This hearty pumpkin soup recipe takes advantage of a key fresh ingredient this time of year: pumpkin!
Nothing goes with all those cozy sweaters and falling leaves like a hearty pumpkin soup recipe. This is the best time of year to make a batch from scratch since you can use the abundance of fresh pumpkins in the supermarket or use up your Halloween decorations to create it. Add a nice hunk of bread and a salad on the side, or top with fresh asparagus and potatoes, and you have a warm and balanced meal to usher in the season.
Pumpkin Soup Recipe Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Optional: asparagus (lightly steamed) and/or diced potatoes (steamed or roasted)
Method:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring.
2. Add pumpkin and cook 3 minutes, until lightly softened.
3. Add stock and paste and stir to mix. Bring to a boil over high heat, lower to a simmer, and cover. Cook 20 minutes, until the pumpkin is very tender.
4. Transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth. Add cheese, salt, and pepper; mix and serve warm.
5. If serving with asparagus, lightly steam and add two or three spears diced to add a punch of color.
Make summer a little sweeter by picking your way through Chicago’s best spots for homegrown berries and other fruits and veggies. The U-pick berry season kicks off with strawberries in June and continues through early August, with veggies cropping up now through fall. Be sure to research your farm’s produce availability through their Facebook page and website before dusting off the wagons. Scroll down for u-picks that will help make this a summer to remember!
What was once a small farmstand over 40 years ago is now an expansive farm 50 miles northwest of Chicago, which includes 13 greenhouses where you can find anything from plant seedlings to hanging baskets and a bakery that features freshly baked seasonal fruit pies and cakes, cookies, scones and homemade breads. During strawberry picking season, pickers are treated to four acres with four different varieties and can recharge with made-to-order shakes and sundaes. Pickers will only find strawberries in the U-Pick fields, but the fresh market offers a selection of homegrown produce, including corn, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. Baskets are supplied for U-Pick and pickers pay by the pound.
In the neighborhood: Nearby Union is home to the Illinois Railway Museum, which houses over 375 pieces of equipment, including electric and steam locomotives and street, passenger and baggage cars. If you catch berry fever in July, coordinate a play date with Thomas and Percy at the Day Out with Thomas event planned for Jul. 9, 10, 16 & 17.
Five generations of family have been running this farm that had a typical Midwestern start of raising hogs, sheep and chicken and producing dairy, oats and hay. Today their focus is on quality fruit, good customer service and offering families memorable, wholesome fun. Red raspberries and strawberries make up the bulk of their U-Pick business, but they also have rhubarbs, black raspberries, cherries, gold raspberries and homemade jams. There is no admission and parking is free.
In the neighborhood: Woodstock, was the location for many of the outdoor scenes shot for the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray, so superfans can still take a peek at the most memorable shoot locations on a walking tour. If you’re in the area May-October on a Tuesday or Saturday morning, stop by the Farmers Market in downtown Woodstock’s historic square with vendors selling produce, knitted items, soaps, honey products, baked goods, cheese and more.
The growing season begins in May with traditional green and exotic purple asparagus at this seven-acre farm 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Fresh, sweet strawberries make up their U-Pick business, and they will hopefully be reintroducing their raspberries in the future. There is no entrance fee for picking and supplies are provided.
In the neighborhood: Grab a pastry to compliment your berries at Morris Bakery, browse the quaint shops in downtown Morris or hit up 3 French Hens Market held the second Saturday, May through October at Grundy County Fair Grounds. If you find yourself in the area for lunch, Letty Mae's Tea Room offers a made-from-scratch menu with decor reminiscent of an English Tearoom. Enjoy your meal on vintage mismatched china surrounded by kitschy decor or have it wrapped up for a picnic on the farm.
2575 W. Mine Rd., Mazon; Online: For picking updates on their Facebook page
Stade’s is famous for its popular Fall Festival, a fall blitz featuring live music, hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Leading up to the festival, you can visit this countryside paradise for U-Pick strawberries beginning in mid-June, raspberries in July, tomatoes and a variety of summer veggies in starting in July and pumpkins in September and October. Also available at the onsite market is homegrown asparagus, rhubarb, spinach, radishes and lettuce, as well as their privately harvested local honey.
