In my search for a CSA to get produce through, I came across the Bountiful Baskets website. I really didn’t understand it exactly or know what a basket included but for $15 compared to the $45 one from the CSA we used to buy from, it seemed worth trying out just once. I waited until a Monday, which is the window when you can “contribute” to a pool which is used to purchase the produce. Then today I drove out into the country to pick up my basket. I brought a couple small grocery bags and Phineas. How much food could it really be after all? Turns out a lot. And the nicest people, a sweet volunteer held Phineas and walked him around while I loaded up my stuff. Here is my fresh loot:

2 heads of cabbage
1 bunch of radishes
7 nectarines
7 white peaches
1 honeydew melon
1 bunch of bok choy
5 cucumbers
3 zucchini
5 granny smith apples
1 bunch radishes
5 lb bag of potatoes
2 big bunches of bananas

Granted, it’s not organic, though many locations have organic available for a bit more cost.  But with all the eaters in this house, we can’t possibly eat everything organic.  I try to skip the important ones or opt to pay more when it matters more – like berries, grapes, peaches, etc.  Regardless, it was all very fresh and except the bananas, none of it was flown in from out of the country – it was all from the US.  And they aim to source as local as possible depending on the season.

All in all, I was astounded at how much good food I walked away with for only $15.  Nothing on the website really tells you what is actually in an average basket.  It was a more than pleasant surprise!  I don’t have the time or the dedication to be a super-awesome coupon mom but I do like a good deal on food we actually eat.  My experience thus far with coupons is that they are great deals yes but they are rarely for food we use.   If I could find a coupon for a 20 pound bag of short grain organic brown rice now that would be nice…or possibly one for raw milk fresh from the farm?  Unlikely indeed!