Abundant Harvest Organics

In one of my last posts, I mentioned that I would be seeking out like-minded resources in my new community. For this week's post, I am featuring Abundant Harvest Organics (AHO).

AHO is a California farm-share delivery service similar to that of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). They work with farmers to bring in-season organic produce to a local delivery site. Fortunately, for us the town of Ridgecrest is small and the drop site is less than 2 miles away. 

My husband had heard about organic produce on Saturdays between 10a-noon over by a smoothie place. My son and I wanted to check it out since we used to frequent farmers markets in the Temecula Valley up to two times a week. 

Before I had arrived, I didn't know what to expect. I saw a white delivery truck in the parking lot so I assumed it was a first-come, first-served type thing.  As I approached, it appeared to be a CSA. When I had walked up to the table, I informed them that I was new to the area and was interested in purchasing some organic produce.  The hosts showed me the two boxes and what came in them for this week. The boxes are in the range of $22 to $40 a week depending on the site and surcharges. My site includes a $3 per box surcharge. I was asked to come back at noon to see if anyone had not been by to pick up their box (note: you pay in advance online). 

Before I left, the hosts asked me to create an account online by tonight to be included in next Saturday's delivery and all subsequent.  There is a one time deposit per box ($30). AHO is listed on Local Harvest and they have 5 out of 5 stars.

We came back at noon to find one box remaining. It was meant to be! The box included (all certified organic produce): green beans, avocados, yellow corn, potatoes, green bell peppers, tomatoes, pluots, yellow peaches, tarragon, summer squash, melon and lettuce. 

Delaney's Raffles off a CSA valued at $2K

Wow! Did you read the title correctly? I'll give you a second. Go back and read it again. Triple read to make sure you captured the value at $2,000!! Wow!!! 


Jordan Stone, the owner and founder of Delaney's located in Old Town Temecula, sold raffle tickets for $5 each through this past week. The drawing was held Saturday, June 4th at 5:00 p.m. One lucky person would be the winner of a 3-month basket/ CSA membership receiving grass-fed meat and organic vegetable produce among other items.  


In case you don't know, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. From the Local Harvest site it is defined as: "a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season."


The winner of this fantastic raffle was Kelly Green. Although I don't know her personally, I wish her well and as a matter of fact, she will be well with the freshest produce and beef around.  


You may visit the link (CSA membership) above or here are the details on the basket:

YOUR WEEKLY BASKET WILL INCLUDE:

• 1 Fresh Whole Chicken, 2.5-3.5lb.

• 1 Dozen Eggs, (Seasonal, we will substitute with extra meat, off season)

• 2.0 lbs - 3.0 lbs Beef, (farm choice) different cuts each week. - Please do not request specific cuts, each basket you will contain various cuts.

• 1 Gallon Organic Raw Cow's Milk

• 1 lb Raw Organic Cheddar Cow's Cheese

• 1 Organic or Artisan condiment

• 1 organic fresh herb

• 1 organic bag of fruit

• 1 organic bag vegetables

• 1 organic bag root vegetables

• 1 loaf artisan handmade bread

• 1 bulb organic garlic

• 2 organic onions

• herb packs  (thyme, rosemary, sage)

• Baskets are available for pick-up at the store, Pick-Up Price: $155