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Random thoughts on vegetables- and a challenge

Posted at 7:50 PM on July 31, 2008 by April Luginbuhl (3 Comments)

Farmers markets are in full swing, and this week starts the beginning of our participation in a new CSA. I'll talk about both the market system and CSA here in NE Ohio in the next several posts, but for this week I have a few random thoughts.

First, last week was the first week we fully integrated the farmers market into our life. The result: we ate 70% local and our weekly food bill was $50 less than normal. Plus the food tasted better- can't beat that.

Second, as we enter the season of kohlrabi and other veggies that those new to the farmers markets and CSAs may not have tried before, here's an idea for getting the kiddos to join your food adventure. A mom decided to help her kids learn to enjoy vegetables by making it a game (and a blog) to eat their way through the alphabet. A great trick I'm stashing away for when my little one is bigger.

When I was a kid we were enticed to eat like the adults around us be joining the "try new foods club". Every time we ate a new food we got to report it at preschool and after enough new foods attempts we were in the club. For years later my mom would remind us of the new foods club if we were reluctant to eat a new food. What tricks worked to get you or your kids to eat new veggies? Have any of you had to struggle with this after joining a CSA?

Comments (3)

I'm not sure I'll be able to find this section again, but I wish you the best. I hope I can follow what you're doing. I'm from this area too and find the whole idea such a challenge!Can you use canned or frozen foods? Or only fresh?

Posted by Theresa | August 1, 2008 7:08 AM

Love your ideas. This is our first year in a CSA in our new home state, Virginia. It's been wonderful to have the freshest tasting veggies we've had since we were children. We have committed to two hours of farm work per month. This month may be the most difficult, as temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-90's. We are both in our 60's, so it's been a physical challenge, but that's what we need. I refer to my farm muscles...gotta use my farm muscles.

Posted by Patti Millison | August 3, 2008 3:05 PM

I agree that it can sometimes be a challenge for kids (and adults) to try new things. Being in a dinner co-op can really help. Somehow, you can be more adventurous in your eating when someone else has made the food for you. And it's a great way for kids to be introduced to new foods prepared in a new way. I always suggest that little ones "just try it- you might like it- and if you don't like it, it's OK". Take a look at www.dinnerco-ops.com for more ideas.

Posted by Diana | August 4, 2008 3:52 PM