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Flexibility Key to Enjoying CSA or Farmers Market Offerings

Last modified on 2008-07-08 19:45:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Fully enjoying the benefits of a CSA or a farmers market requires a different mindset than that required by a trip to the grocery store.

Rather than planning a menu in advance of shopping or receiving your CSA box, wait to see what’s available or what arrives. Create a menu or select recipes that can accommodate substitutions.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Your CSA provider will be happy to tell you how to prep and cook an unfamiliar vegetable, and often will provide recipes. Ask the vendor at the market for this information.

Understand that you will not get your favorite vegetables all year long at the farmers market or in your CSA box. When you do get them, they will be at the peak of flavor and nutrition, but when their season is over, they will be gone, replaced by something else equally wonderful.

Simple Fresh Baby Peas

Cook baby peas for 1 minute in a pot of boiling, salted water, drain them and toss them with butter.

Add peas to salads, stir-fries and rice.

Sautéed Leafy Greens

1-tablespoon butter or olive oil

2 pounds beet greens, turnip greens, mustard greens,r Swiss chard or kale, stems removed

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Stir greens into the oil or butter a handful at a time and wait a minute for the greens to wilt before adding more. Continue stirring every few minutes, with the pan uncovered, until the greens are soft and tender, 8 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Peas and greens are in season now and available at farmers markets throughout Kitsap County.