With organic winter baskets, local and organic produce can be consumed throughout the year.
There is nothing better than eating good vegetables during the winter season to stay healthy despite the cold. “There is no flavor that compares to organic vegetables,” says Olivier Lamouret, a gardener from Monteregie. Since organic farmers produce in smaller quantities, they are more careful in the process of storage and conservation, because they want to offer the best product and minimize losses. »
“Buying local and organic products,” he adds, “also means recognizing and encouraging the work of local farms. »
How to get it?
Organic baskets usually operate on a subscription basis purchased at the beginning of the season, often paid in multiple installments. This system provides a supply of vegetables every two weeks for a certain number of weeks.
“The formula for buying organic baskets requires the commitment of the buyer,” says Olivier Lamouret. Producers, for their part, know the quantities to be prepared, which helps to avoid wastage. »
You can subscribe to a small basket (for 1-2 people) or a large basket (for a family). For example, this season, a group of local organic farms are offering a small basket for $34.50 and a large basket for $51.50.
Is it more expensive than the grocery store?
“I believe that people benefit financially by buying organic baskets,” says Olivier Lamouret. After paying for a subscription, consumers no longer need to worry about inflation and price fluctuations. They have purchased a certain number of weeks and the price of their basket will not change. »
The supply chains of major food markets are being impacted by difficult weather conditions – think of California’s bad season this year, which sent prices for salads and other greens skyrocketing in grocery stores.
“If we take the time to compare the prices of organic vegetables in the grocery store and organic baskets, we will see that often the local product is cheaper,” adds the gardener.
Restriction of organic baskets?
It is true that you must collect your basket at certain times and days. But it’s also possible to send someone else to pick it up for us! “You need to understand that gardeners cannot be constantly available for sale: their main task is to work in the field or in greenhouses. If the gardener stays at the stall, it means there will be fewer hands on the farm. »
What’s in the organic winter basket?
Foods that are harvested in Quebec in winter: carrots, potatoes, garlic and onions, as well as rutabagas, kohlrabi, beets, zucchini, cabbage, turnips, radishes, as well as sweet potatoes and ginger, spinach (great in spring), mesclun, cabbage. , sprouts, endive, legumes…
You can also add organic dairy, eggs, meat, and baked goods to your cart.
Make the most of your organic shopping cart
Since organic baskets are delivered every two weeks, it’s important to consume food in a specific order to avoid wastage and waste.
“We need to start with greenery, it dies the fastest,” reminds Olivier Lamouret.
Store your greens in airtight containers or refrigerated bags. Most root crops store well in perforated bags. Foods such as onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes can be stored at room temperature.
“Meal planning with organic baskets also requires flexibility and creativity,” adds Lamouret. Ideas and recipes are available on organic shopping cart sites.
How to subscribe?
You have several options for purchasing organic winter baskets.
If you want to interact directly with a local farm, go to Family Farmer. By entering your zip code, you can find nearby farms. This site lists organic farms in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Bio local operates in the Greater Montreal area, delivering organic winter baskets to about thirty locations.
Lufa Farms grow rooftop vegetables in Montreal and deliver vegetables all year round.