The Food Co-op Different...

I was introduced recently to a wonderful food co-op called Bountiful Baskets. The bounty you see in the above photo is just part of what I took home last week; peppers, tomatillos, green onion, cilantro, avocados as big as my fist! It is amazing what people can do when they join forces. Of course the co-op idea is nothing new, but this is different in that it is an Internet run food co-op.

Bountiful Baskets was launched by two women from Arizona who wanted quality farm fresh produce for their families. They joined with others, begin buying fresh produce in bulk and started distributing to members who order "baskets" through an Internet sign-up site. As you know, we live in the boonies so Internet shopping is what we do! It has been wonderful to place my order on-line then go to the local drop-off site with other like-minded foodies and return with a basket loaded with fresh fruits and veggies. The downside? It's a mystery basket! You never know what you are getting. The upside? You are eating fresh, compelled to try new things, and because of the number of participants, paying prices half that of your local grocer. To get the skinny on how it all works click on this very informative link.

The co-op also offers an all organic basket as an option with additional opportunities to purchase in-season fruits and breads in bulk. Check it out, you may want a Bountiful Baskets co-op site of your very own. Bon Appetit! Victoria

...the tomatillos and jalapeno peppers made a delicious salsa verde. Get the recipe here.