Veg Box

trinity0097 · Veg Box

Have just signed up for a veg box to be delivered next Wed - as a trial way of getting us to eat more veg! If it's there to be eaten we may be more likely to eat it! Using riverford this time, seems to be better organised than any others in this area.

chatty_teacher

Let us know how it goes, always fancied one of those, just wouldn't want it to go to waste!

trinity0097

We got the smallest one, the mini - says it's for 1 or for 2 people who eat out a few times a week.

chatty_teacher

I would go for the one above as don't eat out weekly and if did would use it for something else

smallholder

I feel a new thread coming on - interesting ways to cook vegetables!

Sniggle

I've often wondered about getting a veg box too purely bacause I don't eat well at all and really need to change this.

The idea of a veg box for 1 or 2 people sounds great.

Pulp

I've been thinking about getting a veg box from September. Don't get back from school during the week in time to get to our local fruit and veg shop and the veg from the supermarket is not as good. Was thinking if we could get a veg box delivered mid week would be a good way of getting some nicer veggies.

Let us know what you get in your veg box when it arrives.

trinity0097

I can tell you now without it being here - look on the riverford website and it tells you what was in last weeks and what is going to be in next weeks.

Off the top of my head I think I'mgetting some salad potatoes, peppers, sugar snap peas carrots plus something else I think - can't quite remember!

trinity0097

I can tell you now without it being here - look on the riverford website and it tells you what was in last weeks and what is going to be in next weeks.

Off the top of my head I think I'mgetting some salad potatoes, peppers, sugar snap peas carrots plus something else I think - can't quite remember!

trinity0097

Here we go...

salad potatoes UK
bunched carrots UK
bunched onions UK
portobello mushrooms UK
peppers NL
sugarsnap peas UK

Sounds yummy!

JD1970

Riverford are supposed to be really good. Hope it goes well for you!

jenny_pest

This sounds like a good idea, something perhaps I should invest in. Thanks for sharing the idea

squiggle7

I've always liked the idea of veg boxes but there is nowhere near where I live that does them. Last year there was a farm doing them but my OH's mum had their small one once and it really wasn't worth the money for what they got. I'm hopefully going to a farm shop tomorrow so might get some goodies there instead.

trinity0097

Well it's just arrived, got the following...

- enough salad potatoes to serve 2 of us 2 meals with 2 big portions of potatoes, or 3 meals with just 2 or 3 potatoes with a meal
- 3 red peppers
- 3 portabello mushorooms
- 9 carrots - just small ones, but enough for a couple of meals again
- bag of sugarsnap peas, again enough for 2 meals for 2
- 3 onions

All for £8.35 including delivery - very impressed - as I can't get to any farm shops during term time, and the nearest is a 15min drive, so not very helpful!

This is a perfect sized box for a starter box for a couple, or for 1 person who eats lots of veg!

I think I'll set up a recurring order now!

JD1970

Glad its as good as you hoped.
Have often thought of signing up for a box scheme, but haven't heard of any good ones round here.

trinity0097

Do riverford not deliver to you?

JD1970

They only do the south west, don't they?

JD1970

Oh! I've just googled them and they have expanded! Shows how long ago I last looked into this! They have a place in Cambridgeshire that delivers far enough down for me.

NeKo

I've been nosey and looked. Wow! they do a lot. They also have a recipe section so am off to try the courgette cake...

trinity0097

JD why not give them a go?

mug!

just had a look at riverford and it looks good might try a fruit and veg mixed box. They also do meats and all sorts of extras.

Squiggle they do deliver to our area just checked postcode.

squiggle7

Cool, I will take a look.

Rainbow_Bright

Can't for the life of me find anyone who does a veg box delivery round here. Sad

trinity0097

Where are you?

Rainbow_Bright

Cumbria - Kendal

trinity0097

Fruit and Vegetable Box Schemes: get locally grown organic produce which has been freshly harvested by the grower delivered to your door by Kan Foods, Kendal - 01539721190

What about this, no website unless you google and fine something, but I found it on this website...

http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/i...ustainableliving/gogreen-food.htm

trinity0097

Is this too far away?

http://www.evabotanicals.co.uk/

mug!

