In mid March we signed up for a membership with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) organic farm. Montesino Ranch, also know as the Farm, is located about 40 miles from Austin near Wimberly, Texas. Just this season, they have started delivering organic fruits and vegetables to our area in northwest Travis County. I was familiar with CSA farms and couldn't wait to sign up for a membership. Since there are 2 grown-up humans and 3 grown dogs at our house right now, we decided on the $20/week basket.
Every Thursday after work, we head down the highway a few miles and pick up our basket of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. This week we got 2 boxes of fresh blackberries, 2 large green zucchinis, a number of small yellow squash, enough for 2 meals, a large bag of mixed lettuce, 2 varieties of tomato, 2 varieties of fresh oregano and a beautiful purple onion. Everything is freshly picked and cleaned, full of flavor because the fruits and vegetables are picked ripe or almost ripe. I look forward to getting our basket all week because I know the food will be healthy and taste great.
The best way to get in touch with the folks at Montesino Farms is through their email:
thefarm@montesinoranch.com
On my way home, I noticed that the local "peach truck" was parked off the highway, so I stopped to check out the peaches. These are the first of this year's crop from Fredericksburg, Texas. They are small because of limited rain this spring, but very sweet, firm, with good flavor which is how I like my peaches. These were very close to being perfectly ripe. They don't need to sit in my kitchen window for a few days to ripen. I bought a box with about 20 peaches and came home, a happy camper. We had fresh vegetables with dinner and peaches for dessert ... everything tasted so good ... !
I try to buy "locally" whenever I can because I want to support organic farmers who grow in this area. I also like knowing where my food comes from. I think it is a treat to be able to buy food from around the world, but when I do, I know it was not picked yesterday. When I buy at the local farmer's market, I know approximately where the food comes from and I get to meet and visit with the folks who grow the food. I like that. It feels more like a community. I find it comforting and encouraging at the same time.
Well, that's the farm report for this week. Go to Community Supported Agriculture to learn more about local organic farms and their many wonderful products. This link is on the Local Harvest website.
Have a great weekend and remember to "support your local farmers" and eat healthy at the same time.
Mary Christopher
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