15 Feb
Eating Veggies During the Long Winter
Roast beef from my meat CSA, sweet potato fries and parsnips courtesy of the vegetable CSA.
Remember my delicious winter vegetable CSA? It’s over. As far as I can tell, there aren’t any more vegetable CSAs until June in this area of the country, and I don’t want to join something like the Dill Pickle because we won’t live here long enough to make it worth it.
I admit, I’m not sure what I’m going to do for the next several months, since the outdoor markets in Chicago don’t start up again until June. The Green City Market runs all year long, but parking nearby is impossible, and I live much too far away to think about doing public transport (plus I have to travel through some sketchy neighborhoods to get there and back if I take the train/bus).
So it seems like the best option for me would be to navigate the grocery store once again each week, trying to figure out which of my principles I want to stick to (happy meat and dairy), which I’m going to abandon (eating primarily local) and which I’m going to puzzle out week to week (eating seasonally). I think my plan for the next few months will be to stick to eating winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables that grow in the ground, supplementing with bulk veggies bought at Costco. Hopefully Costco has cauliflower because I am absolutely obsessed with this roasted balsamic cauliflower recipe!
Awesome time for produce prices in the grocery store to go skyrocketing, right?
Update: I’m signing up for a spring share with Genesis Growers which will take care of April and May, and I’m also excited about the site Neighborhood Fruit (both of these were mentioned in the comments below). Thanks so much for all of your input so far on this!
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
I live in New England, so we have different grocery store chains, but the store that I shop at primarily (Hannaford) does a really great job of providing you with organic and/or local produce options. They have handwritten signs all over their produce sections (not to mention the dairy and meat/seafood sections) proudly stating where the products have come from (down to the name of the farm and how far away it is from the store).
If you have the opportunity, take the time to stroll through some of the grocery stores in your area. I realize that you’re in a much larger city than I am, but it might surprise you how much locally grown products stores are trying to carry these days!
Another thing about Hannaford, I’ve found… is that if they don’t carry something I want, sometimes all it takes is a matter of asking for it. Some stores are very willing to listen to customer requests and suggestions.
Ok, I don’t work for Hannaford, but I have to add that they have this great “guiding stars” program. Almost all of the food in the store is categorized with 0-3 stars, 3 being the most you can get for nutritional value. It really helps you make smart choices when you’re in a rush!
[Sorry, I am on a roll... maybe your next home should be in New England so you can experience what I am walking about for yourself!
]
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Wow! That definitely sounds like something I would move to New England for. Here in Hyde Park my choices are not so fantastic.
Reply
molly Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
It’s the same here in Rhode Island (well, it is new england hehe) so almost all my produce is organic and local. Hope you can find some good options!
Reply
Sara Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Here in Eugene we have a grocery chain like that - lots of local produce, everything clearly labeled. There must be something in your huge city like it!
Reply
I have a few ideas for you that might work!
The Dill Pickle co-op is open to the public last time I checked it out, althoug I will say I didn’t love it. It may be better since I went.
Green City is a pain to get to because of parking, but I think you could safely take the #2 or #6 bus (I think those are the ones) without going through bad neighborhoods. I used to take them all the time with kids when I worked in Hyde park. You may have to transfer to another bus lineb
Reply
cait Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Yikes, I posted this on accident. Getting used to a new iPhone over here!
Reply
I have a few ideas for you that might work!
The Dill Pickle co-op is open to the public last time I checked it out, althoug I will say I didn’t love it. It may be better since I went.
Green City is a pain to get to because of parking, but I think you could safely take the #2 or #6 bus (I think those are the ones) without going through bad neighborhoods. I used to take them all the time with kids when I worked in Hyde park. You may have to transfer to another bus line or train line to get to Lincoln Park.
I think I’ve mentioned it here before but I really love the Green Grocer on Grand. You could try that out.
Otherwise, only three months til May! I’m looking forward to asparagus!
Reply
Turtle Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 9:44 am
I second the 2 and the 6- they run express up lake shore drive to the loop, so then you’d have to transfer to the 151 or some other lake shore bus to take you to Lincoln Park. I recommend getting to know some of the public transportation if not for this then just for the freedom of not having to be confined with going to places where you can park.
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:08 am
My aversion to the bus ride is also the time commitment. It would take me hours (literally) and I just don’t feel committed enough to give up that much of my day. I already go to bed each night feeling like I didn’t get enough done!
Reply
Katie Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Re: safety, I live on the Near West Side, which seems more dangerous to me than gentrifying Hyde Park (when visiting a friend who attends U of C, so I’m assuming she lives close to you). I feel *completely* safe taking the public transit during daylight hours in both neighborhoods- there really is safety in numbers!
