This box makes me so happy. There are such incredibly fresh tasting vegetables and fruits inside, L and C are so excited when we bring a new box home every other week and we are all very curious with what we will find in the box this time.
I started receiving a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box from Tanaka Farms almost a year ago. I have always wanted to take part in their program but didn’t feel that my sleep deprived mama brain was ready for a weekly or bimonthly challenge with all the new and fresh foods that would come with it. I have been pleasantly surprised and while there is usually one challenging food to try to make into a meal, working through the box every other week has been such a great learning experience.
L is a huge helper, he helps unload all the fruits and vegetables calling out each one by name and does a very happy boy dance when he sees carrots in the box. We wash and seal up the produce to put in the refrigerator. This takes about 30 minutes and it is such a great teaching opportunity for both of us. I usually do all the preparing while C is taking a nap. This really is a special time that L and I share together.
I have really enjoyed going through all the growing seasons with the farm. I have noticed that both of my boys will only eat broccoli that comes from Tanka Farms, if I buy it at the store it just sits on their plates.
They have learned about so many new foods and are usually really good about trying something for the first time. My boys are like other kids, their favorite food is pepperoni and sausage pizza or mac ‘n cheese. They usually don’t like something new the first time they try it. I continue to offer it again and again and eventually, after watching my husband and I eat it, they will eat it.
One example of this is an eggplant pasta dish that I make (when eggplants are in season again I will share it). It is a family favorite but it took a couple tries before L and C were on board with it. Now there are a lot fewer leftovers than when I first made it.
My mouth starts watering just looking at this box. If you enjoy cooking try a CSA box as a new challenge. The incredible summer growing season is almost here and the food really does taste better. Plus, you are helping support a local farm.
Happy Eating!
*I am not compensated in any way by Tanaka Farms. I just wanted to share our experience with our CSA box*
Resources:
Read more about the CSA idea and find a farm in your area
8 reasons to eat locally grown food
Thanks for sharing what those CSA boxes were. I could have looked it up myself, but with the different things that pop up on searches, who know what I would have come across. Sounds very interesting – especially with a vegetarian wife and a picky kid who doesn’t eat too much great vegetables, we may look into it. Thanks again.
I hope you find a great farm close to you. We go and visit the farm at least two or three times a year too. It helps my boys when they know where their food comes from
I have those same peas in my box. How are you going to use yours?
We usually just eat them raw. They are so sweet and good they don’t last long around here. If I have some left I will put them in a stir-fry or pasta dish. How about you?
This produce looks wonderful! We participated in a CSA as part of a school fundraiser for two years. As you point out, it is a wonderful way for kids to taste fresh fruits & veggies. We always looked forward to discovering what would be in the box.
The colors of food are so beautiful this time of year. Thanks for reading Debi. My boys love the “present” of food every other week
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