Brief CSA Notes

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

For those currently trying to decide which CSA to join, I can offer a quick eval of the two we belong to.

Charlestown Cooperative Farm - We’ve been members for three years now, and are very, very happy.  The shares are supposedly designed for two adults and two children, and they give us (two veggie loving adults) all our veggies from June - November and a substantial portion of the rest of the year (canned and frozen).  The share lasts from the first strawberries (Memorial Day ish) until Thanksgiving.  Like many other CSAs, there tends to be a surfeit of greens - we attempt to eat them all but usually some lettuce and bok choy end up in the compost.  We freeze a lot of kale and chard.  The share provides a bit of fruit (strawberries, raspberries, and melons) but is mainly veggie focused. There are also opportunities to buy meats, eggs, and other items at the farm.  They do not deliver - you have to go to Phoenixville to pick up the shares once a week (Tues and Thurs) - which I like for two reasons; one it’s fun to go to the farm, and two Saturdays are usually way to busy to fit in a trip to the farm every week - that would never work for us as we have several volunteer events which are on Saturdays. Unfortuntately (at least for those wanting a share), I believe their wait list is booked for two or three years.

North Star Orchard - We’ve been members of the fruit share for two years now. This year they are expanding and offering both a 12 week (historical) and 15 week share.  We’re going to try the 15 week as we ordered several extensions this year.  The fruit is a good variety and good quality.  It is only enough for regular eating though, not preserving. (At least for us - but we eat 2 - 4 pieces of fruit a day, or more). They deliver to several CSAs (including Charlestown) and local Farmers’ Markets. They also offer a veggie, share which we have not tried - but I have purchased their veggies from the Phoenixville Farmers’ Market and they are good. I’m just not sure of the size/variety of the actual share.