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We are spoiled brats!
By: Lynn Trahan (Oct 7, 2009)
I think this farm is great. I've gotten prettier produce than I can buy and for sure better than I could grow. But if our box doesn't come on Monday, we start complaining. Never mind that we throw out more food than some people around the world even get. I'm committed and that's what it is: commitment. That's through good times and bad. We don't complain when we are being asked where we got such good stuff from. What about the Depression, the dust bowl or all the floods? Our ancestors would have been only too grateful to have had access to a store when crops weren't available. Almost every missed or late delivery I would not have been able to walk out into my garden (if I had one) and harvest anything either. This is not like the US Mail, weather, machinery failures and injuries happen and you can't count on unpredictable circumstances that happen to us all. Don't sign up if you're not committed because you hurt the rest of us. I personally don't mind going to the store a few times a year for produce, it makes me appreciate the CSA more when I see the prices and the quality. It also makes me grateful that most of the time, I get my stuff delivered right to my front porch. Sincerely,
Local Farmer Supporter
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says: (Oct 21, 2009)
Thanks for this review! It is appreciated. I have been unable to change the email address for this site.
The email for contacting the CSA is
BlueStarAcresCSA@yahoo.com
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Worth the eccentricities
By: Scott Askew (Jul 5, 2009)
Though the first few months had sparse service and average quality produce, the past couple of months have made up for it in spades. Few CSA's produce year round , so I now think of the lean months as a bonus, and sometimes a challenge for eating all those veggies I only ate occasionally before. Given the hard work it takes to run a CSA and that most people are used to being pandered to in consumer oriented grocery stores, its no wonder there is sometimes a disconnect in expectation vs. reality for this type of operation. The somewhat sandoffish nature of this CSA does not seem to be a long term good practice, but with the uptake in demand for fresh local produce they likely have more demand than they need. People want to be more connected to their food, so why not create a couple of community days a year to build up more support and two-way interaction? Bottom line: when the fields are producing the quality and variety are worth the less than perfect customer care and lean months.
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Laura Benson says: (Jul 7, 2009)
Dear Scott,
Since you haven't been a "year round" member yet, you couldn't be aware of this, but we did try to have a "get together/swap meet" last year so the members & growers could become better aquainted. Unfortunately IKE ruined those plans & since we've had so much make-up & rebuilding to do afterward~ we just haven't been able to put another one together since. Right now we're still in recovery mode & do not mean to be "stand-offish" , we are just REALLY busy with the extra work load.
Have a great day,
Laura
Laura Benson says: (Jul 7, 2009)
Ummmm....Scott? After checking our records....Are you a member of our CSA? I have absolutely no record of your name as a past or present member. Who are you associated with?
Laura
Scott Askew says: (Jul 12, 2009)
Sorry for my ignorance on the community day. We'll pray for better weather this year. If your main post on this website included anything about an annual event, I probably wouldn't have used the word standoffish in my review. Having done this so long I'm sure you've found the best system that works for you, but with the increased interest now in local food, transitioning people from a supermarket mentality to "what will I get eat this week" mindset isn't necessarily smooth. Watermelon was great this week.
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contact info???
By: Kr Rr (Jun 18, 2009)
Does anyone have a phone number for this CSA? I sent an email inquiring about availability of shares, but have not heard back from them. Thanks!
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Laura Benson says: (Jun 28, 2009)
Hi,
This is Laura.
My personal email is
bluestartx@sbcglobal.net
my cell is
979-481-9642
Laura Benson says: (Jun 28, 2009)
Please remove your low rating, since you don't know us. It makes our listing go down. Thanks.Laura
Kr Rr says: (Jul 29, 2009)
Thanks for the info, Laura! As you know, I've joined by now. I'm going to keep my review at 3 stars for now. I've enjoyed the yummy produce - especially the fresh peaches and melons and onions. I learned how to cook with okra and am looking forward to eating my squash and zucchini, which I love. But there's also been a bit that was iffy - for example, a very moldy plum in today's delivery, a pepper withered beyond use today, bruised tomatoes that mold within a day, corn too dried out to eat. I definitely understand the challenges you're facing with the drought and weather, though, and I appreciate all your efforts to bring us fresh produce! Thanks!
says: (Oct 8, 2009)
The new email address to reach BlueStar Acres CSA is:
BlueStarAcresCSA@yahoo.com
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Yummy to the max!
By: Sharon Hock (Jun 15, 2009)
We have now received two deliveries of produce from Blue Star. Our first delivery was on a Friday afternoon and we "pigged out" eating the lion's share of the delivery for dinner that evening. Amazing corn on the cob so sweet and tender, peaches dripping with juice, crisp and tender pinto beans (first time I'd had them before they were dried), crisp romaine, deep green butter lettuce, onions, yellow crookneck squash, muskmelon, and okra. Mind you, "I don't eat okra", but this was really good. The tomatoes deserve a review of their own. I haven't eaten tomatoes with that much flavor since I picked them on my Grandpa's farm as a child.
