Using your CSA Share
Trying to make the most of your weekly vegetables?
It all starts with storage and knowing best ways to prepare vegetables. Browse our helpful links
below and find additional resources on our CSA member handouts page here.
Preparing for the season &
Storing Fresh Produce
Proper vegetable storage is key to making the most of your CSA share. Storage tips from your farm will be the best resource since they will be specific to what's in your box.You can also check out KY Farm Share's storage guide and the Save the Food database for more information on how to store nearly any vegetable.
We recommend having a few different cooking oils, types of vinegar, dry beans, noodles, rice, nuts, or preferred proteins on hand. Periodically, stocking up on a few essentials like these makes it easier to create meals on the fly. View our pantry staples infographic for suggestions.
Cooking more at home is also better with the right tools. A sharp chef's knife, cutting board, saute pan are must-haves for the CSA season. Many members also enjoy having a food processor, immersion blender, or Mandoline to make pestos, salsas, blended soups, or raw salads. Not all of these are necessary it simply depends on what works best for you. Find a quick list of recommendations on our kitchen gadget infographic for the CSA season.
Seasonal Recipe
Resources & Links
Find more kitchen inspiration and ways to use your weekly local, organic produce:
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Join us for any of our free live cooking demos with Chef Tanya from The Food Connection.
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Explore KY Farm Share's seasonal recipes and CSA vegetable guide.
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View Stone Barns CSA recipes for weekly ideas.
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Find recipes by vegetable from The Leek & The Carrot.
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Check out Dishing up the Dirt for ideas from a vegetable farmer.
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Read KY Farm Share partner UK Health and Wellness CSA blog.
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Look through recipes shared by CSA members and staff of UK Organic Farming Unit.
Savoring the season
Preserving Fresh Produce
If you are experiencing vegetable overwhelm preserve your CSA bounty with simple pickling and freezing methods.
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For canning, freezing and drying tutorials read University of Kentucky Extension Food Preservation Publications.
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Learn how to blanch and freeze with Half Your Plate home freezing guide.
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Make quick pickles with this tutorial from Feasting at Home.