thoughtful consumption

Here’s an explanation of the statements I recently suggested to help people assess their CSA-readiness.

Score yourself on each statement from 1-5 (very untrue, untrue, neutral, true, very true)

1. I am comfortable cooking and enjoy being in the kitchen.

This statement is all about attitude – how much fun is cooking for you? If it’s a chore to be in the kitchen and always has been, then it will be harder to enjoy your CSA subscription at first. It’ll take more energy to commit the time required to prepare meals with CSA produce. If the kitchen is a nice place to be, then it will be that much easier.

2. I am used to cooking a variety of things from scratch.

While the first statement is about attitude, this one is about experience. Everyone has different levels of cooking experience, and the more you have, the easier it will be to jump into a CSA subscription. You can definitely learn as you go, but it will take extra time and energy to do so. (This was my second-lowest score when I started with a CSA subscription.)

3. I have time to spend in the kitchen (at the very least a few hours a week).

Cooking real food regularly is time-intensive; there’s no way around that. And the less experience you have, the more time-intensive it is. This may be the most important statement on the list.

4. I am intrigued by regularly planning meals around a given amount of random, seasonal produce rather than choosing my own ingredients.

This is a personality thing but really important. Are you happiest when you’re in control of inputs? If so, you may not enjoy being constrained by your CSA share when it comes to cooking. Do you want what you want when you want it? Seasonal produce is a fact of CSA life, and you might not be okay with that. How’s your ability to see problems as challenges and opportunities? Nobody can do this all the time, but it will definitely help you manage your CSA subscription week after week.

None of these personality traits is a deal breaker when it comes to joining a CSA, but you should be aware of your tendencies so that you can recognize them when they come into play. Or opt to spend your local food money at a farmers market.

5. I love vegetables.

If you like vegetables, you’ll be inspired by the variety and quality of what you get in a CSA. If you don’t, well, the CSA produce will taste better than conventional produce, so give yourself some time and you might come around. (This was the lowest-scoring statement in my 2007 results.)

6. So do the other members of my household.

If you’ve got other eaters, it will definitely help if they’re game to eat vegetables and to try new ones. If not, just go slow, cook smart, and prepare yourself for some whining.

7. I really want to eat local food.

A high score on this statement will keep you motivated. People want to eat local food for different reasons. Figure out what your top reasons are and keep them in the front of your mind. This will help you get through some tough spots. If you’re not that motivated to eat local food, you may not find the expense and effort worth it.

8. So do the other members of my household.

If you’re sharing the expense and effort with others, their commitment to the project is important to consider.