In the neighborhood: McHenry, Illinois is known for having a bustle of activity along the Fox River, so check out Stratton Lock & Dam and Fort McHenry Playground for picturesque outdoor fun. Authentic steam engines from the golden age of railroad are on display at the Illinois Railway Museum (if you go picking in July, double the fun with a Day Out with Thomas).
Asparagus launches the six-month u-pick season and pumpkins and fall squash close it down, with deliciously sweet strawberries, onions, spinach, rhubarb, lettuce, kale, radishes, garlic, peas and green beans available at different times in between. Have your own box or bag for picking weighed at the farm stand before you get started because you pay for produce by the pound.
In the neighborhood: Take in the collection of pre-World War II planes and automobiles and early 20th-century airplane hangars and automobile garages that have been salvaged and relocated to the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum.
There’s nothing that kicks your summer off to a sweet start like taking the kids to find u-pick berries at a farm near Boston. Strawberry season rolls out first in early June, followed by raspberry and blueberry seasons. The stone fruits end the season starting in August. These nearby farms offer u-pick berries for families that teach kids where their food comes from and lets you go home with a sweet treat. Read on to find one near you.
North of Boston
istock
Brooksby Farm A favorite of Boston families, you can u-pick berries at this farm about 20 miles north of the city. Owned by the City of Peabody it's got perks you can't miss, like friendly barnyard animals for kids to play with and a play yard to wear them out after the picking is done. As for u-pick, get ready to pick raspberries, peaches, blueberries and cherries starting in July and running into September.
Parlee Farms This farm plans to open for its 35th season of u-pick berries in mid-June, so sign up on the website to receive picking updates. You can pick your own strawberries here or grab some from the farmstand. They offer five varieties of strawberries for picking and even have late-summer varieties available at the farmstand.
Smolak Farms This spot hasn't announced an opening date for u-pick berries for 2022 yet. If things stay as they were last year, count on a $2 per person entrance fee and the cost to pick is $8 per quart of strawberries. Check the website before heading over as picking conditions change frequently.
Locations: 2 North Andover locations and one at Small Oxx Farm in Boxford Online: smolakfarms.com
iStock
Marini Farm Here you can pick strawberries along with veggies like lettuces and asparagus before you return in the fall for pumpkin season. Check the current picking conditions online, but right now, the start of the strawberry u-pick season is planned for mid-June.
Russell Orchards Strawberry picking has not yet begun at this u-pick farm in Ipswich. The fruit is slowly ripening. Once it's ready, you can get your strawberries here at $5.75 per pound. Raspberries and blueberries are also available for picking later in June and July.
Cider Hill Farm Strawberry picking opens in early June on this u-pick farm. You'll love this spot to bring the kids. You can pre-order your baskets to save time at the farm or get yours when you arrive. Check the website for fruit availability before heading over. You can also pick blueberries here in July. Mark your calendars for the Strawberry Festival on June 18 and 19. Snag tickets while you still can.
Sunshine Farm Strawberry picking typically starts mid-June but check their Facebook page for current conditions. You'll definitely want to swing by the ice cream stand for a cold treat after picking.
Tougas Family Farm The whole family will love this spot for strawberry picking, and the kids will especially enjoy the playground. Real fruit slushies and apple cider donuts are also a huge draw. The u-pick season is expected to begin in early June.
Ward's Berry Farm Pick-your-own is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. unless the crops are picked out earlier in the day. Strawberries are the first to come in season, followed by raspberries and strawberries. This spot also sells great sandwiches, and has a brand-new bouncy pillow where kids can get their jump on. Psst.. there's piglets too.
Verrill Farm Concord is home to this lovely farm where you can pick strawberries in mid-June. They also have a farmstand where you can get homecooked meals in addition to fresh fruits and veggies. Come on Thursday and you can snag some BBQ!
Tangerini Spring Street Farm After 25 years farming under the capable Tangerini family, this farm was proudly taken over by Linda and Steve Chiarizio in 2019. During the summer seaon, families travel to pick their own strawberries, blueberries and sunflowers throughout the summer months. Many take advantage of farm-fresh food served at the Farmer's Porch Restaurant after working up an appetite.
