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I joined a CSA last summer for the first time and was thrilled that I'd done so. I'm in NYC, so I'm sure the produce (and experience) will vary somewhat, but I was so happy with all the fresh veg. I got. My neighborhood CSA has a choice between a "full share" and a "half share," where a full share picks up a load of veg once weekly and a half share picks up a load of veg every other week. There are also fruit and egg and flower share options. We (my bf and I) bought a half share and had slightly more than enough vegetables - just the right amount, really, and we are determined to do better using everything this year! We also got a fruit share and were disappointed. The first several weeks we got one pint of blueberries, then later we got a million peaches (one week - and they were all ripe at the same time so there weren't a lot of options) and some sad apples. I know the fruit share was better in other years, but I think we will pass next year. We can pick up our fruit at the farmer's market for a better price and more variety, for a similar product. The veg was a great deal, though, and made me cook new things (like celeriac) in new ways (you have to when you get bok choy every other week for three months!).

Sorry for such a long post. I guess I got carried away, remembering all that amazing fresh veg. Mmm...garlic scapes.

Do you have any local U-pick farms? I found that I love picking my own produce better, for so many reasons:

* you still support local farmers and eat seasonal, locally grown produce

* you get to choose what you pick, and you pick as much or as little as you want to (while there are very few vegetables that I don't like, if I received a box of beetroot, I'd have to look for somebody to give it to because I just don't eat it, nor does my OH. In any case, I just prefer making my own decision although I can see how it can be fun to get a surprise box once in a while). I've done a lot of pickling and preserving last year, too, but again - things I wanted to pickle and preserve.

* there is something to be said for actually picking your own produce - we found that we really enjoy the process. Among other things, it also makes you appreciate more what you eat. And I can't even tell you how it feels to open a jar of pickled aubergines or cornichons knowing that I myself picked them and pickled them the same day.

* One other thing - the prices are unbeatable, too.

@pjracz10 - CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, you pay a farm a certain amount of money in advance and receive a box of seasonal produce in return, usually, on a weekly basis. Typically, there are two options - you can opt to purchase a full share (usually, enough for at least 4-6 people) or a half share (which is supposed to be good for 2-3 people). For the most part, there is no guarantee what (and how much of it) you'll get every week (or once every two weeks, in some cases) - it depends on the crop and, naturally, you will get more of whatever is abundant and vice versa.

It's a great way to support local farmers and to ensure you have a steady supply of seasonal local produce, a win-win for everyone. If we didn't have that U-Pick farm not so far away (which, as I've mentioned upthread, pretty much allows us to do the same), I would definitely sign up for CSA. I am, however, looking for a meat and/or egg and/or dairy CSA farm locally, but so far I haven't been able to find anything in our area.

The only downside of the CSA system is, of course, that you don't really know what you'll be getting, but it can actually be fun. Kind of like playing "Iron Chef" and getting a box of your secret ingredients;-).

I am having the worst luck in the world trying to get in oned that's reasonably conveniently located to me. For 2 years I waited on a list, there were finally openings. I go into the site to sign up every ten minutes because I don't want to miss the window. Between the 10 minute period of the site being down and up, sold out!

@Littlestcappy, what's your CSA (if you feel comfortable telling me). I was trying to get into the one on 74th and York.

@Littlestcapy, yeah, I was going for the Carnegie area. I know myself. If I had to schlep that far, I'd never end up actually doing it. Stoneledge Farms seems to be the only farm servicing my area, which makes it kind of iffy. I think I'm going to check and see if I can't find a place sort of near my office (mid-town east). That might work. I hope.