Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a hot topic amongst nearly everyone who cares about food. But what is a CSA? In its simplest terms, a CSA is a way to buy local, seasonal, organic produce directly from a farmer. Further, it’s an excellent way to go meatless! If your CSA offers delivery, it’s like bringing the Farmer’s Market to you! For my husband and me, waking up to a cornucopia of produce on our doorstep has been like Christmas every other Monday. It’s easy to go meatless because everything tastes so much better. We’re not giving up meat, we’re gaining delicious new foods!
The CSA we belong to is the brainchild of Terri Wahl, the chef at the popular Los Angeles restaurant Auntie Em’s. Terri also offers her customers a website and blog packed with tips for preparation, serving suggestions, and a list of the produce they’ll receive that week.
AB: Why do you think it’s important for people to eat organic, local, seasonal produce?
TW: It’s very important. It’s good for the economy, the community, the local farmers, your body and most importantly, in my opinion, your taste buds. Produce that is grown locally and picked when ripe simply tastes better!
AB: How is a CSA better than simply going to the Farmer’s Market?
TW: It’s not necessarily. But most of my clients can’t make it to the Farmer’s Markets. So I do it for them.
AB: What has been your biggest reward from starting the CSA?
TW: My biggest reward is to see so many happy people that are cooking, sometimes for the first time in their lives, and that are finding inspiration from the beautiful produce they receive.
AB: How does joining a CSA help people go meatless?
TW: By providing the tastiest produce possible. So many of my clients go meatless and say they don’t miss it at all.
AB: Do you personally go meatless, and how often?
TW: Yes. 4 times a week.
You can visit Auntie Em’s delivery service website here.
And chef Terri Wahl’s blog with recipes and serving suggestions here.
Find out more about CSA and find one in your area at Local Harvest.