Family-owned and operated for over 80 years, this farm offers more than just u-pick experiences for families. They're also a great spot to find your fairy garden needs. And if hunger strikes, the donut barn is where you should head (open only on weekends). Get ready to pick strawberries and blueberries in June and July straight into peaches that usually go into early September.
The Blueberry Farm This farm is open for blueberry picking from early July through August. Check their Facebook page for opening dates and current conditions.
Location: 698 W. Washington St., Hanson Online: facebook.com
_________________________________________________
Tree-Berry Farm Blueberry-picking season opens in late June. Kids are welcome and they can even accommodate larger groups of kids if you let them know you are coming in advance.
Good to know: 1. The availability of berries can vary from week-to-week. Check the website or call before you head out to ensure there is enough produce to be picked.
2. Try to arrive first thing in the morning when the temps are low and the berries are most plentiful for the best picking.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a salad, wrap and salad bar tray recall for products sold at Whole Foods Markets and Whole Foods Markets 365 in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Representatives from GHSW, LLC (the manufacturers of the recalled items) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.
The current recall was issued after the discovery of an undeclared potential allergen. The mayonnaise used to make some of the products may contain soy. If you or your child have a soy allergy, read on for more recall information.
GHSW, LLC Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Soy in Certain Salads, Wraps and Salad Bar Trays Sold at Select Whole Foods Market and Whole Foods Market 365 Stores https://t.co/7UC7BTwm4I
Recalled Product Description: GHSW Salads, Wraps and Salad Bar Trays
The products in this recall were sold in two Whole Foods Markets 365 in Texas and at various Whole Foods Markets in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. These include Classic Potato Salad, Classic Tuna Salad Wrap, Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, Traditional Egg Salad, Yellowfin Tuna Salad, Broccoli Crunch, Veggie Crudite Bowl with Asparagus and Bell Peppers and Veggie Crudite Bowl with Jicama and Mini Peppers.
For a full list of products, sizes, packaging and UPC codes, visit the FDA’s website here.
Why These Salad Products Were Recalled
GHSW found during a routine label review that the products’ packaging did not properly declare soy. While some of the products do contain the words “May Contain Soy,” all of the labels in the recall fail to correctly declare this ingredient, putting anyone with a soy allergy at risk.
There are currently no known injuries or adverse reactions caused by these products.
How to Tell if Your Salad Product or Wrap is Part of the Recall
The recall only includes products sold at select Whole Foods and Whole Foods 365 stores in the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Visit the FDA’s website for a full description of each product on the recall list.
What Parents Can Do
If you have one of the affected products and you, your child or anyone else in your household has a soy allergy, don’t eat it. Throw the product away or bring it back to the place of purchase for a refund. You can call GHSW with questions at 888-449-9386 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. or email info@rfgfoods.com.
With all the gorgeous food blogs, glossy cookbooks and “that looks easy” videos out there, you have every reason to be overwhelmed. It goes without saying that you want to make attractive, appetizing and healthy food for your kids. You’re a positive parent! But the world is bombarding you with beautiful images of perfect-looking food and instead of that feeling like a useful blueprint it leaves you not knowing where to start. Because there will always be somebody who won’t eat something. Don’t panic. Put your apron on—wait, who are we kidding, you already stained your shirt at least once today anyway—and get practical. All you need is a little bit of confidence and some solid ideas for riffing on basics. And here they are:
Unhateable Roasted Vegetables:
Do they have to have those perfect grill marks? No! Does it matter which ones your second child hates and might smear all over the walls? Yes! So, if that means no broccoli, then that’s what it means. Do what you need to do, not exactly what the recipe says or what’s on what’s-her-name’s instagram. It’ll be ok, we promise.
Mix about 6 cups assorted winter/root vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels
sprouts, parsnips, beets, carrots) in a bowl, and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and
sea salt. Optionally, add sliced onions and garlic, and/or season with fresh rosemary.
