I think he’s on to something…  I picked up my first share at Great Bay CSA (community supported agriculture) today.  Peter Allen brought together the farmers to offer a one-stop shop for your weekly groceries, including meat, dairy, bread, eggs, vegetables, fruit, wine and even flowers.  It’s a food cooperative, no better yet, a food community.  CSA members came with their families, including dogs, and chatted with the farmers, walked through the gardens and asked questions.   Much more fun than a trip to the grocery store.

It felt like going to a farmer’s market, but when people commit their resources upfront and a purchase a “share” of these farms in the spring, the farmer is assured that his or her products make a profit and they don’t have to rely on farmer’s markets – particularly on a rainy day like today when the sprinkles seemed to keep the big crowds away at the Exeter Farmers’ market.  Peter also said that the products in Great Bay CSA are sold at a discount to members.

In fact, one farmer at the market told me today that as farming goes, “the CSA is the only way to go.” I’m sure they make a bit at the market, but knowing in the spring that that there are plates waiting for their food must be very reassuring when they plant their seeds.  Peter has taken it one step further by bringing together 7-8 farmers to provide everything you need to fill your frig.  The rain didn’t damper the enthusiasm for CSA members who received their weekly pick up as the kids and dogs played.

Garlic scapes were center stage today at both the market and our pick up. What are they? Scapes are the shoots that garlic bulbs send up when they are growing. If you clip the shoot- the plant focuses its energy on the garlic bulb, instead of the greens so it makes for a bigger bulb.

What should you do with them?  I asked a couple farmers and here are some suggestions:

Roast them in the oven, like you would asparagus…drizzle some olive oil and salt and pepper and bake for about 7-10 minutes at around 350 degrees. I tried it tonight and they were delightful – even my 4-year-old daughter liked them.  The skinny sides of the scapes were a bit crunchy and the thicker side tasted more like a garlicy asparagus.

You can also use scapes just like you would garlic, or onions. Chop them up finely and add them to a stir fry, or your eggs for breakfast. Or, add them to pestos instead of garlic. They’re a bit milder so they give you the garlic flavor without any bite.

Here are some more photos from the first Great Bay CSA pick up.