This week's delivery brought a watermelon to the party and it was most welcome. It also brought new varieties of squash that I haven't seen before -- but equally good.
Each new delivery is eagerly anticipated and joyfully consumed. Blue Star is highly recommended by my family.
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Laura Benson says: (Jul 7, 2009)
Thanks for the kudos, We really appreciate it!
Laura
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My first experience with CSA
By: evelyn kayser (Jun 11, 2009)
I received my first delivery from Blue Star Acres this morning. I cannot remember when I have tasted such a delicious tomato!!
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Laura Benson says: (Jul 7, 2009)
Thanks, Tomatoes are kind of our thing! LOL!
Laura
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Great idea, but....
By: jewel (May 1, 2009)
I had to write after I read YummyMummy's review because I agree wholeheartedly with her comments point by point. I also love the idea of the CSA, but this one doesn't really have it together. They seem like nice people, with their hearts in the right place, but that is not enough to run a business.
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Laura Benson says: (May 2, 2009)
Hi, I'm Laura proprietress of BlueStar Acres. I read both this review & the one before it with some mixed feelings. I don't deny one word of it. BUT, I would like to point out that we are one of a VERY few CSA's (as a matter of fact, I personally don't know of another) that even attempts going year round. We tell people very clearly upfront before ever joining, what the risks are~ and about the variability of the deliveries~ very plainly and clearly. No one comments about the shares being twice the size promised in the months prior to the hurricane. No one acknowledges the heroic efforts generated buy the growers to keep the members from losing their entire investment in their shares. All new members are given the option of joining for 1 month and are given total access to the private Multiply site , which has blog postings about several of our growers & plainly states that we do not "tour" our homes. It has nothing to do with being "secretive"~ it has to do with these being private homes, insurance issues and being too busy to give tours. If a member needs to contact us , after checking to see if the answer to their question is posted on the group site, we get back to them in as timely manner as possible (but, with 183 members, emails are answered in priority of importance). We have had problems about our phone/internet reliability since the hurricane, but I'm not sure what we could be expected to do about that. We are still working out "the big plan" and this is still a work in progress~ we are litterally breaking new ground. We are farmers & family~ We are not Business people & this is not just another business. This is a shared community endeaver, with all the ups & downs shared by the membership. We have quite a few members that do not feel the way these two folks do. I'm assuming they will be giving up their shares when they come up for renewal and if your interested in them, please let us know. Thanks, Laura Benson BlueStar Acres CSA Alvin, Texas Community Supported Agriculture Delivered to your home
Laura Benson says: (May 4, 2009)
Actually I do deny one part of the comment above, we never deleted or blocked comments from our members. This paticular instance this person is refering to was posted 4 or 5 times (exact same wording) and no-one in the membership responded , after a few days it was deleted , because all the answers to their comments were answered (and had been prior) in the posted information already on the site.
Gloria Campos-Hensley says: (May 7, 2009)
Is the food grown organically?
Laura Benson says: (May 15, 2009)
Yes, it is but, we are not certified.
Laura
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Okay, BUT . . .
By: YummyMummy (Apr 25, 2009)
I love the concept of Blue Stars CSA, and I love receiving fresh food, but I have not been "loved it, five stars" happy with with Blue Star Acres. This is a nice family and when the veggies are great, they're great, but the CSA operation has had a few issues that everyone should be upfront about: 1) Little/no transparency. I don't really know where my produce comes from. I do know that it comes from multiple growers, but I don't know where or who they are. I don't know what their growing practices are, or even what they are growing (with our seed money). We are not allowed to visit the operation. Is if fair, then, to call this a CSA? And at least one of the products is a mystery even to the owner of the CSA--a couple of months ago we received an herb that almost no one could identify because the CSA owner couldn't understand the accent of the woman that grew it. (It turned out to be fenugreek!) 2) Fragile operation. When a crisis occurs in the family, the deliveries are canceled/delayed. This is somewhat understandable but also difficult to accept when it happens so frequently. They have a lot of customers to let down! A good business remembers its promises to its customers and works to keep them (in this case, the CSA should hire substitute or temporary delivery drivers, etc.). Sometimes after a delay the vegetables begin to wither or yellow. While it is unfortunate that the CSA has trouble transporting and storing its produce, share owners signed up for farm fresh produce and should receive it. 3) Spotty communication. Produce is supposed to be arrive on my porch at a specific day; we should be updated accurately and in a timely manner, but lately usually we are not, and the produce surprises us 2-3 days late. Hope you don't travel, so you don't miss your box! Someone used the CSA blog to complain about the boxes being late; rather than address his concerns the family deleted his posts, and closed all delivery posts to comments. (If you do travel, yes, you can put your deliveries on hold, but even though it's not in the contract you must notify the CSA at least a month in advance.) Members are not allowed to pull of their contracts so if you are willing to deal with the quirks above, sign up and have some veggie fun. If you are not, and would appreciate a more professional operation, consider joining another CSA or visit some of our awesome farmers' markets, open pretty much every week.
