The Co-op

Since moving to Illinois, I got a tip from my friend Liz, whom I met in The Netherlands, about the local co-op.  I had never heard of a co-op, so I asked her to explain how it worked and then...I was sold!  Basically, the idea is...a bunch of people get together (like hundreds of people) and buy produce in bulk, therefore getting the best prices for the freshest groceries.  And then there's the local items...yep, I'm sold...just check this out...

Every two weeks, our local co-op chapter gets a delivery.  The week prior, we have an opportunity to order what we need (depending on what's available and/or in season) with the best value being the "produce basket."  This week, I ordered the produce basket and a couple of extras, a case (11 lbs.) of cherries and a bunch of cilantro.  

For around $23, the produce basket is packed full of a variety of fruits and veggies chosen by the co-op gods (yeah, really, I don't know who determines what goes in the basket).  This week's basket included:  carrots, onions, broccoli, grape tomatoes, potatoes, brussel sprouts, mescaline mix, a pineapple, kiwis, navel oranges, clementines, pink lady apples and bananas!  Wow, yum, and can you beat that?