vip in the city

Purple produce

As we approach the homestretch of our CSA — community supported agriculture — season, I wanted to share here some of the more interesting items we’ve received in our deliveries this year. Purple was a theme these past few months, starting with our purple bell peppers from the summer. (I was initially very excited about those, but just so you know, the purple fades to green when the peppers are cooked. Still tasty, though.) Beautiful purple Opal basil (a cousin of sweet basil) came next, followed by purple potatoes (makes pretty hash!) and this week: purple cabbage and purple cauliflower. I’d never seen the latter before; the vivid head looks almost as fake as a dyed carnation, but is apparently all natural. The purple color is caused by the presence of anthocyanin — a component also found in red cabbage and red wine.

Early sign-ups (with early discounts) for the 2008 season are available at most CSAs beginning this week. For those unfamiliar with the program, CSA members purchase “shares” of an annual harvest directly from a local farmer in the winter months when cash is most needed for seeds, equipment, repair, and other inputs. In this way, the farmers are relieved of much of the risk of small-scale farming through the guaranteed market created by the community’s commitment to a season of support. In return, members receive a portion of the farmer’s weekly harvest during the season: usually mid-June through late November. They share both the risk of bad weather and crop damage, and the rewards of the bounty from a good season. Members avoid costs for advertising, processing, packaging, storage and long-distance transportation, and receive an abundant assortment of just-picked, local, organic vegetables, herbs, and, if desired, fruits, for less than the market price.

By participating in CSA, members support a more equitable food distribution and help to create a more environmentally just, economically fair and healthy society… in addition to receiving fresh, locally-grown — and sometimes, pretty cool-looking — produce.

Check the JustFood website for details on a group near you.