Everyone should try a Food Co-op!
A Food Co-op is a family of people (foodies) that come together to purchase produce in large quantities at close to wholesale prices. For the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of partnering with Purple Dragon Co-op out of Glen Ridge, NJ. Purple Dragon purchases the produce in mass quantities and then sends it to a distributor (usually a passionate foodie, our Stephanie is the best!) who breaks the shipment into boxes for the buyer, Me (yes sir, another foodie!). Not only do I get the freshest most delicious organic seasonal fruits and vegetables, but I receive items I never would consider buying at the store. I actually get excited when I get a root vegetable or fruit that I have never tried before. A month ago, we had oriental Yams. These were amazing mashed with butter and organic orange zest juice from oranges in the same basket!
I’m with you Karen! I’ve been doing this co-op for almost 15 years and opening the boxes is still like a gift on Christmas morning! And yes, I am a passionate foodie, not just a “fresh foodie”! It’s so exciting to try new things and the joy of passing up the produce aisle at the grocery store is an added plus, I just cook from what’s in my refrigerator. It’s wonderful members like you, Karen, that make this labor of love a win win for all of us, including the farmers and the environment. If anyone is curious about the co-op, please feel free to reach out to me. I live in Wayne and my number is 973-305-0943. Stephanie