Redbud Organic Farm, LLC

Last year was the first year that I had ever signed up for a CSA program. I had been thinking for several years prior to subscribe to a share program, but never had the lump sum on hand to afford to do so. I finally had the cash to drop on a CSA share, and I was pleased to have chosen Redbud Farm. They had a great pick-up site in Charles Town, and I could ride my bike to pick up my bag. I sampled succulent vegetables I'd never eaten before (Swiss chard, kohlrabi, fresh okra, and micro greens) as well as a few decadent fruits like a miniature watermelon and a sampling of strawberries. When college started up again in August, Haroun was even nice enough to switch my pickup site to Shepherdstown.

I'm sad that the other two members had bad experiences, but for a first time CSA member, I felt I got my money's worth. In fact, compared with the other CSA's in the Shepherdstown/Charles Town area, I picked Redbud Farm because it was the cheapest and most convenient. I was unfortunately unable to visit the farm (the life of a working student means no free weekends), but I always enjoyed each week's bag, even when I had a pile of basil at the end of the season.

In fact, I am disappointed not to be able to join Redbud again this season because they are limiting their drop-off sites to Martinsburg and Inwood. I work and live in Charles Town, and during the school year I cannot drive to Martinsburg every week for my bag.

I hope to try Redbud Farm again in the future when I am able to make the trip for the pickup site. I enjoyed my first experience thoroughly.