I have just ordered the fruit and veg one. Getting it delivered every week starting next Tues. Looking forward to it. I used to have one a few years ago from another company. It helps to be more adventerous with cooking abd guarantees at least a decent veg intake.

Rainbow_Bright

I found the KAN foods website but there's no mention of veg boxes on it. Might have to go to the shop. Sadly the other one doesn't seem to come this far south. Might have to investigate the local farm shops.

Rainbow_Bright

Ooh.... thanks trinity. The links from that Eva botanicals site led me here and they can deliver to me on Thursdays!!!!

http://www.howbarroworganic.co.uk/

trinity0097

Cool - hope you enjoy it!

Rainbow_Bright

Well, ordered a box for this Thursday to see what it's like. You can list your like and dislikes which is good as I'd hate to end up with a load of cauliflower or aubergine which I can't stand and not many peppers which I use loads, for example! Fingers crossed!

Thanks again, your googling must be better than mine Smile

trinity0097

You can't do that with Riverford, but we like almost all veg!

Rainbow_Bright

Not much we don't like really, but seriously, cauliflower is just pointless!!!

NeKo

Ermm. The only thing I could think of was needing it (sometimes) for cauliflower surprise!

Over40

and the surprise is ? (no cauliflower ??)

I'm thinking of a veg. box - Riverford deliver this way too so may give them a try.

NeKo

Yes - how did you guess! Although I think my mum put it in sometimes!

smallholder

I think I need to start a cauliflower appreciation society!

Louiw

I'd join, I love Cauliflower!!!

trinity0097

I don't love it, or hate it, but nicest with some kind of sauce on it.

Rainbow_Bright

Urgh... you're all mad. Cauliflower is disgusting. Though some of them look very pretty - like the romanescu ones. But it reminds me too much of the smell of my walking gear after a long walk to even think of eating it!!!! Wink

trinity0097

Our new cook in the school canteen makes a mean cauliflower cheese Smile

Rainbow_Bright

Why would you do that to some lovely cheese?!

smallholder

Have you tried it roasted Rainbow?

Rainbow_Bright

Roasted? no, but I can't imagine how it could taste nice even with a load of goose fat on it!!! Do you do anything special with it?

smallholder

Well I certainly don't put goose fat on it! Shocked

I mix it with other veg such as onions, carrots, apple, peppers, squash, celery etc - whatever I've got to hand. I toss them all in olive oil add a bit of wine, bit of apple juice a shake of soya sauce, some fennel seeds or other herbs. Cook for an hour at 200C. Turning and basting it a couple of times as it cooks.

I also make chickpea and cauliflower curry which is lovely.

Rainbow_Bright

I was thinking of roast spuds, SH, the best ones are the ones done with goose fat! If I am unfortunate enough to get some in a veg box, I'll have a go at your method.

In the meantime, any ideas what I can do with a savoy cabbage which OH bought when I wanted a white cabbage?

smallholder

Shred it and stir fry with some other bits and pieces you have like onion and apple?

madphil

trinity0097

Rainbow_Bright

That was about all I could think of as well, SH, stir fry it is tomorrow, I guess!

Over40

Riverford Van was spotted in the village today - I must get an order in for next week and see what interesting veg I get.

tui

roasted cauliflower is fantastic. I love roasting lots of veges like smallholder does. cauliflower really does taste better roasted. you should try it Rainbow bright. Just give it a quick spray of oil and season.

Over40

I've put in an order to arrive next Wednesday for a mini fruit and veg box. I liked the look of the larger ones but they were offering fennel and I'm not sure what to do with it !

trinity0097

Hope you enjoy it Smile

mug!

First veg box arrived. I had apples, proper english ones that is!, peaches and bananas. Green beans, salad leaves, celery, pointed cabbage, peppers, and beetroot.

