It has been a couple of weeks since we’ve been able to pick up a Bountiful Basket. We’ve had some busy Saturdays but the main reason we haven’t picked one up is that we haven’t been able to get an organic basket. We’re not sure if its because we’re ordering too late or if its because they aren’t carrying them anymore, but either way we’ve missed out. We’ve mention the conventional (non-organic) basket for $15 before and decided to try it again – we think that this time we really did get our money’s worth!
We love our co-op – Bountiful Baskets, which is in many western states. You can see previous examples of what we have received in our baskets before. Being a part of a produce co op or grocery co op means that you never know what you are going to get! Each time it is something different, which we happen to love! They are usually 50% fruit and 50% veggies. This time the quality did not seem to be there like in previous weeks. One of the white peaches was rotten and the tomatoes are super soft and the green peppers have funny colors. But…. that is how it works, some weeks are better than others, but overall it is still a great value.
Here’s what we got this week:
- 3 pomegranates
- 3 bunches of scallions
- 1 cantaloupe
- 1 bunch broccoli
- 1 head green leaf lettuce
- 1 lb bag of carrots
- 1 lb bag of celery
- 8 apples
- 7 oranges
- 1 bunch of bananas
- 2 cucumbers
- 4 tomatoes
- 3 mystery vegetables
As we mentioned above, you really never know what you are about to get. And as we’ve mentioned before, sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got even after bringing it home. So, we’ve done this before and we’re sure that we’ll do this again. Could someone help us identify this mystery vegetable?
We would love to hear if anyone else participates in a produce co-op or community garden. What are your thoughts on this way to save and have healthier eating options for your family? Is it worth it? For us, we really feel like this has been a key for us to be able to stick in our budget and to receive great quality fresh organic produce.
As usual, we did want to mention a few words about how to get involved in a produce co-op.
There are many produce co-ops and grocery co op groups and it’s various forms across the nation that you can join and be a part of. A good place to start looking is at a the site localharvest.org (which id going to help you get organic local food) or coopdirectory.org (I am not sure how updated this site is as our area’s listings were old and many not listed, but at least worth a shot!) or search produce co-op your state under google and see what listings come up. Also, Money Saving Mom posted an article on how to start your own produce co-op, especially if you could not find one in your area.
Barbara Cerveny
Zucchini that grew on vine too long.
Katie
Pretty sure it is a variety of squash.
Lori
Yep, I ditto Zucchini
kathy
Zucchini, Great for making Zucchini Bread with nuts and raisins, also very good if you slice it half,dip in bread crumbs and fry.
Becky
Zucchini. You can pickle it too.. yumm!
Rebecca R.
Yep! affirmative! definitely a zucchini! might just be a different type or like Barbara said, maybe it just grew to be really big.
Jen
I think it is Mexican Squash. I believe we grew that in our garden one year.
Jennifer
That’s zucchini!!!!
Marcia
Zucchini..and you can eat it raw, like cucumber. (Peel it first) Very good for making zucchini bread too. Or fry in olive oil with onions and tomatoes..YUM.
heyruthie
it is a type of summer squash, like zuchinni–just a different color–not overripe, as one poster suggested. there is a variety that is that color. treat it like yellow squash or zuchinni and enjoy!
Heidi B.
I got my basket this morning too. It is DEFINITELY a zucchini. That’s what they look like when you harvest them small! They are a little bit “fat” because they aren’t the more common “black zucchini” variety you usually see.
I’m making mine into creamy zucchini soup.
Enjoy!
Connie
This is Zucchini. I planted Zucchini this summer and one plant came up just like that those. We cooked them just like Zucchini.
I would usually mix them with the green and yellow squash.
Dee Run Run
The correct name for this is Mexican Grey Squash or Mexican Squash. It is similar to zucchini but usually a bit more in price.
terri
denise squash….tastes a little lighter than zucchini….DELICIOUS!!
Brenda
That’s not zucchini, zucchini is much greener. Those are calabacita (spelling?). It’s a type of squash.
Cortney Alvord
On the bountiful baskets facebook (and we’ve gotten them before) it said it’s Mexican Gray Squash.
kIMBERLY
I am the site coordinator for our Bountiful Baskets site it is Mexican Grey Squash
Doughbro
This is a Calabacita squash.. common in the Southwest