Reviews for: Potomac Vegetable Farms

Been shopping from them for at least a few years now in Loudon County. The produce is always stellar, far superior to what I find in the grocery store in both appearance and taste. The staff, usually often only one person working his heart out, is always smiling. Most importantly I have learned that their practices are something I want to support. Like many, I don't go to the farmer's markets just to get good food, but to support good people!

I've been a member of the PVF-East CSA for 8 years now-first as a delivery-site member and now as a farm-pickup person-and the produce from this farm is without a doubt the best part of my summer (and fall). The produce is plentiful and the variety is great. With everything from root vegetable and squash to an amazing variety of Asian vegetable varieties that they grow as specialty items. Participating in a CSA is always a great way to build your cooking vocabulary, and the vegetables never disappoint. If you're a farm-pickup person, it can be a bit easier to help balance busy weeks when you have less time to cook by selecting items that are less perishable than green leafy vegetables. The winter squash and onions keep well if stored properly. Speaking of which, the weekly farm newsletter is a treasure trove of tips and recipes that will keep you inspired throughout the season, even if you're an old hand like me. I'm so looking forward to another summer of beautiful and local veggies!

We have been members of the PVF CSA for many years now, and the experience has reshaped the way we shop and eat - all for the good. PVF's variety has introduced us to new veggies and cooking methods, and we really miss those local vegetables when winter comes. The supermarket just can't compare! The PVF produce is not just ecoganic - it is plentiful, high quality, and comes with great variety. We can see it growing in the fields near the farm stand, and we have gotten to know the farmers. As a result, we don't take our veggies for granted anymore.

I have never joined a CSA before. This is because I don't like the idea of getting a basket of food I may not like. PVF is different. They have a market style CSA on certain days of the week. This allowed me to "shop" for what I wanted each week. It's like having your own farmer's market! I found the quality and variety wonderful - so wonderful, I came back for the fall CSA and winter CSA. And, I've already signed up for next summer's CSA.

I am lucky to live quite close to PVF in Vienna, and for many years was in the habit of shopping at the farmstand. But three years ago, when they started the market-style CSA program, I joined and it was a great decision. The variety and quality of products they include in the CSA are excellent, and this gives me a weekly supply for more of the year than their stand is open. Also, I like that they include products grown by some of their partner-farms, so there's more variety than just what they grow (e.g., some grains from Next Step Produce, and optional flower or bread shares). Everything is fresh and delicious, and I get to choose exactly what to bring home each week.

I've been a customer of PVF for many years. Their produce is superlative in both quality and taste. Their staff are courteous and always willing to help. My only problem with them is that they can't be open year-round, and it is disappointing to have to shop for out-of-area produce during the winter. However, I know the farm and the people need the break, so I reluctantly don't give them too hard of a time.

I love the fact that not only is the produce beautiful and tasty, but the farm itself is 'ecoganic' and everything they do also has the environment in mind. It's a win-win for everyone.

We are a family of 3 - two adults and a toddler. We had the regular share for 2010 both summer and fall shares. The size was just right for us. We chose to join a CSA mostly for the culinary challenge and to ensure we were getting our veggies.

I can't speak to the 2009 season, but I was pleased each week with our share. About every other week during the summer we got some sort of fruit (berries or melon) and that was a (sweet) surprise for me.

We will likely be joining again this year.

I first encountered Potomac Vegetable Farms as a customer at Arlington Farmers' Market 20 years ago. As many DC restateurs know, their produce stands out from the rest. As someone who likes to cook, much of my summer grocery list was bought on Saturday mornings from PVF. 13 years ago I moved to Loudoun County with my family, thinking I would have to leave the market --- and PVF -- behind.

But what do you know -- I had moved just miles from PVF West! In the years since I have subscribed to the CSA and even volunteered as extra labor on the farm and worked in the roadside stand. My relationship with the farm, its workers, and its vegetables is a close one. Ellen has really grown the farm since the early days; her blend of common sense practicality and idealism has yielded excellent results. She is constantly trying to improve the quality, the quantity and the variety of vegetables and keep CSA shareholders and marketgoers happy.

From the variety in the weekly shares to the information in the newsletter to the PVF collection of recipes -- PVF goes above and beyond.

I participated in the 2009 spring/summer season and was very disappointed in the shares. I do realize that the rainy start to the season was expected to affect the crops which was unpreventable. However, the reason why I was disappointed and will not participate in the Potomac Vegetable Farm CSA again is because of the crops they chose to provide. Many of the vegetables placed in my box were rotten beyond recognition. I would prefer to receive a small share due to weather conditions than receive a larger share full of rotten, mushy vegetables. I also received multiple bunches of herbs every week in my half share, which some people may find useful, but the majority ended up in my trash can. The recipes they provided were a nice touch in theory, but most of them required many ingredients (including the main vegetable/herb in the recipe) that were not even included in the share. For the amount of money that was spent, I would prefer to receive quality over quantity.

This was my first year doing a CSA and unfortunately I never got to try it because we moved across the country a week before it started! I was so disappointed however they were so easy to work with, super quick to communicate with, and was just a pleasure to do business with. They get an A+ in customer service.

I joined the Potomac Vegetable Farms CSA this year as a newbie, and just two shares have convinced me that I want to be a member forever! Fresh organic greens and eggs just miles from Washington DC! Retrieving my share is a joy, and their informative newsletter each week posts photos of the produce and recipies for cooking them.

Joining Potomac Vegetable Farms' CSA is one of the best things I have ever done. I could not be happier.

Thank you to everyone at Potomac Vegetable Farms!

We learned everything we know from Ellen, and know that if we ever have a farming question she's the one to ask. Great people, great produce.