You already know how much I love the Farmer's Market, particularly in the summer. However, I have an appreciably harder time dragging myself to the market in the winter. For one thing, there are far fewer vendors. For another, I tend to be far less adventurous with winter produce than summer produce. Don't ask me why - my guess is that it has something to do with wanting "known" comfort foods when it's cold out, but I could be wrong.
So, in the winter, we switch to CSA deliveries. Well, I should say that until this year, it was a "delivery" - Planet Organics, every other week. This year, I decided to try Capay Farms because I've really enjoyed some of the produce I picked up from them throughout the year.
I like Planet O because I can customize my box at will (in case I have company, or need something specific), and I really like their salads. On the other hand, that convenience comes with a price - I don't think I get as much for my $28/delivery as I do with Capay.
I like Capay because I like that they are still a family farm. They include some really nice recipes, too. However, their salad greens tend to wilt and rot very quickly, and the deliveries can get a little redundant. We've had bok choy in our box for the last 4 deliveries (which is 8 weeks). They will gladly pull anything you want out of your boxes, if you give them enough notice, and are really nice about it.
If you've never had a CSA delivery, I encourage you to try it - you might find yourself experimenting with produce you wouldn't ordinarily buy, or finding interesting recipes for things you have too much of. (Who knew that bok choy makes an awesome strata??).