And even if you don’t want to take it to the market due to time constraints, it really is worth it to get to know the transit system. Chicago isn’t a car city, and it’s lighter on the earth and your wallet! I know TH is seriously busy, but maybe try it out once while he’s home? My boyfriend (total suburbanite) was soooo skeptical when we moved here, but now he’s a complete CTA convert!
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Unfortunately, I read stories like this and don’t feel comfortable spending a whole lot of time outside.
The University of Chicago
February 14, 2011
Security Alert
11:35 a.m., Monday, February 14 – On Ellis Avenue between 61st and 62nd Street - A University student walking south on Ellis was approached from behind by an unknown male armed with a handgun. The suspect demanded a messenger style bag the victim was carrying. The victim handed the bag to the offender and was directed to continue walking south on Ellis. The victim complied and the offender ran north. The victim was not injured.
Marlon C. Lynch
Associate Vice President for Safety and Security
and Chief of Police
Reply
Just a suggestion - can you park at a lot (much cheaper on Saturday mornings) or find street parking closer to downtown or river north then take the #22 or #151 bus or a cab up to the Green City Market? Or you can park in the lot for the zoo and walk? You’d have to pay, but you’d be able to spend the day at the zoo! If you join the zoo, you get free parking. Not sure of the prices, but I’m sure it works out if you go every week. Just something to think about.
Reply
cait Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 9:45 am
This is a really great idea! I might join the zoo just for the free parking at green city! I love that farmer’s market but I hate having to drive around for so long to find a decent spot. And you’re right, you can also visit the zoo and lakefront too!
Reply
I’m pretty fed up with it right now, too. I’ve been really wanting to focus on local veggies, but I don’t feel like WF is very trustworthy with their locations. I don’t buy organic if there’s a huge price difference (just can’t justify it with the standards the way they are, I would spend a little extra to buy organic straight from the source) but I wish there was a better way to guarantee the sources in a big chain grocery store.
Let me know if you find any super secret Chicago deals!
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Ohhhh did I already tell you the time I went to Whole Foods, and the onions said they were from Wisconsin or something, and my dad said because he knows the grower that they were from California, no doubt in his mind. That made me so mad!
Reply
Anni Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:28 am
Yes! I told Ross that story and he was horrified. We usually spend lots of time comparing locations, etc, and it’s the same old deception you’d get from any other grocery store. I don’t know why (ahem, $$$) but I expected more from WF.
Reply
Beets are good so that you eat something besides white vegetables. And I LOVE beet greens. Sautee them with garlic and a little olive oil. They are my favorite kind of gerens. Sweet potatoes too of course. Have you ever had spaghetti squash? So good.
I don’t have a problem buying frozen fruits/veggies in the winter. Yeah, no where near as good as fresh, but I figure it’s better than buying its “Fresh” equivalent that has been shipped halfway around the world.
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:13 am
I just had trunipngreens for the first time and I LOVED them. Maybe I will try the beet ones now! I hate beets though. They might be the vegetable I dislike most. That and mushrooms. I can stomach borscht, but just barely.
Reply
Stephanie C Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 1:37 am
This is such a good point.. I never thought about frozen being a better option in the winter. I will remember this the next time I am at the grocery store!
Reply
Ellie Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 7:04 am
Frozen is also more convenient for days when you just want to throw something in the crockpot and go - I’ve had a lot of luck doing things like taco casseroles with frozen peppers and corn.
Reply
I live in Hyde Park and I promise that you’re not completely without options until June. My husband and I are participating in the Genesis Growers (http://www.genesis-growers.com) spring CSA shares, which start in April. They have a pick up point in Hyde Park at 56th and Woodlawn, which has been convenient for us.
I can’t vouch for their spring boxes because we’ve only done their summer share before, but I enjoyed the assortment of fruits and veggies we received last summer. (If you’re curious, you can check out my personal journal, where I recorded almost all of our CSA boxes from last year: http://rainingtulips.livejournal.com/tag/csa.)
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:15 am
You are officially my new BFF! I spent some time on Local Harvest but I obviously didn’t look hard enough. I’m very excited to have a CSA again. Thank you SO much for taking the time to tell me this.
Reply
That’s so odd - I live in Minnesota and our big market starts in April! Isn’t the weather worse here? You could always come visit me every weekend
Reply
8Green Grocer Chicago (http://greengrocerchicago.com, http://greengrocerchicago.com/subscribe.php) has a weekly produce share available until April 30 for $15. Pickups are at all hours on Wednesdays or Saturdays. It might be a little drive for you, but I’ve never had problems getting the (on the street, free) parking spot immediately in front when going to pick up my shares. It’s pretty great. Though I am generally a lurker with probably little clout, I highly recommend the store.
