When we first moved to Philadelphia, we were excited about signing up for a CSA. Tom hadn’t really had the opportunity in Vegas, and I was spoiled with my Beachgreens shipment in Long Beach. By the time we moved in October, it was too late for a Fall CSA, but we found a post detailing the Winter CSA options. Our criteria included:
- convenient pickup site and time (had to be close to home or work, and preferably available after 5pm)
- availability of a half share
- “surprise” box (we didn’t want to order specific items)
- bonus points: egg share
Those criteria actually ruled out all but two CSAs, so the choice was simple. We ended up going with an every-other-week half share from Crawford Organics, with an egg share. The pickup site was in between home and work and was available on Tuesdays from 2-8pm, which was very convenient. After the Winter share was over, we renewed for a Spring/Summer share, although sadly the egg share was no longer available when we renewed.
First off, we loved the eggs. They had gorgeous orange yolks and were simply delicious and perfect in every way.
Other highlights included:
- popcorn – we probably never would have bought popcorn, but getting it in our CSA got us really into making our own popcorn at home.
- winter salad mix
- spinach and kale
- asparagus
- sweet corn
- tomatoes
Unfortunately, even with a half share, there were some things that we just accumulated too much of and could never use up, and some things we just didn’t care for:
- potatoes and sweet potatoes – the quality was great but the quantity was way too much for the two of us.
- turnips – we really did try, but never really became fans.
- lettuce – the quality was very good, but we just don’t like plain lettuce that much in our salads; we prefer spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
- radishes – we actually used these quite a bit with our winter salads, but a little goes a long way, and the quantity was way too much.
CSA 2/21/12
As we approach Fall, we decided not to continue with the CSA for another season. We realized that part of what had driven our decision in the first place was based on our previous lifestyles living in other cities, where farmers’ markets were harder to get to. In Philly, we live near two year-round farmers’ markets that more than meet all of our needs, not to mention that we can get good local produce at several nearby stores.
It’s really great to live in a fantastic food city like Philadelphia where we have so many options for eating fresh and local food!