Community Supported Agriculture or CSA can be a great way to get local, fresh produce all summer long. In spring, you pay upfront for a whole summer's worth of produce. This subscription method allows the farmer to make larger purchases for the upcoming season and also provides a better idea of how much they need to grow.
Throughout the summer, local produce is delivered weekly to a pick-up location in your neighborhood. This could be a local business or someone's porch. CSA boxes will contain in-season fruits and vegetables, usually picked fresh that day. Some farms also offer add-ons, like egg or mushroom shares. If you are out of town, some CSAs allow a hold. Others will donate your share to a food bank. Personally, I like to share with a friend.
A challenge with CSAs can be trying to figure out what to make with the more 'exotic' vegetables. But you will soon learn to enjoy the tanginess of garlic scape pesto or the subtle sweetness of a roasted kohlrabi. You just need to be willing to experiment. In return, you will be getting tastier and more nutritious food than anything you can find at the grocery store. Food loses nutritional value the longer it sits on the shelf. But since your vegetables will be harvested at peak condition and then make their way directly to you, the nutritional value will be preserved. CSAs also keep your dollars local, reinvesting in your neighbors, instead of enriching a company on the other side of the country.
Mt Lebanon hosts many CSA options, each offering something a little different. Check out the options below to figure out the one that is right for you.
A small share is $600 for 20 weeks ($30/week)
Large and biweekly CSAs are also available.
Can add flowers, bread, mushroom, and coffee shares
Offers a spring box
Pickup location on Newburn
A small summer CSA is $260 for 10 weeks ($26/week)
Contains a mix of fruits of vegetables
Pickup at Eden's Market
A small share is $308 for 14 weeks ($22/week)
Large shares are available.
Contains a mix of fruits and vegetables
Can add flowers and extra produce
Pickup at CSA customer house
A small share is $648 for 24 weeks ($27/week)
Offers a medium and large share. Also has a customizable option.
Offers a spring, summer, or fall box.
This CSA probably has the most variety. Also offers shares of coffee, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, and fruit.
Pickup at Mediterra
A small share is $377 for 20 weeks ($19/week)
Offers a small, large, and bi-weekly option
Contains a mix of fruit and vegetables
Offers an egg share. Can add fruits and vegetables a la carte.
Pickup locations on Barth and Edward
I can personally attest to the quality and customization of Dillner Family Farms. The CSA season lasts pretty long, and each box offers a mix of fruit and vegetables. Some of my favorites include broccoli, green beans, plums, concord grapes, pie pumpkins, tomatoes, and beets. I opted for the egg share, which definitely saved us money. Dillner also offers 'Jane's Specials', which allows you to add produce and other goods to your weekly box for an affordable price.
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