Have never cooked beetroot from sctatch before so that should be interesting. If anyone has any tips they will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

trinity0097

I'm going to get some beetroot tomorrow, so was wondering the same thing - have only ever had it pickled in jars!!!!!

Hubby mentioned a choc and beetroot cake though!

mug!

You and me both Trinity. Pickled beetroot in a sandwich goes down well in this house. Apparently you can roast it with your other roast veg. Am tempted to have a go at this. If i do will let you know results.

My research says it makes your urine pink!! and to wear g;oves when preparing it if you don't want pink hands for a week!

help!!!! someone please.

smallholder

I roast my beetroot - it is wonderful. You can use the leaves like spinach too. I grow it for the leaves and pick them when young and put in salad. You can also grate the raw beetroot ( but its a bit messy!) and have in salad.

mug!

Thanks SH x I will have a go at roasting tomorrow now.

Over40

Fruit and veg box arrived today - no beetroot or fennel (phew !). I got french beans, chard, courgettes and peppers - looking forward to these but need an interesting idea.

mug!

for one meal I would stir fry some of all of it and shove some noodles and soy sauce in. This is alawys my personal favourite quick standby.

smallholder

I love stuffed peppers. You can use the chard to stuff the peppers with some goats cheese and sundried toms and olives, or use it to stuff them with some chick peas, apple and spices.

Chard is nice cooked quite simply and quickly. Wash chard. Cut off the bigger bits of stem. Chop them. Saute some garlic in a little oil or a small knob of butter. Saute the stems for a short while then add the rest of the chard ( torn into bits or shredded). Let it wilt in the heat and oil. ( Like spinach it goes down to nothing. Serve.

Over40

Thanks for the ideas - I'll try the stuffed peppers (for me as I don't think the girls would be too keen).

mug!

Never did cook yesterday, but today am hoping to have, leek flan with salad leaves and grated beetroot.

mug!

The flan was yummy. Also, didn't realise how lovely fresh beetroot tasted.

trinity0097

Mine came yesterday, potatoes, carrots, onions, spinach, brocolli and beetroot.

mug!

Thank you for starting this thread trinity am really enjoying my fruit and veg this week. Looking forward to much more healthy eating!

JD1970

Beetroot's great!
Boil them with the skin on (and some of the stalk too) for about an hour, longer if they are particularly big, shorter if they are babies. When cool, rub the skin and stalks off and munch away.
I like it with cheese in sandiches.

And yes, it will make things change colour.

mug!

Mmmm non supermarket lettuce tastes like lettuce used to taste. Also the tomatoes tasted of tomatoes and not water!!

JD1970

I've done it! I've ordered a veg box. Not much left from the garden (plenty of spuds, betroot, a bit of spinach and a few spring onions) and I am determined not to give Tesco any money that could be put to better use elsewhere. My nearest farm shop is 10 miles aways and the I don't like the veg people at the farmers' markets around here, so RiverFord it is. First box due on Friday - that's ages away.

JD1970

Got home this evening and there it was on my doorstep! My first veg box! Already munched a couple of tomatoes and the best lettuce I've ever tasted. Having sweetcorn later. Am really pleased and will probably ordr one each week until my own crops grow again (they will be better next year).

JD1970

Well, what can I say?
Apart from the stuff fresh out of my own garden, this is the best veg I've ever had!!!!!! Better than any of the farm shops or farmers markets I've visited.
RIVER FORD IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mug!

It is JD.

The fruit and the veg taste lovely. We had pears this week (I hate pears) and OH said they were gorgeous and he doesn't rave a bout fruit and veg like I do. We enjoy the apples too as they are 'proper' English apples!

magpie nic

Here's a good site for recipes to use.
I am going to order a veg box this week to tempt me into eating different varieties and seeing what works with my stomach.
Thanks for the inspiration!

trinity0097

We're still liking ours - the riverford mini box just got more useful for us, in that there are slightly more things, but smaller portions which is good, as sometimes it was all getting a bit much!!!! Going to make a big vat or carrot soup this weekend as have loads of these!

