As the warmer weather begins thaw me out of my little cocoon, my thoughts turn to fresh, simple foods bursting with flavor. Winter in my part of the world means bunkering down with heavier root vegetable casseroles and warming soups, which are delightful on their own merit, but I am really ready to toss those aside once the ceiling fan starts a-spinning. Juices, salads, cold soups, light meals and fruit-based desserts are part of what makes us feel comfortable and natural in the warmer weather, and I relish adjusting my diet with the change of seasons.

One thing I like to do in the warmer months is get as much produce as possible from sources outside of the local grocery or natural foods store. Sure, these places are great for staples like grains and beans, but when given the opportunity, there are more interesting alternatives. The reasons for shopping outside the grocery store system are manifold, but here are some:

• The produce is usually much more fresh, often harvested that very morning.
• You are able to give direct support to independent farmers, who struggle with the intense challenges of corporate, consolidated mega-farms and unpredictable weather.
• You helping to reduce fuel expenditure by purchasing locally produced food, rather than foods that are shipped in from all over the world. Though this means no avocados in Iowa, you can explore the wonderful treasures that your region offers. If the source happens to be organic as well as locally grown, this is the most environmentally sound way to shop for produce.
• No disgusting and unnecessary waxes on items like apples and cucumbers.
• Often local producers experiment with heirloom varieties, which means seeds that have been saved through countless generations, and produce the most unusual, delicious plants. There are more than 4,000 varieties of tomatoes: it doesn't take much to see how limited we are by what the grocery stores offer. Don't expect heirloom varieties to be the aesthetic pictures of perfection that you're accustomed to at the grocery store: they're often lumpy, bumpy and asymmetrical. This doesn't diminish the taste, though.
• By supporting an area producer, you are helping your local economy.

That being said, what are some options outside of the standard grocery store?

Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSAs): CSAs are a way that consumers can support a local farm by buying a share of the harvest, and in the long run, it's usually quite a bit less expensive than what you could get for a similar amount of fresh produce at a grocery store

Most CSAs work by having shareholders pay for a season up front, and for that fee you receive a weekly box of wonderful surprises, which can range from salad greens and herbs to melons and winter squashes, depending on the time of the season. Most CSAs run from late spring through the fall, though those in warmer climates and those with extensive greenhouse systems can deliver year-round.

Many CSAs are organic, some grow heirloom varieties, and they often arrive with a weekly newsletter, detailing What's in the box, as well as offering cooking and storage tips as well as recipes. CSAs leave the shares at a designated drop-off site, which is usually the home of a shareholder. I have to say that even after having done the CSA thing for quite a few seasons, it remains a thrill every time I go to pick up my box and sort through its contents: “Oh, look! Arugula! A gorgeous bunch of sage! Yay - fingerling potatoes! What is this green stuff? Oh! Mizuna!”

Admittedly, it may be a bit intimidating at first, receiving all this bounty and planning meals around it, but it forces you to be resourceful, experimental and creative. Hey, if you're running out of ideas, you can usually juice it (a juicer is a good investment if you're going to do a CSA). And though you can't choose what is going to be a part of your yield, you'll probably find most of it to your liking. But if you're just not a zucchini person, don't stress: you'll likely find some co-worker or neighbor who would be happy to unburden you of it.

One other aspect of being a shareholder of a CSA to be aware of is that not every week or even every season is going to be a glowing success. If your area has been hit by drought, unexpected frosts, or other inclimate weather, it will likely impact your yield. As frustrating as this is, it cannot be helped, and it is part of the gamble of buying fresh, locally grown produce. This is part of the unpredictability one has to accept when deciding whether or not to join a CSA, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges that farmers face. In general, though, CSAs are highly rewarding to take part in, because for every occasional bum box, you get many more that are virtually exploding with veggie goodness.

Find a CSA near you!

Farmers’ Markets: Usually open-air with individual stands from participating growers, farmers’ markets are a great way to connect with local producers. Not only is the produce usually more fresh than at a grocery store, but you can talk to the farmer about his or her growing practices: whether they use chemical sprays, genetically modified seeds, that sort of thing. These days, more and more farmers’ markets are mixed with organic and conventional growers, though some are now exclusively organic.

Farmers’ markets are usually held once or twice a week, from late spring through early fall, though those in milder climates can run year-round, and they tend to be bustling , dynamic places. As opposed to a CSA share, at a farmers’ market, you have control over everything you purchase. Combining a CSA share with a trip to a farmers’ market should offer you most of what you need in terms of produce.

Find a farmers’ market near you!

Roadside Stands: Often either stands near the farm, or sometimes sold from the back of a truck, like farmers’ markets, roadside stands offer you the opportunity to talk to growers or farm workers about how their produce is grown. Also, even if the produce isn't certified organic, sometimes its transitional (the interim stage before once-conventional farms become certified) and other times it simply isn't certified. Keep in mind that buying local conventional produce is less environmentally damaging and more fresh than buying organic out-of-season fruits and vegetables that have traveled many miles to your grocery store.

U-Picks: A U-Pick is a farm that is open to the public during the harvest season. These are often single-item farms, and they offer apples, strawberries, pumpkins and a variety of other fruits. As the name implies, U-Picks offer you the chance to feel like a farmer for an afternoon and actually choose and pluck your own fruit.

Find a directory of local, independent produce purveyors!

Now, what do you do with all the gorgeous produce you pick up? I've put together some recipes to help you eat your way through the summer bounty.

Carrot-Cuke-Beet Juice
Big Ol' Salad
Lemon-Parsley Dressing
Cool-Me-Down Gazpacho
Veggie Shish Kebabs with Savory Marinade
The Ultimate Blueberry Pie