Siena Farms

We’ve been CSA members for a few years now, but will not be renewing. We somehow got past the summer of eggplant (and I know a LOT of ways to cook eggplant), the fall/​winter of parsnips and turnips (half a box of them every week), and the spring pantry share this year with no pantry goodies.
The breaking point came this summer, when we got a total of six tomatoes. Six. And I can even get past that, except for the fact that I walk by their farmers’ market stall week after week to see piles of tomatoes for sale. Even better, they offer a tomato-​only share for members that pay extra. I’m sorry, but if you’re not harvesting enough tomato to provide more than six over a 12-​week period to your regular shareholders, do not offer a tomato-​only share. It’s simply not how business should be done, and is especially unfair to four-​season members that pay in full months in advance to support your operation.
I know farming is hard work, and I feel good to have supported other local meat and veggie farms. However, Siena Farms is the only one I’ve encountered that puts profits above their shareholders. Not recommended.

I go to their Copley farmer’s market stall once or twice a week and I love them. Their seasonal veggies are always so flavorful and rich in color — it’s hard to go back to supermarket veggies once you get used to them. And also clean! While on the pricey side, their pre-​paid CSA cards provide a great discount so make up for that. The farm says that they are pesticide free — I believe it as their produce does not look unnaturally perfect. Rather, they look like the «organic» veggies that my grandma used to grow in her backyard :) Best during the summer to go in the morning. Also they sell Sofra bakery goods… expensive but dangerously delicious!!!

Siena Farms has a large stall at Copley square farmers market on Tuesdays & Fridays. It promotes the Soffra bakery & Spice cookbooks. I went there to buy a watermelon. There was no price on it but it was small, a bit smaller than a football so I didn’t expect it to be expensive. When I got to he register I was charged $ 9! It was 4.5lbs & really poor quality. I paid for it because I didn’t want to make a scene, but when I cut ino it, it was a dehydrated, shrivelled up disappointment that cost me $ 2/​lb. I got stung!

I am a fan due to the fact that this is a completely pesticide free farm. It is in a charming location with free roaming chickens and farmers working here and there. Everyone is extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgable. I have been a member of their CSA this season and have been pretty happy about it. The large tomatoes haven’t been to most desirable, but all of the other veggies have been delicious and lovely. I was expecting to get sweet corn and more potatoes, but other than that I am happy most weeks when I open the box. I love supporting local agriculture.