Do you order veg boxes?

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They seem really popular at the moment for obvious reasons, and I’m toying with the idea of ordering one myself. For those that have used them, are they a good idea or do you feel sort of pressurised to plan your meals around the contents of them? I hate food waste so wouldn’t like to throw anything away.

We get them from time to time, so not weekly or anything but we have had one in lockdown so far and another next week. We are happy to make batch soups so that takes away a bit of waste worry, but as long as you aren’t too fussy about what veg you use for things I think they are excellent. Ours usually has a certain amount of staples such as onion, potato and carrots and then a bit of variety so the last box was swede, cabbage, parsnip and broccoli and the one before had leeks, cauliflower and courgette. It’s plumped up risottos, beef mince dishes such as bolognaise and cottage pie and curries, plus made some tasty sides. If you are happy to be a bit flexible with what goes with things certainly ours are good quality and good value and I like the surprise.

If you don't mind trying new things, they can be great

We have discovered kale crisps are yummy (genuinely) which I'd never have known without a veg box

I got one when we were in 2 weeks isolation, and it was about the only thing that kept us going for 2 weeks (I also got bread and milk with my veg box).

However, since then, I haven't. Partly because it wasnt the right balance of stuff for us. Partly because tesco is pretty well stocked now. And partly to leave the spaces for those who cant get to the supermarket.

We use a company which only delivers within the M25. You can order a fruit and veg box which might give you veg you wouldn’t necessarily order. You can also select and order your own choice. The fruit and veg have so far been excellent quality and very fresh. We had never had a veg box before the lockdown but I’m inclined to continue if , and when, the lockdown is lifted.

We are part of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme where you get a weekly vegetable box. It's a bit different from just buying a vegetable box in that you generally have a labour requirement where you help out at the farm a few days a season. But inherently, it's a weekly veg box!

I love that it's seasonal and in turn with the weather patterns. Some people reckon it's hard to plan around but I actually find it limits my choice with meal planning and makes the task easier. DH is a bit of a veg avoider but he has eaten a ton more veg since we signed up because we have a connection to the farmer.

The way I plan my meals around them is I start with my veg box list. Then I decide what meal I'll be using them with. E.g. this week we have:

White Russian kale- Indian curry
Swiss chard- Thai green curry
Salad mix- side salads for pasta, gallettes and veggie burger
Leek- potato, leek and goats cheese and potato galettes
Spinach- spinach and ricotta pasta
Radishes- with salads + stir fry
Carrots- roasted carrot soup for lunch

It helps to be realistic and plan for what you this you might waste. Soups, pastas and stir fry are great for using up veg, but you can also blanch or roast and then freeze veg or pickle it.

Space- your meals sound delicious! I have to admit, the variety element of the boxes does appeal as I do find that I tend to repeat buy the same veg in the supermarkets.