Over the last few weeks I have been thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to receive a large box of freshly picked fruit and other produce from Wayward Seed Farm at their stall outside North Market.

My husband and I had been trying to purchase a CSA share for the last couple of years and finally, this winter, Wayward Seed announced they were putting together their first CSA program. I was so excited I could hardly wait for the first Saturday in June when we were scheduled to make our first pick-up. Not ever having had the opportunity to participate in community supported agriculture, I was a bit nervous about whether or not we’d be able to consume everything we received. Another concern was whether or not we’d be eating the same thing all week long.

Little did I know, I had nothing to worry about. We’ve been receiving berries, asparagus, herbs, scallions, radishes and turnips, but what I’m really enjoying the most are the greens. Greens are so versatile and so nutritious at the same time. We’ve had greens and beans (a classic Italian dish); we enjoyed some fine arugula combined with our salad mix and had some of it wilted with shallots. We’ve also stir-fried baby bok choy, blanched and sauteed broccolini for an incredibly flavorful and light dinner with pasta, and rescued some salad greens that might not have been eaten by using them in place of escarole in Italian wedding soup.

Finally, this week we’ll be taking some time to enjoy a beautiful head of Chinese cabbage (maybe sauteed in duck fat!) as an accompaniment to miso soup and edamame.

If you find it challenging to figure out ways to use the abundance of greens available this year or have resisted participating in community supported agriculture for fear that you wouldn’t know what to do with your groceries, send me a note. I’d love to throw more ideas your way.