Fresh from the Field: Cheap Eats

Greetings produce lovers!

Phil, your intrepid narrator

Just wanted to let you know the Co-op is doing everything we can to make this year’s holiday season the best ever. In addition to the super deals on local and organic turkeys, we’ve got some awesome specials on produce I wanted to let you know about. Organic Garnet and Jewel Sweet Potatoes will be $1.19/lb, Organic Celery 79¢/lb, Organic Green Beans $3.49/lb and Organic Garlic  $3.79/lb!

Collard Greens

I am often asked, “Phil, the Co-op is too pricey, how can I afford to buy this Organic produce?” I point out that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make really delicious and nutritious meals. Allow me to explain. Most of the produce department basics are quite reasonable. By “basics” I mean the foundation ingredients. Sweet potatoes, for instance, are inexpensive and very tasty. There are as many applications for sweet potatoes as there are days in the year. Greens such as kale and collards add flavor and nutrition too almost any dish. The next time you make tomato sauce, a stir-fry or any rice dish, stop and ask yourself, “Could I put some greens in this?” Greens are what your body wants you to eat more of anyway. Other potato varieties are another well-priced option. The Co-op sells organic White Mountain Farm potatoes from Southern Colorado. These guys know potatoes. Be it Red, Yukon Gold or Russet, White Mountain Potatoes can’t be beat. Mashed, scalloped, roasted, boiled, baked or shredded and fried, potatoes never disappoint. And what goes with potatoes? Carrots, of course, and our organic carrots are always inexpensive. I love to add carrots and peas to rice; it’s so simple and yet so good.

Now, I know not everyone likes beats but if you do, wow! Organic beats are in season right now and they’re soooo good. Onions and garlic comprise the base of nearly every recipe. Our organically grown onions and garlic are almost as inexpensive as other store’s chemically grown.

You get the idea. These examples are but a few; my point is, if you’ve got time to plan ahead, you can really cut down your costs.

Onions & Garlic

I don’t want to sound preachy but when comparing prices on produce please take quality, flavor and nutrition into consideration. I mean, you wouldn’t compare the price of a new BMW to a Kia. Not all produce is created equal. Consider value instead of price; value equals flavor plus nutrition over price. So what if you saved 20¢/lb. on cheap potatoes at the National Chain if they have no flavor and little nutrition? I promise when you taste organically grown produce you will know where that extra 20¢/lb. went.

Healthy organic soil grows flavorful nutritious produce. It’s not rocket science. When you buy produce at the Co-op you know that you’re getting not only the highest quality produce, but you’re supporting a sustainable system of agriculture.

Peace, Phil