Whole Season 2024 CSA- It’s a Wrap
This past Tuesday marked the conclusion of our Whole Season 2024 CSA, and what a year it’s been! We finished on a high note with a beautiful share that included carrots, broccoli, salad mix, apples, French breakfast radishes, arugula, and a vibrant variety of peppers. Eating fresh, whole foods has never tasted so good—or been so much fun.
We’ll especially miss our Tuesday social crew during on-farm pick-ups. My mom, Marilyn, may miss it the most. At 81 years young, she’s been our unofficial hostess with the mostest, winning the hearts of our CSA members. This year, she had more time to join us on the farm, stepping in after her role as my dad’s unwavering caretaker came to a bittersweet close when he passed away last May. Though we miss him deeply, his spirit is still very much present at Oak Spring.
I’m so grateful for the space and energy here on the farm—it’s a place where everyone, including my mom, can pitch in and find a role. Right, Mom? 😊
Cool Season Growing is Going Strong
Our Cool Season CSA is nearly full, and starts December 3. We’re excited to keep our greens-loving members nourished through the cold months. We’ll open up some spots in the spring when production ramps back up. For now, we’re thrilled to have everything we need to make it through the winter together.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about 2025!
*Early bird sign-ups for next year’s CSA* will launch in mid-December.
I’m working behind the scenes to smooth out the process, and I’m grateful for your patience and enthusiasm. I intend for this new platform to have a short learning curve and ease of use for all our members. I hope you’re half as excited as I am for 2025.
Keep Your Local Food Connection Alive All Winter Long.
How will you keep up your healthy eating habits this winter?
I know it takes a little extra effort to rally around your local farms during the colder months, but it’s absolutely worth it. Supporting local farms year-round is vital—not just for your health, but for the sustainability of our farming community. While there may be fewer farmers’ markets and fresh produce options, there are still plenty of ways to connect with local food.
Dairy farmers milk their cows every single day, rain, shine, or snow. Beef, pork, and chicken farmers are hard at work feeding and caring for their animals all winter long. And produce farmers? Even when the fields are quiet, we’re busy with winter chores, planning for next season, and often selling storage crops, fresh greens, or root vegetables.
By seeking out year-round farmers’ markets or buying directly from farmers for eggs, meats, and other staples, you ensure that your food dollars support real families and sustainable farming practices. Plus, you’ll keep enjoying the rich flavors and superior nutrition of local food, even in the heart of winter.
So, this season, keep the connection strong. Reach out to your local farmers, ask what they’re offering, and commit to supporting them all year long. Together, we can strengthen our community and continue to nourish our bodies with wholesome, fresh, local food.
Tips for Keeping Your Energy Up
Speaking of health, I’ve been experimenting with a few simple habits to help regulate my blood sugar and keep my energy levels steady throughout the day. With winter upon us, it’s a little too easy to reduce the amount of exercise I get AND increase my caloric intake. HA. I usually gain a few pounds in the winter. I have learned to accept a little weight gain but I won’t accept a dip in my energy.
So as I enter into the second half of my life these tricks, from the Glucose Goddess, have made a difference—I feel more energized and don’t hit that late-afternoon slump or crave sweets after dinner (and that’s been a lifelong battle). Give them a try and see how they work for you. Let me know your tips for sustaining your energy throughout the day.
1. Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in water before meals.
Why? ACV can help stabilize blood sugar by improving your body’s response to carbs and slowing digestion. Bonus: it supports digestion and gut health.
2. Eat your veggies first.
Why? No, I’m not making this up. Starting with fiber-rich vegetables helps slow the absorption of sugars from your meal, reducing blood sugar spikes and keeping you full longer.
3. Take a 10-minute walk after meals.
Why? Light movement after eating can improve digestion and help your muscles use glucose more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels.
Try incorporating one of these tips into your daily routine, and let me know how you feel. I’ll be honest, taking a 10-minute walk after a meal is the one I’m having the hardest time incorporating. I guess it’s not part of my habit stack already. See eating veggies first, that’s easy. I do that often and well, let’s face it, veggies are at the top of my thoughts quite often! This recipe combines 2 of these tips into one:
Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
This simple, tangy dressing complements fresh greens or roasted veggies beautifully!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Stir in garlic (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle over salad greens or roasted veggies from this week’s share and enjoy!
Pro Tip: This dressing doubles as an easy way to get your ACV before meals, checking off two healthy habits at once.
If you have any tips for me I’d love to hear them. Drop them in the comments below or on Facebook where this blog’s link is posted. Know someone who would enjoy my blog? Pass it on. Please share.
Here’s to a strong finish to 2024 and an even brighter 2025. Thank you for being part of our Oak Spring Farm family and for making this journey so rewarding. Let’s keep the momentum going—because fresh, local, whole foods aren’t just good for our health; they’re good for the soul.
