Kat S.
Yelp
With so many CSAs in Portland, why on earth would you venture out to Helvetia? Because it's truly the best, and worth the 20 minute drive from downtown Portland.
After having been a member of several other CSAs in New York City and Australia, I can say with confidence that Stoneboat is truly as good as it gets. The owners, Jesse and Aaron Nichols are brothers who bring a tremendous amount of varied experience to their farm which emphasizes sustainable growing practices. (While not yet certified organic, they practice entirely organic methods of agriculture.) Stoneboat is the epitome of excellence in small farming - innovative practices to make the most of the season, as well as utilizing old world wisdom and husbandry, such as using draft horses for many tasks that would otherwise require use of their tractor. They are also vibrantly creative and passionate about what they do, which is infectious to their customers. Even their CSA highlights their creativity - each week, they put something fun and unexpected in, from dried smoked chilis to dehydrated hibiscus flowers. Their vegetables are always beautiful, clean and as fresh as they come. Each week, they send out a recipe to use their widely varied produce, and as Aaron is a chef, the recipes are pretty darn delish. They also raise heritage and standard turkeys, although I have yet to purchase one (but I am sure they will be wonderful.) If you're looking for a CSA, I couldn't recommend them more highly. If you're not, be sure to check them out at either of the Hillsboro Farmer's markets.
Things I love:
- Sustainable growing practices
- Draft horses to do some of the work of tractors
- Thorough attention to detail, from making sure the produce is clean to a thoughtful weekly update to the customers letting them know the goings on on the farm as well as a recipe to use the produce.
- Creative and unusual vegetables balanced with the old favorites
- The sweetest guardian dogs in town (although I'm sure they think they're very tough)
- Partners with Adelante Mujeres, a Forest Grove nonprofit, to help educate immigrant farmers to grow organically and sell their produce locally
- I'm sure I'm missing hundreds of other things to love, but these are the highlights that come most easily to mind.
Things I don't love:
- For once, I'm at a loss for words!