From Carefree Adventure to Fulfilling Farm Life
I’ll never forget the day my husband, Taylor, and I packed up our bags, said goodbye to our minimum-wage jobs in Oregon, and set off on a new adventure. The year was 2008, and we were young, carefree, and ready to take on the world. As city-dwellers longing for a simpler life, we decided to move across the country to Massachusetts to work on Taylor’s family’s 60-acre organic vegetable farm, Hutchins Farm.
At first, the work was backbreaking, and the long hours in the dirt were a far cry from our previous life of fun and freedom. But as we settled into the rhythm of farm life, something remarkable happened – a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment began to take root within us. Spending our days tending to the land and nurturing the growth of the produce we would one day share with our community ignited a newfound passion for food and cooking that would forever change the course of our lives.
Branching Out and Finding Our Roots
After three years of working on the large-scale operation at Hutchins Farm, Taylor and I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and start our own venture. In 2012, we packed up our belongings, our beloved dog Henry, and all of our kitchen gadgets, and moved back to Oregon to put down roots of our own.
We purchased 6 acres of land in the idyllic town of Parkdale, Oregon, and named our new home Tumbleweed Farm – a nod to the wanderlust that had brought us to this point. Starting our own farm was the biggest undertaking of our lives, and we faced countless challenges along the way. But through the endless hours of hard work, the triumphs and setbacks, the growth and the lessons learned, we somehow found a rhythm and a good routine.
As we grew with the seasons, learning, trying new things, and always striving to produce the most delicious organic veggies for our community-supported agriculture (CSA) service, a deep sense of pride and purpose began to take hold. We loved the feeling of being connected to the land, of watching our crops flourish, and of knowing that our hard work was nourishing the people in our community.
Cultivating Community Through the Shared Harvest
One of the most rewarding aspects of our farm journey has been the opportunity to build and foster a community of customers who share our passion for fresh, seasonal produce. Through our CSA program, we have the privilege of delivering weekly boxes of our seasonal bounty directly to the doorsteps of families and individuals who have entrusted us with the task of providing them with the highest-quality, most flavorful fruits and vegetables.
As Andrea Bemis, a fellow farmer-turned-foodie, so eloquently puts it, “Becoming a farmer sparked my passion for healthy, fresh food. Working with those vegetables and other local ingredients made me truly realize how food tastes best when eaten fresh and in season.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the CSA experience.
By sourcing our ingredients locally and honoring the natural rhythms of the growing season, we are able to offer our CSA members an unparalleled level of freshness and flavor. Each week, as we carefully curate the contents of our CSA boxes, we pour our hearts and souls into the selection, ensuring that our members receive the most flavorful and nutrient-dense produce available.
The Joys of Cooking with CSA Bounty
But the true joy of our CSA service lies not just in the quality of the ingredients, but in the opportunity to inspire our members to get creative in the kitchen. When you have a box of the freshest, most vibrant produce at your fingertips, the possibilities for delicious and nourishing meals are endless.
As Andrea Bemis shares, “If the farm is my office, the kitchen is my happy place.” This sentiment resonates deeply with us, as we find immense fulfillment in watching our members transform the bounty of our harvest into mouthwatering dishes that nourish both body and soul.
One of our favorite ways to encourage culinary creativity is by including recipe ideas and cooking tips in our weekly CSA newsletters. We love to share our own signature dishes, as well as inspired creations from our community of members, all with the goal of empowering our CSA participants to explore the endless possibilities of seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients.
Crafting Delicious CSA-Inspired Dishes
Speaking of delicious dishes, let me share a few of our favorite CSA-inspired recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
One of our go-to salad recipes is a simple yet elegant combination of roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy goat cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
To make this salad, simply:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
- Once cooled, peel the beets and slice them into wedges.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the beet wedges with crumbled goat cheese, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley).
- Serve and enjoy!
Sautéed Kale and Garlic Spaghetti
For a quick and nourishing pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet flavorful sautéed kale and garlic spaghetti. The fresh, earthy kale and fragrant garlic come together to create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
To make this dish:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and sauté until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the kale and garlic.
- Toss everything together, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Nothing captures the essence of a CSA box quite like a vibrant roasted vegetable medley. This dish allows you to showcase the season’s best produce and is a perfect side for any main course.
To make this versatile dish:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and chop a variety of seasonal vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower) into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chopped vegetables with a generous amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and, if desired, toss them with a bit of fresh lemon juice, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
These are just a few examples of the countless delicious and nourishing dishes you can create with the bounty of a CSA box. The beauty of cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients is that the possibilities are truly endless.
Embracing the Rhythm of the Seasons
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of a CSA community is the opportunity to embrace the natural rhythms of the growing season. Each week, as we unpack our CSA box, we are greeted with a new selection of fresh, vibrant produce that inspires us to get creative in the kitchen.
From the crisp, refreshing greens of spring to the hearty root vegetables of winter, every season brings its own unique flavors and culinary possibilities. By aligning our cooking with the cycles of nature, we not only nourish our bodies with the most flavorful and nutrient-dense ingredients, but we also deepen our connection to the land and the community that sustains us.
As Andrea Bemis so eloquently states, “Sharing her recipe creations continues to be her sole driving principle for Dishing Up the Dirt.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the CSA experience – the joy of sharing the harvest and inspiring others to embrace the beauty of seasonal, locally sourced food.
Cultivating a Healthy, Vibrant Community
At the heart of our CSA service is a deep commitment to building and nurturing a thriving community of food-lovers who share our passion for fresh, nutritious, and delicious produce. By delivering weekly boxes of the season’s best bounty, we have the privilege of not only nourishing our members’ bodies but also their spirits.
Through our CSA program, we have witnessed the power of food to bring people together, to spark meaningful conversations, and to foster a sense of belonging and community. Our members don’t just see us as their farmers – they see us as partners in their culinary adventures, as sources of inspiration and guidance, and as fellow members of a vibrant, food-loving community.
As we continue to grow and evolve our CSA service, our goal is to deepen these connections and to inspire even more people to embrace the joys of seasonal, locally sourced food. Whether it’s through our weekly recipe ideas, our farmer’s market pop-ups, or our community events, we are committed to cultivating a healthy, vibrant community built on the shared love of delicious, nourishing food.
Conclusion: Embracing the CSA Lifestyle
As I reflect on our journey from carefree city-dwellers to dedicated farmers and community stewards, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. The decision to leave our comfortable lives behind and immerse ourselves in the rhythms of farm life was a leap of faith that has paid off in ways we could never have imagined.
Through the triumphs and challenges of running our own farm, we have discovered a deep well of resilience, creativity, and connection that has transformed not only our own lives but the lives of those we serve. By embracing the CSA lifestyle and sharing the bounty of our harvest with our community, we have found a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the simple act of growing and selling food.
So, if you’re looking to deepen your connection to the land, to nourish your body and soul with the freshest, most flavorful produce, and to become a part of a vibrant, food-loving community, I invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Together, let’s cultivate a world where the shared harvest is the foundation for delicious, meaningful, and nourishing experiences.
