The Produce Box

Orange Sky Organics adds local color to The Produce Box We've just started working with a new organic partner from Cary and we couldn't be more excited to tell you all about them! Michael and David became friends at work as they both had an interest in farming. They investigated the types of crops that would grow well in this area and settled on turmeric and ginger. They also recognized that there was a need for these organic items to be grown locally on the east coast. That's where some local love and hope came in to help them along! Good Hope Farm in Cary is a new cultivator farm created through a partnership between local nonprofits and the Town of Cary that seeks to connect new farmers to the land and resources they need to get started. Michael and David partnered with Good Hope to start their farming efforts and the results... you'll see in our Boxes! Both ginger and turmeric are known for their health and healing benefits. They have anti-inflammatory prope...

Each year, almost 3,000 members order Community Boxes from our menu. Where do they go? How do they help make a difference? We’ve partnered with charitable organizations across the state and in your area. Their efforts combined with the donations of our members means that hungry people get fed… and they get local, healthy fruits & veggies from The Produce Box! We’ve worked with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle in the Triangle for more than five years. They don’t just feed the hungry but also teach skills for self-sufficiency and pioneer solutions to END hunger. Over 42% of what the Food Shuttle distributes is fresh produce -- so their partnership with The Produce Box was a natural!   “So far in 2017, The Produce Bo x has donated over 3,200 pounds of fresh produce to help feed those people in our region that are food insecure. This generous donation allows for the production of over 2,740 meals to children and adults. Passing along our heartfelt thanks!!!” said Dave...

This is the time when you will start seeing winter squash in many of our Boxes. Local farmers like Gary from Fuller Farms are working hard to grow and harvest this bountiful seasonal veggie. What to do with the squash in your Produce Box? Whether it's Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti or even Butterkin, we have a few ideas for you! 1. Deliciously simple to roast . Roasting a winter squash is a sure way to permeate your home with a hearty warmth before the meal is even served. After roasting (and cooling for a minute) the squash is ready to serve or scoop out of the shell. 2. Perfect in lasagna or quesadillas . Many winter squashes have a deep yellow or almost “cheesy” color that blends well with cheese or in place of it. Its sweet and light flavors complement many of our family favorites. 3. Versatile flavors that shine in sweet or savory dishes . The winter squash is equally delicious roasted on the half shell with a dot of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon or cut int...

Pumpkins: from home decor to downright delicious! Celebrate the gourd of the season! This little gem's popularity is on the rise! Cute as a button sugar pie pumpkins are sweeter and less stringy than regular carving pumpkins, making them perfect for your favorite fall dishes. Roast them, puree, make a soup, and be sure to toast the seeds! How to use your pumkin Pumpkin adds moisture and can be substituted for oil in some recipes to reduce the fat content. Create a festive flair to the table by hollowing out a small pumpkin and using it as a bowl for soup or salad. Pumpkin Fun Facts Pumpkins’ are rich in beta carotene, which may help reduce the risks of cancer. Pump-kin is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion, and they are rich in vitamins A & C. Pumpkin Pie Pancakes from Our State Magazine Yield: 8 pancakes. 1 ½ cups milk 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 egg 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour ...

Grapefruits and Oranges in my Produce Box? Why you will see regional produce on our menu late Fall through Spring I love grapefruit and fresh oranges are delicious, but I know these are not NC produce... assumed The Produce Box made a commitment to fresh LOCAL produce, so please help me understand why non-local items are being offered . (Sarah, Raleigh member) Sarah, Thanks so much for your note! Three years ago, we made a decision as a company to add some regional items to the boxes during the winter months through early April and then go back to all North Carolina produce the rest of the year. During the colder months there is not a lot of variety available in NC: mainly root vegetables, apples (through early December), sweet potatoes, and greens such as collards and cabbage. In the past, when we ended our year in November, our NC farmers still had more produce to harvest and sell!    By adding some regional items to the boxes such a...