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Gloria Campos-Hensley says: (Apr 29, 2009)
This was very helpful. Thank you.
Laura Benson says: (May 2, 2009)
Hi,
I'm Laura proprietress of BlueStar Acres. I read both this review & the one after it with some mixed feelings. I don't deny one word of it. BUT, I would like to point out that we are one of a VERY few CSA's (as a matter of fact, I personally don't know of another) that even attempts going year round. We tell people very clearly upfront before ever joining, what the risks are~ and about the variability of the deliveries~ very plainly and clearly. No one comments about the shares being twice the size promised in the months prior to the hurricane. No one acknowledges the heroic efforts generated buy the growers to keep the members from losing their entire investment in their shares. All new members are given the option of joining for 1 month and are given total access to the private Multiply site , which has blog postings about several of our growers & plainly states that we do not "tour" our homes. It has nothing to do with being "secretive"~ it has to do with these being private homes, insurance issues and being too busy to give tours. If a member needs to contact us , after checking to see if the answer to their question is posted on the group site, we get back to them in as timely manner as possible (but, with 183 members, emails are answered in priority of importance). We have had problems about our phone/internet reliability since the hurricane, but I'm not sure what we could be expected to do about that. We are still working out "the big plan" and this is still a work in progress~ we are litterally breaking new ground. We are farmers & family~ We are not Business people & this is not just another business. This is a shared community endeaver, with all the ups & downs shared by the membership.
We have quite a few members that do not feel the way these two folks do. I'm assuming they will be giving up their shares when they come up for renewal and if your interested in them, please let us know.
Thanks,
Laura Benson
BlueStar Acres CSA
Alvin, Texas
Community Supported Agriculture
Delivered to your home
Laura Benson says: (May 4, 2009)
Actually I do deny one part of the comment above, we never deleted or blocked comments from our members. This paticular instance this person is refering to was posted 4 or 5 times (exact same wording) and no-one in the membership responded , after a few days it was deleted , because all the answers to their comments were answered (and had been prior) in the posted information already on the site.
Laura Benson says: (May 19, 2009)
The New Unusual Greens Feb 16, '09 11:54 AM
by Laura for everyone
I've had several people ask what the new green is that was in some of the shares this week. It looks like small leafed greens & was harvested roots and all & bound by a rubber band. I'm a bit chagrined to say, I'm unsure of the name. It was grown by our new growers , the Vehar's, a very nice Indian family and it is a green popular in their homeland. They told me several times what it was called , but we have definite communication problems and I'm embarrassed to say all I could make out of the name is that it was 3 syllables & started with "M" , lol. If any of y'all have a clue, maybe you can help us out on this? Mrs. Vehar did show me how she prepares it, however. She washed it, sliced off the roots & coarsely chopped it. Then she put it in a colander and QUICKLY dipped it in boiling water to slightly blanche it, putting in the sink to drain well. She then heated olive oil in a small fry pan and saute'ed garlic & green onions till limp and added the greens . saute'ing till tender. She also showed me how she made a slightly thin cornbread batter, stirred the greens into that & made , what we call Hoe Cakes with them. VERY tasty! They explained to me that this vegetable is very highly revered in their homeland and is reputed to be very good for people with blood sugar problems (diabetes),high blood pressure problems , is High in iron & good for the liver. Experiment with it & let us know if you come up with any good recipes for it. Please share with the group. I was thinking it would be good in an omelet?
Manisha Abate says: (Jul 9, 2009)
I am new and hope to join this group with veggies.
The leafy green you guys are talking about is called "Methi" in Indian langauage and Fenugreek in English. I was involved in one project where fenugreek dry seeds were given to diabetics and it improved their blood glucose.
It can be prepared with potatos and would taste very good. My mouth is already watering.
I think one advantage of different farmers is that we can get taste of different vegetables. I am hoping to join and enjoy vegetables with a difference.
YummyMummy says: (Oct 6, 2009)
We haven't had deliveries lately. Money problems.
says: (Oct 8, 2009)
We hope to have the membership base recovered and be up and delivering again by the last week of October
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Best Kept Secret
By: Matthew Fiedler (Dec 25, 2008)
I want to thank Laura and company for all the hard work they do getting out such a high quality product week after week. Growing up on the farm in Iowa I found myself at home in the garden. The fresh produce from Blue Star Acres feels like having a piece of home.
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Laura Benson says: (May 4, 2009)
Thanks Matthew,
We've ejoyed having you as a member all this time. Loyal members like you are the backbone of the membership that keep us going~ both financially & in will-power ~to keep trying to work with a occasionally cantankerous Ma Nature,lol.
Sincerely,
Laura
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