Some folks have been inquiring about this intriguing question in the last few weeks so we thought we would address it now. We have two size shares. Standard shares typically feeds a family of two for the week and Premium share is designed for a family of four or a vegetarian family of two .(premium share is basically double the size of the standard share.) You can’t always go by head count when choosing you share size though. We have had couples with premium shares want more veggies and had families with kids have trouble using up their veggies in a standard share . Chose you share size based on your personal habits. Some things to consider are:
1. Do you have the time to cook for the weeks you will receive your CSA boxes?
2.Can you freeze or can extra produce you might get in your boxes?
3.Are you willing to try some new veggies you are unfamiliar with like Kale…Swiss Chard……(this would be good to consider regardless of your box size.)
Summertime is when we like to do many things that take us out of the kitchen so making full use of your CSA box takes a little more planning and organization. One long time CSA member budgets time the day after they get their box to prepare some large meals using their CSA veggies and freezes what they know they won’t use in the week. I try to post recipes during the season to give you ideas of what to do with some of the veggies, especially some of the more unfamiliar ones. If you look through some of the blogs from the 2011 season you will find some pictures of standard size boxes. I think there are 6 or 7 pics: early/mid and late season boxes to give you a visual of what you may find in your boxes. My favorite metaphor for being involved in a CSA is that CSA membership is like playing the guitar. I mean who doesn’t want to play the guitar. But after shopping and buying the instrument you have to practice or it just sits in the corner and you feel bad about the whole thing. Make sence? Good luck and thanks again for supporting local organic agriculture.