Roast in 350-degree oven for 45-60 minutes (depending on how small the pieces are).
Dal for Your Darlings:
The flavor is mild, and the vegetable choices vary, yet you’re making something they don’t have every day. All hail! Now, you do you. And them.
Saute 2 cups yellow or orange lentils, 1 potato, 2 carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger with
olive oil and salt and curry powder in a large pot until onions are soft. Fill the pot about
halfway up with boiling water. Cook 1 hour. Add any other vegetables later, such as broccoli
or zucchini squash.
Can You Cous Cous?:
Um, that was rhetorical. Of course you can. Cous cous is absurdly easy to make and you can put in anything you want. You can’t ruin it.
Just pour hot broth over the cous cous and cover for 15 minutes
(add nuts, fruit, chopped veggies, a protein—do it how you do it). Fluff with a fork.
The Crepe Escape:
Sweet, savory, breakfast, lunch dinner. What’s more flexible and riffable than crepes? Nothing. Nada. Rien.
Whisk together 1 egg, 1 cup of almond milk and ½ cup of flour.
Pour about ½ of this into a crepe pan on low heat, and cook until very solid and easy to flip.
Flip and cook on the other side, adding whatever you wish to the top at that time.
Savory choices: Cheese, tomato, spinach, cooked potatoes, cooked egg, cooked vegetables, ham or turkey deli slices. Sweet ways: Banana and Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream.
These are just options, people!
Be the Master of Your Quiche:
Eighties jokes about who eats quiche aside, this is one make-your-own-mark food item if ever there was one.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay a pie crust in the bottom of a pie pan. Layer grated
cheese (gruyere or parmesan or what you have) in the bottom. Next, put sautéed vegetables
of your choice with salt, celery seed, and thyme or spices you like. Good combinations are asparagus and purple onion, cauliflower and shallots, or spinach and garlic. Pour 6-8 eggs mixed up with some cream or half-and-half on top. Bake about 45 minutes. Easy to make ahead of time and in multiples.
From this basic foundation, let your creativity go wherever it takes you.
You can even deconstruct it like this: Cut 4 small corn tortillas cut into pieces—cook in canola oil until the bottom side turns brown. Pour 4 scrambled eggs on top, let cook until set, then flip.
Add chopped asparagus and cook until egg sets again. Break it up and crisp it up.
It’s deconstructed quiche. It’s a riff on Tortilla Española. It’s a veggie omelet. It’s a healthy, hearty meal.
You want to feed your family well? Learn the ways of riffing and make your family’s own culinary music.
The Anti-Cookbook Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living
We're Shelley Onderdonk and Rebecca Bloom. A veterinarian and a lawyer-turned-writer walk into a kitchen… We aren’t chefs and that’s exactly the point. We have a lot to share about food-smart living with our own young-adult children and other people and their children, too. Together, we wrote The Anti-Cookbook: Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living.
Get ready for lower prices at Whole Foods! The grocery retailer recently announced its third round of price cuts and you need to know about all the ways to save money on your next grocery bill.
The newest round in price cuts will save you money on fresh produce as well as providing more Prime member discounts. Look for discounts on items such as organic bunched chard ($1.99 each), mixed-medley cherry tomatoes ($3.49 for 12 ounces) and large yellow mangoes ($1 each).
John Mackey, Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO said in a press statement, “Whole Foods Market continues to maintain the high quality standards that we’ve championed for nearly 40 years and, with Amazon, we will lower more prices in the future, building on the positive momentum from previous price investments.”
Mackey also added, “The standards for how our products are sourced, grown and produced are powerful and set Whole Foods Market apart from the competition. We will continue to focus on both lowering prices and bringing customers the quality they trust and the innovative assortment they expect from our brand.”
Along with the new discounts Prime shoppers can expect to see more than 300 exclusive deals over the next few months. April deals include organic asparagus ($2.99 per pound, save $2), Sumo Citrus ($2.49 per pound, save $1.50), 35 percent off all Justin’s brand products, 40 percent off all Kite Hill plant-based products, 20 percent off prepared sandwiches and wraps, 35 percent off all Epic brand products and so much more.