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 10:29 am
I can do the Green Grocer one until April and the Genesis one until June. I’m so glad I posted about this!
Reply
I’ve had to sacrifice some local-eating this winter as well. My farmer’s market is now mostly frozen meats, jam and soap… not really a complete meal there. I can get carrots in my grocery store that are local to Spokane so we’ve been eating loads of them.
Other than that, it’s hard to know where the produce really comes from at my grocery store, but I avoid anything from outside the US. When I’m dying for a tomato (as pathetic as the winter ones are, I still crave them sometimes) I go for the BC hot house ones, because those are at least closer than the ones from Mexico.
Don’t get too frustrated. The most important thing is that your family gets good, nutritious food. Where it comes from is second.
Reply
Sarah for Real Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 11:19 am
I just looked up the organic apples I’ve been buying and they’re from Selah, squee! I figured a company called “Rainier” might be local and I was right. They’re pricey though, nearly $1 an apple, but totally worth it. Read the labels at the store… you never know what you might find!
Reply
Quick thought for being seasonal - sometimes you can find small produce suppliers who have built their own greenhouse and produce locally grown, still sustainable fruit/veggies out of season. Might be worth hunting around for!
Reply
11have you heard about neighborhoodfruit.com ?
I saw it on the Rachel Ray show. As far as I can tell its free local fruits (usually) and like community fruit trees where you can just go pick the fruit.
I havent checked in Chicago but they might have somethings there and im sure there would be more in the spring/summer
Reply
12I’m not sure exactly what you are looking for, but Hyde Park Produce has some organic things if you haven’t already checked it out.
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I have been to Hyde Park Produce but nothing was labeled in regards to origin and it was a huge turnoff for me. I did buy some delicious carrots that I could tell were local, but I have no idea where anything else was from.
Reply
I found a website where I live that is organizing farmers through an online service. Produce is ordered and paid for online then picked up at a central location one day of the week.
Maybe there is something similar where you are.
I also look for the 100 mile radius/local sticker at my supermarket (Earthfare). But it is definitly hard to get local produce this time of year. Our so called WNC Farmer’s market had tomatoes and bananas, in February! And their butternut squash was labeled from Texas (mind you that’s better than the one from Mexico that you find at Earth Fare). Eating local is hard in winter, I guess it’s about planning and having the time to preserve food and the place to store it during the summer months.
Reply
14I’m definitely gonna try that cauliflower recipe - I LOVE cauliflower but I’ve never actually cooked it for myself. Added to this week’s list of food goals: balsamic cauliflower and kale chips!
Reply
Jackie Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
What’s a kale chip?
Reply
Kira @ hernewleaf Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Basically a super healthy, crunchy snack - You remove the stems and bake the kale with a sprinkle of olive oil and sea salt. I haven’t made them before but I’ve seen them on lots of food blogs and I really want to try! Here’s a recipe on Big Apple Nose: http://www.bigapplenosh.com/2011/01/veggie-resolution-1-kale-chips.html
Reply
Stephanie C Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 1:46 am
You can also use other spices and make them sweet, savory or spicy! I love curried kale chips.
Reply
I know you prefer fresh, but do you ever use frozen? I can’t generally tell a difference in cooked foods like casseroles and lasagnas. And during summer, you could buy vegetables in bulk and then freeze them to put in your winter soups.
Reply
16Do you follow the cauliflower recipe as it is or recommend tweaking it??
Reply
Jenna Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Haha, I tweak EVERYTHING. This time though, the only thing I did different was use powdered garlic instead of chopped garlic (feeling lazy). I roast mine much longer than 20 minutes though, because I like the little pieces to be really really crispy.
Reply
I am having the same problem with my CSA, and I live in California!
My CSA is still continuing, thankfully, but I’ve only been getting things likes spinach, arugula, mizuna, oranges, broccoli, radishes, parsnips (which i made into fries, too!) carrots.. Not even potatoes
Good luck with the grocery shopping!
Reply
18Jeanna - let’s plan a Saturday date & we’ll go to the Green City Market together. There is ALWAYS parking, you just need to know where to look
and walk a few blocks. I will help, promise!
Let me know when you’re free next & we will plan it!
Reply
19The awesome thing about most root vegetables is they will keep for the whole winter in a dark, cook, dry place (I use bins in my pantry - which has a door and is the coolest place in my apartment). My parents grow organically and their squash, pumpkins, and potatoes always grow insanely well so they share with us.
Next year buy lots of squash and pumpkins: make sure stems are attached (no stems means bad storage), brush off the dirt, and stack off of the floor away from rodents and vermin -they will last for 3 months or better if you’re careful. Same for onions and garlic. Potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas will last a month or so.
If you’re ever in Wisconsin, look me up! I’ve always got more zucchini than I can handle!
Reply
20