Introduction

Local Greens is a not for profit organisation that supplies discerning people in Herne Hill, Dulwich, Brixton and Camberwell with fresh, tasty organic or spray-free vegetables from farms as local to South East London as possible. Favourably priced compared with other less local schemes, they offer a choice of small or standard sized bags with or without potatoes, and because they are not for profit they are able to pay the farmers a proper price for all their dedication and hard work. Producers and consumers all get a good deal, and I suppose the four lovely people that run the thing (and the many volunteers that help) have to make do with the lovely, warm, fuzzy feeling they get deep inside by knowing they're doing some good for their fellow citizens. Everyone, then, is a winner. 

I joined up in May 2012 and have been impressed by both the standard and generosity of veg - my rucksack often groans under the weight as I cycle from the collection point near where I work in Brixton to my home in Croydon. And that's only a small bag.

The variety is also excellent. There are six or seven different veggies each week, and well as the regular staples such as onions, carrots and tommies (when in season!), there is usually something a bit different such as cavolo nero or red kuri squash. I have fond memories of some beautiful rainbow chard, and not so fond memories of my first attempt at cooking a globe artichoke, which I'm sure I didn't do justice to.

Over the next little while (and maybe longer if I have fun) I'm going to chart the life of a Local Greens bag. Starting on Tuesday when the email arrives reporting what will be in the bag, continuing through Thursday when I collect it, and on until I've used all of it up, I'll document my adventures with veg. The only thing I know in advance about the bag: there will be swede! (See: www.localgreens.org.uk/redeem-swede-contest-registration)

Some important points to get out of the way from the off:

• I used to be vegan but I rebounded really hard. I now eat lots of meat and fish, unapologetically;
• I am nowhere near professional standard but I do like to have a go and try new things; 
• I never know what I'm having for dinner until a couple of hours before. I don't do a week's or a month's worth of shopping in one go., I shop every evening on my way home from work and buy what I fancy at the time. The veg bag helps give a bit of focus; 
• I listen to Radio 4 while I'm cooking; whether or not this affects the flavour of the food is impossible to say. 
• I'm not much of a measurer, but when writing recipes I'll try and avoid such ambiguities as 'a bit of flour' or 'some lentils'. But I can't promise. 

I'll be back on Tuesday, after I've received the weekly email from Local Greens telling me what to expect. If by chance you happen to read this, happen to live or work in the middle bit of South London and aren't already a member, have a look at www.localgreens.org.uk and sign up for your weekly bag.