One day I'd love to live on a farm with my very own chickens, a fruit tree orchard and an organic garden. I'll live off the land, picking fresh wonderful produce from my garden for a snack or delicious gourmet meal.
For now, I'm a healthyurbanite living in the city. Until my farm dream comes true, I discovered a way to enjoy the freshest, highest quality organic produce from local farms delivered right to my door. I order a bin full of a variety of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables through a local delivery service in Seattle, New Roots Organics. You can search for "local produce delivery" to find options in your area. Bins start at just $25 per week.
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is becoming a popular way to order fresh, high quality food directly from local farmers. Depending on the size of your household and consumption, you can order a bin for yourself, your family or share with a neighbor.
There is something a bit ironic yet magically rustic about welcoming a box full of local, seasonal organic produce each week in the middle of the city. I look forward to my weekly bin, with an array of fruits and vegetables and a matching recipe.
The weekly bin has broadened my culinary experience and tastes. I've tried fruits and veggies that I would never have dreamed of buying at the grocery store like parsnips, sunchokes, beets, apricots, yams and multi colored carrots. I've learned to get creative in the kitchen and try new preparation techniques and recipes. My favorite dishes are roasted yam fries, sauteed brussels sprouts, beet salad, soups, and fresh smoothies.
Top reasons why a weekly fresh produce bin is a good healthy choice:
- Try new fruits and veggies and get all the benefits without going to the store
- Get the flavor, vitamin and antioxidant benefits of the freshest, highest quality produce
- Have healthy snacks on hand for home, the office and travel
- Eat more whole foods and less packaged stuff
- Prepare more home cooked meals
- Flexibility: make substitutions or suspend if traveling
- Support local farms and local businesses
Lauren is a certified holistic health counselor. Follow Lauren on Twitter: @healthyurbanite
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