JD1970

I love my Seasons box from RiverFord. Only trouble is that there's too much for just two of us. Don't want to change to the mini box, as they contain potatoes and we have our own left from harvest last month. Don't want ever to go back to Tesco though, so will continue to give stuff away.

mug!

Their stuff does taste great

trinity0097

You can have a box every other week from Riverford if you want, or 3 weeks in 4 for example if you want to use up a food mountain!

I've been giving away the lettuce/salad packs I've been getting as I don't feel it's warm enough to eat salad! (it's something I tend not to eat really) Someone at work is getting that when I get that!

Rainbow_Bright

I'm the opposite, trinity, much more likely to use the salad stuff than the winter veg!

trinity0097

trinity0097

I like getting tomatoes though, as they are fab thrown in a curry or spag bol Smile

northernlassie

Rainbow bright -- can you give some more details of what you got and what you think of the company.
I'm farther north than you but still in cumbria and that company deliver here on Tuesdays. Considering it but not decided as struggle to get OH to eat veg!!!
Thanks
xx

Rainbow_Bright

I used Howbarrow, northernlassie, who are based near Cartmel. My delivery day is Thursday at the moment, but they deliver to different areas on different days. Didn't realise you are in Cumbria too - most of the northerners on here are north east.

They're pretty good from Howbarrow, good quality, reasonable quantity and you can add in all sorts of other things is you want - meat, eggs, fish, even organic wine! And you can tell them things you like or dislike so they'll alter your box accordingly. If cauliflower is due to be in the box one week, they'll send me more onions or brocolli instead for example.

northernlassie

Cumbria born and bred! Very Happy

Thanks for the details. Do you have to have one every week or can you do one every alternate week?
x

JD1970

I think I will go to fortnightly after half term. My delivery day is Friday, so I can then spend Saturday morning freezing some stuff for the following week. God, will I ever be that organised?

Rainbow_Bright

Oohh... I'm an outsider, nothernlassie. But no intention of leaving now I'm here!

Don't have to have one every week - can be fortnightly, monthly or just a one off. You just have to order a couple of days before if it's a one off - for my Thursday delivery I have to order by midday Tuesday, I think.

northernlassie

Sounds good. Might have to try on then!
xx

northernlassie

Done it!

Signed up. Now just trying to decide whether to have a veg box or a mixed fruit and veg box.
Is it sad that I am excited? Smile

Have to wait til next Tuesday though.
xx

Rainbow_Bright

No not sad, I was excited to find somewhere that would deliver to me! But with OH being away so much, I haven't had many deliveries. We had a mixed fruit and veg but think I'll go for just veg next time as I've still got some oranges left to eat!

northernlassie

I have ordered a mixed fruit and veg box and it should come next week.
Very Happy

mug!

Mine this morning had Pak choi, salad leaves, green beans, aubergine, courgettes, broccoli, cauli, pears, apples and bananas. Have not cooked aubergine for years and can't remember what I did with it.

northernlassie

The website that I have just signed up to have recipes for each veg.
Google Howbarrow.
xx

mug!

Just remembered ratatouille today so that is cooking in a slow oven. If I had remembered it this morning it would have been simmering in the slow cooker. Oh well maybe next time.

northernlassie

Ohh that sounds lovely.
xx

Rainbow_Bright

I really don't like aubergine, mug, weird spongey texture so I do ratatouille without it!

Still not sure about the slow cooker, really do think I'd worry too much.

They send you a recipe with your box as well, northernlassie, which includes some of the veg you get. Smile

smallholder

Shouldn't be spongy - sounds like it wasn't cooked properly!

Rainbow_Bright

I find it's either spongey (if it's not been salted to draw the liquid out) or just unpleasant mush. Doesn't seem to matter who's cooked it (even in ratatouille cooked by Italian friends!), I don't like it! Bit like avocados.... just not nice.

northernlassie

chatty_teacher

I can't seem to find one that covers my area, will keep looking!