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:16 pm
That is great! By August 30th when you get all of your basil in (mmmm), remind me to tell you about this awesome cocktail called the Plantation drink (not really a fan of the name). It has basil in it, and somewhat surprisingly, is AWESOME. Once you have it, you will easily go through all of it.
Susie on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:21 pm
You guys should share your share — that’s what my sister and I do. Together we have one share in our local organic produce coop. We split whatever is in the week’s share. It’s great, because how much chard can one family eat, right?
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Sharing is a good idea…I was thinking about splitting some with Lisa and it seems Bluebunny is interested too. I guess we’ll see what our first harvest looks like and plan accordingly.
Basil in a drink, Megan, really? I’m doubtful…but I’ll try it.
Michael on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Jen, if you haven’t been to the Second Street Market downtown, you should check it out. Every Saturday, I think. Local, organic produce and pasteured meat/dairy/eggs.
Michelle on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I am super excited. I’ve joined a CSA too. I keep thinking about how the weather is going to really affect what I eat. Locally grown food is great!
hugh on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I miss me some Jersey corn. And tomatoes.
Jen in OH! on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Michael, I haven’t been there yet, but will give it a looksee — we’re big on the various local products, too, especially when they’ve been ethically raised/farmed. We’ll also have a farmer’s market less than a mile from the house once the season opens it up; I’m so stoked.
chuck on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Sautee’d chard is kind of like spinach.
chuck on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 3:09 pm
And if anyone if interested on the local food thing…
http://recipes.howstuffworks.c.....rganic.htm
chuck on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Sorry, I’m a little drunk.
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I’d like to be drunk at 3:00pm on a Monday!
Michael on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:02 pm
With Chuck.
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Good times!
jon on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Chard Cupcakes!
chuck on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Unfortunately not drunk - just a shitty typist.
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:16 pm
jon - awesome.
Chips o'Toole on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Chard is great - use it with pasta (cut it up, put in a pan with a bit of oil and fresh garlic, then toss with penne or anything else), or in a pie (spinach chard pie is in the moosewood cookbook, i think). it’s got a hearty, nutty flavor.
like me!
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Is it like spinach in that a big bunch cooks down to almost nothing?
chuck on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Seriously - I need a truckload of spinach to get two little portions.
Maggie on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I just finished reading In Defense of Food as well, fascinating stuff. I’m going to be lending it to my sister. And I’ll be making a big change as to how we eat starting right away. Considering I live in the middle of a huge farming area, you’d think good veggies would be easy to get, and you’d be right since the Farmer’s Market here is awesome, but this means you have to get there at 8-9 AM every Saturday morning in the warm months. I’m not so good at that.
freakgirl on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I hear you…I imagine that I will have to get to the farm early on pickup days to ensure I get the best stuff. And it takes an act of god to get me out of the house most days.