It’s like a mini, mid-year Christmas…

As some may remember, I joined a CSA this winter to ensure a steady supply of farm-fresh, organic produce for the summer, and earn a little good community karma by supporting a sustainable local farm. Ever since hitting the “Sign Up” button on the farm’s website, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first CSA pickup day, when I could take home my first brood of pretty little veggies.

And, it’s here at last! The long wait is finally over, and I was not disappointed with the booty:

The First 2012 CSA Pickup!

I got to take home Red Flame Lettuce, Chinese Cabbage, Bok Choy, Buttercrunch Lettuce, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Sorrel, Rhubarb and Garlic Scapes!

The Bok Choy, Mizuna, Mustard and Garlic Scapes have already been steamed into a yummy tofu stir-fry, which was amazingly fresh, crunchy and delicious! For me, there is honestly nothing more mind-blowing than the flavor experience that super fresh food brings to the table. I can’t WAIT to make a super fresh salad with the lettuces tonight!

And, bonus, I got to take home my first pickings from the garden:

The first pickings from the Garden

Six still-warm-from-the-sun-and-sweet-from-the-rain strawberries!

What a promising start to the prettiest (tasting) time of year.

**Update: I joined a link party of CSA geeks, hosted by InHerChucks! Head on over to check out their out their weekly booty.

What’s Growing: May

Duh duh duh DAHHHH! May I present, the big unveiling of my get-your-hands-dirty project for the summer: the veggie garden.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I managed to get my paws on a last minute plot in my city’s community garden at Fodor Farm. I think someone must have backed out at the last minute, because two days before the sign-up deadline, I received an email asking if I was still interested in the plot. “Of course!!!” I replied, and immediately wrote out my $15 check so I could scamper down to city hall to wait in line for my plot assignment.