One of the many changes that have come about during this time is the creation of farm boxes. Delivered to your door or available for pick up at a location near you, these boxes contain produce from local farms, reducing their carbon footprint and providing us with fresh picked produce. Opening your box, you feel like a kid on Christmas morning. You have no idea what’s inside, and you are super excited. For me, the scents alone lure me into the box.
I think what is most appealing for me, and I hope others, is trying new produce you don’t normally cook with. These boxes are like a culinary adventure, leading you to your cookbooks or your own imagination to create something delicious. While the term “farm to table” has been thrown around a lot, this truly is the definition of that. Picked fresh in the morning, delivered to you and on your table all in the same day. Along with produce, there are jams, flowers, and herbs included or whatever is available that day.
I love the tradition of farm fresh seasonal produce, locally grown and gathered that day. I picture my grandmother in England gathering her food for the day and heading home to prepare dinner. I have truly become her, gathering my food each day fresh. The farm box idea is just what we all need right now. I am hoping being home has made everyone appreciate meals with their family more and the value of fresh produce.
As we move forward, I treasure moments like this that take us back to simpler times. Time spent at home has made me appreciate things we often take for granted, like going to the grocery store and finding what you need. As we all pivot to accept these changing times and create new ways to survive that are also environmental, sustainable and healthy for ourselves, these farm boxes are a welcome addition.