Busy doesn’t even begin to describe your weeknights—which is why Trader Joe’s recipes are a serious game changer. Not only is the food super affordable, but the variety of products make getting a deceivingly simply meal (that looks totally gourmet) on the table in no time at all. We gathered our favorite secret recipes that’ll make you look like the Barefoot Contessa—all while spending 20 minutes or less in the kitchen. Scroll down to see them all.
Homemade Pizza with Prosciutto
Gabby Cullen
Trader Joe's popular make-at-home pizza dough is an easy way to impress your family on the fly. Combine a little tomato paste with garlic, olive oil, fennel and thyme, and then spread the mixture on your shaped dough. Then, sprinkle your choice of cheese (we prefer a blend!) and top with thin slices of prosciutto. You can fancy it up even more with arugula or figs. It takes less than 20 minutes to bake.
Scallop Rolls
Anna Doogan
Try a twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.
Next-Level Ravioli
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).
Kid-Friendly Curry
Sara Olsher
Expose your kids to a taste of Thai with this easy recipe. Mix a can of coconut cream (also available in a low-fat version) with a bottle of Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce and simmer. Cube some of Trader Joe's pre-cooked all natural chicken breast to throw in the pot, and serve over their three-minute rice. You can also add steamed spinach!
Fortified Mandarin Orange Chicken
Allison Sutcliffe
You know your little foodie will gobble this one up no matter what the season. So why not turn it into a filling dish that meets your kiddo’s daily veggie requirement too? It’s easy to beef it up with winter greens like broccoli, peas and green peppers. Follow SOP for stovetop prep when you’re cooking the chicken and sauce. Throw in chunky green peppers and broccoli florets for the last few minutes, and cover your saucepan so they steam a bit, and then swirl in a handful frozen green peas just before you serve. Your little chef won’t know what hit her!
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Sausage
Gabby Cullen
Wondering how to use up all that kale sitting in your bin? This simple stew-like recipe is perfect for cold winter nights, and the kids love it! Simply saute white onion and the sliced up sausage in a bit of olive oil until the onion is soft and the sausage has browned. Add the chicken stock or broth and bring to a boil. Then, add the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer for about four minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped kale, let it wilt and then top with parmesan cheese.
Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's Pulled Pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
Anna Doogan
Pesto is the star of this easy pasta recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.
Classic Fondue
Trader Joe’s is on a mission to bring fondue back. We’re loving it because busy parents can throw this cheesy meal together faster than your Insta-pot can say “ready, set, go!” Simply heat a container of Trader Jacques’ La Fondue (made with three savory kinds of cheese) in the microwave for about five minutes. Let it sit for one or two more, and then bring it straight to the table (psst … no dishes or special cookware are part of this easy-peasy meal’s appeal), where you can have fresh fruit, veggie, and French bread pieces waiting. The only thing that would make this meal better is a matching container of chocolate fondue for dessert!
Asparagus Risotto with Chicken
Gabby Cullen
This one-pot meal takes less than 15 minutes. Warm up some asparagus risotto on the stovetop (this usually takes over an hour to prepare!), slice up Trader Joe's pre-cooked seasoned chicken breasts, and add to the risotto at the last minute to warm it up. Serve with a salad and dinner's done/
—Gabby Cullen with Sara Olsher, Allison Sutcliffe & Anna Doogan
School is in, which means week-long vacations will have to wait a while. If you’re still craving a little getaway, why not plan a sweet staycation right in San Francisco? If you want to play tourist, there’s no better place than Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39 and the rest of the Embarcadero. Best part? We found the sweetest hotel—The Argonaut—that’s smack dab in the middle of all the action. Keep reading to find out more.
