Ah, fresh organic vegetables… one of my most favorite treats. Now, going on the 2nd season, a weekly occurrence at Chez Juju. Tonight’s bounty included purple cauliflower, lettuce, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, summer squash, peas, baby fennel, scallions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and a smattering of dill. My hubby and I have enjoyed our half share at the 47th Avenue Farm immensely this season. For $355, we visit the farm (really a double lot in the Woodstock neighborhood where staff live and raise chickens, make compost, and host the veggies pick-ups) each week and pick up an amazing variety of local produce.

The half share option is perfect for the two of us, though families can opt for the full share, which runs $675 for the season. Members pay in advance in order to support the farmers early on in the growing season when they need it the most. The veggies we get each week come from Zenger Farm, a 16 acre farm in the Lentz neighborhood. The idea behind the Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture model, is that farmers and families “form a network of mutual support” (to quote the CSA mission statement).

As members, we are not only entitled to the bounty of the harvest, but occasionally the risk as well. Sometimes crops fail due to disease or inclement weather. Frankly, with the delicious and diverse harvest so far, I swear it’s a risk I’m happy to take!

Oh yes, and before I forget, for an additional $20, vegetarian and chicken tamales are available. Fresh eggs run about $4.75 a dozen and the organic cheese and honey, well, let’s just say I’d pay just about anything for them; they are that good. There’s a good chance you’ll find chickens milling around, hummingbirds surveying the scene, garden bouquets available for purchase, and a friendly and inviting staff.

Excuse me, time for dinner!

Related posts:

1. Fresh local organic vegetables
2. My ‘take’ from the farmer’s market
3. A movie to see, a farm to visit
4. Punkin time
5. Making it easy to eat healthier