8 Key Tricks for CSA Success

Membership in a Community Supported Agriculture share (CSA) can feel overwhelming when the vegetables just keep coming.

When you are receiving a new package of 7-11 veggie varieties week after week, things can start to pile up.

In this post, I break down some key tricks for CSA success. These are what I call “exit strategies”.

These are the things you should do each week, before the share arrives.

If you pick up your share on Wednesday, like our members do, these are the types of tricks and meals you want to do on Monday and Tuesday.

This will decrease any overwhelm of “too many veggies” that can happen when being a CSA member and receiving a weekly share of produce.

>>> Related: What is a CSA?

Take Inventory

Up to 3 days before you get your next CSA share, it’s important to take inventory of what is still laying around in your fridge and on your counter.

Eat, wash, prep, or freeze those items you know you won’t likely eat within their “fresh window” or before the next pick up date.

You can even try keeping track with a whiteboard, by circling the oldest items that need to be eaten first.

Throw It in the Freezer

One of the best ways to deal with an abundance of produce you don’t think you’ll get to is to use your freezer.

Many veggies can go straight in the freezer (check out our free A-Z Produce Storage Guide for details).

You can also chop and then toss in the freezer to save future-you time.

Try a Stir Fry

Throwing together a quick stir fry is a fantastic way to utilize a variety of vegetables.

It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to whatever you have on hand, whether that’s the entire bag of snap peas or 3 peppers you forgot about in the back of the fridge.

Plus, it’s a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option.

>>> Related: Is A CSA Right for Me?

Make a Sheet Pan Meal

Whenever you don’t know what to do with the last few vegetables in your fridge, give roasting a try.

Nearly every vegetable tastes amazing roasted because it adds a sweetness to the veggies.

Then drizzle a homemade or store-bought dressing on top or mix into rice, beans, or even pasta. This is a fast and easy meal solution that requires minimal prep and clean-up.

Make Pesto

Is it green? You can make it into pesto.

This includes basil, kale, carrot tops, etc.

Grind the green, add olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese (the shaky kind works just as well as the pricer wedge that needs to be shredded).

If you have nuts, add them too. If not, don’t sweat it.

The best part about pesto? It can be frozen in mason jars or enjoy over pasta tonight.

>>> Related: How to Make the Most of Your CSA Share

Make Green Cubes

Take a bunch of blanched greens and puree them. Then put into ice cube trays to freeze.

You can then toss them into sauces, smoothies, and soups as you please.

This is a great way to preserve herbs too – skip the blanching – chop and mix with olive oil in the ice cube tray.

Grill It

Like roasting, when you aren’t sure what to make with something or are short on time, toss it in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and grill it.

The smoky, charred flavor adds a new dimension to your vegetables, making them even more delicious.

Play Around With Meals That Incorporate Many Veggies

Think quiche, pizza, pasta, chili, tacos, rice bowls, spring rolls, fried rice, stir fries, soups, scrambled eggs, etc.

These meals are great because they allow you to use a variety of vegetables in one dish, helping you to use up your CSA box more quickly and efficiently.

I hope these key tricks for CSA success or “exit strategies” support you on your CSA experience.

Becoming a CSA member is a critical way to connect and support agriculture, it just needs some adaptation on members parts.

Remember to try these tricks each week before your share arrives.

And experiment. You know what tricks will work best for you and your family.

Interested in joining a Community Supported Agriculture share in Western New York? Learn more about our CSA Vegetable Subscription.