Boston Area's Best CSA's For Farm-Fresh Food
The CSA at Arrowhead
131 Old Ferry Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-8109
www.arrowheadfamilyfarm.com
Arrowhead Farm is a 12th generation family farm located in Newburyport, Mass. that was established in 1683. This farm offers year-round CSA memberships for full or half shares. They even have a program where those who are struggling economically can volunteer and work with them in return for shares! Shares can be picked up at the farm on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and you can also choose to pick your own seasonal items. But rest assured, if you have no transportation to make it up to the farm, there are delivery options that allow customers to pick up their CSA share at sites in Boston and Cambridge. Prices vary depending on the time of year and the nature of your membership, but they start at $195. Also keep in mind, Arrowhead not only has veggies, fruit and herbs, but also pork, beef, eggs and other food selections.
Moose Hill Farm
396 Moose Hill St.
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784.0567
www.thetrustees.org
The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation's oldest statewide land trust. They are said to be one of Massachusetts' largest conservation organizations with CSAs available throughout the Boston area. This summer, they are introducing a new CSA program at Moose Hill in Sharon, Mass., perfect for those south of the city. For 20 weeks starting this June, members can pick up a bag of seasonal vegetables. There is even the chance to pick your own selections including peas, beans and cherry tomatoes. The CSA shares are available for pick up Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It's the chance to enjoy seasonal crops such as arugula, basil, beets, broccoli, carrots, plus many more options like herbs, vegetables and fruits. There will also be opportunities to take part in flower shares and to purchase eggs as well. Trustee's members' summer share pricing is $620 or around $31 per week while those that are not members will pay $670 or $33.50 per week for a regular share.
Lindentree Farm CSA
10 Old Concord Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
(781) 259-1259
www.lindentreefarm.com
Less than half an hour from Boston in Lincoln, Lindentree Farm offers CSA shares available for pick up at this organic farm. For those who love to pick their own, Lindentree teams up with an orchard for apple shares in the fall! Beyond veggies and fruit, head here for local gourmet food selections like bread, Fiore de Nonna cheese, Karma Coffee, honey, local wine and more. Lindentree Farm CSA has been providing shares for over 20 years and even contributes to charity, including the Field of Greens program for a local Cambridge food pantry. Members pick up their shares on the farm from June through October on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Prices start at $700 and new members are required to pay a fee of $50.
Cuisine En Locale
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 285-0167
www.cuisineenlocale.com
Sometimes, navigating what comes in the weekly shares from CSAs can be daunting, so Cuisine en Locale has taken it to the next level by preparing the fresh seasonal ingredients for you! They provide a cooked CSA share in which members get weekly meals from the local produce available delivered to their door, in the ONCE a Week program. From stews to stuffed veggie dishes, they'll bring variety to your table and save you time by preparing your CSA share, available to pick up or dropped off to you. Not only will the meals feature local produce, but also cheese, meat and fish, and you get around eight meals for each week, on Tuesdays, to heat and serve for the price of $125, which includes delivery in the Somerville, Cambridge, or in select Boston areas.
Stillman's Farm
1410 Lancaster Ave.
Lunenburg, MA 01462
www.stillmansfarm.com
Stillman's Farm is a family farm located about an hour outside of metro Boston and offers fruits, vegetables, and meats. Their food can also be found at many local farmers markets, several Boston area restaurants and through the CSA program. Boston residents can head to City Hall Plaza in Government Center Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or to Copley Square Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to purchase their fresh ingredients. For the CSA program, you'll get a box of produce hand-packed for each of their subscribers, available for pick-up at a wide range of pick-up locations. Delivery may be available in your area. Options in the share may include greens like swiss chard, kale, kohlrabi, beets, or simple seasonal favorites like cucumbers or tomatoes, with prices starting at $350 for a seasonal share.
Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
