Savoring Farm-Fresh Goodies

IT'S TRUE! Eating is a necessity of life, and in that sense it is not strictly a leisure activity. We must have food in order to live. However, eating can also be a pleasurable experience done during free time. In that sense, eating-out - or enjoying special meals at home - is considered to be a leisure activity by many people. And, no doubt, this notion is enhanced whenever it's possible to savor farm-fresh goodies! At least this is the case for my wife and me.

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This past spring - for the first time in our lives - we decided to become partners with a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) endeavor for this year's growing season. What a great decision that was! We have been receiving fresh local produce from Langford Farms delivered to our doorstep every week since mid-May. These weekly deliveries will continue into October.

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It has been a joy to share in the Farm's bounty and to "eat fresh" with quality vegetables, fruits, and herbs. During the spring, summer, and fall growing season we will be able to feast on lettuce, beets, turnips, carrots, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, kohlrabi, spinach, okra, corn, eggplant, squash, radishes, onions, green beans, peas, garlic, basil, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives, shallots, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, tomatoes, zucchini, and more.

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Various options are available to those who choose to invest in CSA. At Langford Farms, for example, a full share or a half share may be chosen. Generally speaking, a full share will feed a family or group of approximately four adults. A half share will provide for approximately two adults. Working or non-working shares may also be selected. A non-working share requires no work on the farm at all from the customer. A working share - at a reduced price - obligates the customer to perform scheduled tasks at the farm each month. Langford Farms includes home delivery in the price of each share. However, a discount is given to those who prefer to pick up their share at the farm.

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A discount is offered by Langford Farms for full payment of shares prior to March 31. In addition, investors who refer new customers will receive a partial refund on their own shares if referral is made by June 1. Information, recipes, and videos for cooking or preserving the garden goodies are added benefits available to those sharing in the harvest.

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Langford Farms believes in the benefit of locally grown produce. They are committed to applying organic farming principles, when possible, to produce a variety of fresh, quality vegetables, fruits, and herbs and to providing the harvest to community members in a timely, convenient, and economical manner. Their goal is to provide quality food at a consistent cost, regardless of market influences, while offering the community an opportunity to be more closely connected.

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Community Supported Agriculture is a unique partnership between a farmer and a community of individuals and families. In this relationship, the farmer and the community investors provide mutual support and share in the benefits and risks of food production.

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My wife and I have discovered - to our great pleasure - that the benefits of partnering with Langford Farms, CSA have been well worth the risks. Not only have we looked forward to the surprises in each week's delivery, but we have been savoring farm-fresh goodies all season long! We can recommend Langford Farms in our own area. And, we would further suggest that any other Community Supported Agriculture endeavor in the U.S. would be a good bet.

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Visit Langford Farms online at www.langfordfarms.org