The Vibe
This charming boutique hotel is located on the corner of Jefferson and Hyde Street, in the historic Haslett Warehouse. You’ll immediately be drawn in by the nautical-inspired decor, exposed brick wall and friendly staff. There’s a roaring fire in the evenings, a wine-tasting bar off the entrance, and The Argonaut shares it’s billing with the San Francisco Maritime National Park’s Visitor Center, so there’s always something interesting to look at on your way in or out of the hotel.
photo: courtesy The Argonaut
The Rooms
Nautical/seaside decor such as gorgeous wallpaper (think gilded octopus graphics), exposed brick walls, seal stuffies for the little guests, rich blue hues and plantation shutters are a similar thread throughout all the rooms, which vary from spacious guestrooms to larger suites.
photo: courtesy of The Argonaut
The Blue Mermaid
Be sure to dine at The Argonaut’s signature restaurant. It is known for the clam chowder, but the corn and crab chowder is also delicious, with generous chunks of crab and green onions to give it a zing. For apps, the asparagus and prosciutto is a must. The asparagus is served crisp, with a creamy balsamic reduction. The half oysters on the shell are also delicious and fresh.
The Location
You can’t beat The Argonaut for its location. Stroll over the Maritime Museum, or grab a complimentary bike and head toward Fort Mason and Crissy Field, all while admiring the Golden Gate Bridge on the horizon. Head the other direction toward Pier 39 to appreciate the sweeping Bay views, which of course, include Angel Island and Alcatraz. Or, if you want to play total tourist, hop on the Hyde Street Cable Car (when was the last time you did that?!) and go shopping at Union Square. If it’s education fun you want, A quick cab ride will take you up the Embarcadero to the Exploratorium, which is a Bay Area favorite for all families. For more ideas on how to spend your staycation with the family, check out our ultimate list of things to do with kids in San Francisco.
The Details
Rates start at $260 per night 496 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94109 415.563.0800 argonauthotel.com
—Gabby Cullen
Editor’s Note: This hotel experience was paid for by The Argonaut Hotel, but all opinions belong to the writer.
Use any combination of your favorite vegetables to throw together this simple and colorful stir-fry. Warm scrambled eggs flavored with sesame are the secret to this dinner winner. Scroll down for the complete recipe and how-to.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 min.
Hands-on Time: 15 min.
You will need:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. fresh ginger root, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cup chopped vegetables (Mix and match whatever your family likes. Broccoli, red pepper, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and asparagus are all great choices.)
If you are looking to add more fresh local and organic produce into your kiddo’s mealtime, signing up for a community-supported agriculture–or CSA–program with a regional farm may be the perfect solution. As a CSA member, you pay an up front fee before the season starts to support the farm’s operational costs and then reap the bounty of benefits by partaking in their weekly harvest.
Photo: 4P Foods
What you pay…
Costs can range from about $150 to $600/month, depending on how many mouths you need to feed and therefore how many bushels of produce you can handle every week. Some farms offer “mini shares” at rates you can pay weekly. Beyond fruits and veggies, many farms also offer fresh flowers, herbs, eggs, meat, cheese and more.
What you get…
In selecting the best plan for your crew, carefully consider the different CSA options, as programs do vary in structure and benefits. For example, are your kids adventurous eaters? Some farms let you request specific items and others give you a bag they select based on what is being harvested that week. Also, do you have time in your busy schedule for one more scheduled grocery stop? Some plans require that you pick-up at a set location near you as a designated date and time each week, and others deliver right to your home or office.
How you sign up…
The good news is, with over 70 CSA programs in the greater D.C. area, there are plenty of options. Here are some of the best CSA’s we found in the DMV that are worth checking out:
4P Foods For every 10th bag of food they sell sell, 4P Foods donates a bag to Martha’s Table, a D.C. non-profit that helps local families have healthy foods.
Breezy Willow Farm Here’s an example of what you’d get in a box: 1 quart of strawberries, 1 pint of blueberries, 1/2lb. spring lettuce mix, 1lb. spinach, 3 lbs. of potatoes, 1 quart of beans, 1 bunch of spring onions, 1 lb. of asparagus, fresh baked bread, and a dozen pasture raised eggs. Nomnomnom!
Farm to Family A funky, retrofitted school bus serves as a vehicle for both transporting fresh local food and getting the community engaged in sustainable agriculture. Online: thefarmbus.com
From the Farmer Headquartered in the DMV, this online CSA works with local and regional growers to deliver super-fresh goods to your front door. How fresh? Some items go from dirt to delivered in less than 24 hours!
