Ah…fresh fruits and veggies. I KNOW that they are really good for us, and that we should eat lots of them. But…when you grocery shop once a month, by the time the end of the month rolls around we’re down to frozen fruits and veggies (which aren’t totally bad for us), carrots, cabbage, potatoes and onions. If I’ve really limited intake or bought a whole bunch, apples and oranges will also last. But they’re usually gone early too. Not much for variety.
And while I know that we should have been eating a better variety, the idea of taking seven kids to the store any more often just isn’t something I was ready to do. Nor was driving to Spokane for a special trip on a Saturday when Bryan’s home to stay with the majority of the kids. Or paying a premium price at the local grocery store (both of the closest towns have only one grocery store each, which means their prices are often outrageous!)
So we’ve been sticking with the long lasting type. And not eating as many as we should.
And then one of my favorite bloggers started talking about the produce she was getting through Bountiful Baskets. I was intrigued, so I started looking. They had mixed reviews. Some people really liked them. Others didn’t.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I took the plunge and participated in the buy last Tuesday. Today many of us took a quick trip to Deer Park (the closest drop site to us) to pick up the goods. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with what I received.
For this week, I selected a basket of conventional fruits and veggies ($15), and also added on a 32 pound box of grapefruit ($15) and a St. Patty’s Day box ($10.50). I also had to pay a $3.00 one time fee for the baskets that stay with the site coordinator to sort my items into off the truck each time I order, and a $1.50 handling fee. There was also a gas fee of $4.50. So my grand total was $49.5 for this week. The $3 fee will go away from now on, and I probably won’t always buy the add-ons.
Let’s look at what I got:
First the conventional basket.
Lots of delicious looking produce for the price! I was a little worried about all of the peppers since most of us aren’t into spice, but when I cut one open and took a test bite, I was pleasantly surprised. Very sweet!
The fruit will make a couple of nice fruit salads. I have BLTs planned for tomorrow night, and took the bacon out of the freezer already in preparation. The carrots are huge! I think we’ll have carrot sticks for a snack soon. Along with cucumber slices.
I have to say that the hardest part is going to be actually making sure we eat these, since I’m not in the habit of serving fresh fruits and veggies all the time. It’ll be a challenge, but a good one! I really don’t like wasting money, so eating is the best option!
Next up, the grapefruit:
Thankfully, I’m able to share this with my parents. I’m positive we couldn’t eat them all before they went bad. But they have some good nutrients for the end of winter, and I’m looking forward to trying them in smoothies. I’ve heard they’re good that way! If you have any other ideas for fixing them, I’d love for you to share.
And finally, the St. Patty’s Day Box.
Two leeks (I’ve never used those before!), another head of cabbage, some red potatoes, Italian parsley, mushrooms, more carrots, a couple of oranges and some nice onions. Oh yes. And this mystery herb:
Can anyone tell me what this is? I’ve not used fresh herbs too often, and truly have no idea. Thanks in advance!
So for the price, I think I got a really good deal this week. I’ll continue to participate in Bountiful Baskets for a while, at least until our garden gets up and running (or should I say producing?)
Have you ever used Bountiful Baskets? What was your experience like?
