Springing towards my CSA

I can feel it. The excitement is building. Even in a ski town, spring is in the air.

I have crocus blooming. I have crocus, grape hyacinth, and tulips pushing up leaves. And I have confirmation that for the 6th year in a row we have snagged a share of the Ranui Gardens CSA.

The WHAT?

Ranui Gardens is one of the local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in the area. Each week they deliver our "share" of organic produce. Because of our cool temperatures, a majority of what we get is greens. Lettuces, spinach, arugula, mustard, kale, chard.... and some things I can't remember the names of and am never sure what to do with. In addition, we get potatoes, beets, tomatoes, herbs (some more familiar than others), garlic, garlic scapes (if you've never tried these, you are missing out), squash, and more. Each week we pick-up our bounty and split it with a friend. Each week we receive recipes from Deer Valley pastry chef Letty Flatt. Each week we can't wait to see just what we've gotten.


Ranui is run by John and Sue who "love punishment, that is why we became farmers. Although the hours are non-stop through the summer, we get all winter to ski deep powder snow. " They sell to local restaurants, stores, at farmers markets, and run the CSA. People can go help them on the farm, but it isn't required. It helps us support a small local business and eat more locavore. It encourages us to explore veggies we may not otherwise try. It creates a sense of community within the CSA group. It is amazing.

Many areas of the country have a CSA you can join. You can look for ways to support local eating and find a CSA near you at Local Harvest.

Then you, too, can have multiple reasons to be so excited for spring!