When we lived in Vegas Steve and I were members of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) – shocking I know since most people don’t think that you can grow anything in the dessert! It was an incredible experience and during that time I really learned how to get creative with food. When you get boxes of veg that you’ve paid for and someone has worked their butt off to produce you want to honor that veg. massage it with good oils and herbs and then slowly savor every last bit of it.
So when I was getting beets and swiss chard and kohlrabi and I had no idea what they tasted like let alone how to cook them I had to figure something out quickly. In fact that was where my swiss chard pasta came from.
Now fast forward several years. We live in an agricultural mecca. There are farmer’s markets every single day, tons of local produce at the local grocery stores and most of my friends grow something in their yard. I never even thought about joining another CSA until recently when I met Laurel from Coral Tree Farms.
She farms on the property that she grew up on. Her two acres boasts exotic fruit trees (hello guava and dragon fruit!), nearly every vegetable that she grows is heirloom and she participates in saving heirloom seeds, she rescues rare breed chickens, has bees, goats and special running ducks. And although she isn’t certified everything she grows is grown using organic methods. That means no GMO’s, no pesticides and no run-off water from icky sources.
Did I mention that her farm is right in the heart of Encinitas? Yep – less than 2 miles from our home. It just doesn’t get more local than that – unless I grow it.
The next season is set to start on August 17th and goes for 3 months. You get a box every other week and there are always extra goodies (like spices and itty bitty bananas!). The cost is $168 and it’s worth every dime.
If getting a bi-weekly box of super awesome and delicious fruit and veg is right up your alley then email the Coral Tree Farms CSA Manager here and don’t forget to like their facebook page here.
Even if you don’t decide to buy into the season you can still visit the farm and purchase her delectable treats and say hello to this little guy (how cute is he?!):
Stay tuned for some Forkin’ Healthy events coming up at the farm too!
CSA Recipes to Try:
I love my CSA. I live in Leucadia and belong to Farmer Leo’s CSA very close to the La Costa exit. It’s amazing! He provides Fish 101 with many of their greens & vegtables. He also hosts farm to table dinners on the farm every other week. https://www.facebook.com/FarmerLeos
I love my CSA. I live in Leucadia and belong to Farmer Leo’s CSA very close to the La Costa exit. It’s amazing! He provides Fish 101 with many of their greens & vegetables. He also hosts farm to table dinners on the farm every other week. https://www.facebook.com/FarmerLeos
Farmer Leo is awesome! I adore him as well and can’t wait to attend one of his dinners!