Nothing beats the taste of a fresh-grown tomato from a nearby farm, or an ear of corn boiled within hours of being picked. Unfortunately, we have to wait for warm weather to indulge in those natural luxuries, but we can prepare now by supporting local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share programs like the one offered at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights.

The list of fresh organic produce available at HHF extends far beyond tomatoes and corn to radishes, beets, spinach, zucchini, squash, potatoes, onions and peppers, as well as less traditional vegetables such as bok choy, purple-top turnips, scallions, kale, broccoli rabe and arugula.

With the farm’s subscription-style partnership, CSA members sign up early for weekly produce shares. In return for this commitment ($700 for a full share or $350 for a half share), members receive the freshest organic produce possible when it’s ripe.

“The full-share people come to the farm for 20 consecutive weeks and select the prearranged amounts from each vegetable bin,” explains HHF’s Tom McLoughlin. “The half-share folks come every other week for a total of 10 weeks. The organic crops are picked that morning, and our farm staff decides the allocation for each available crop. The weekly selections are then arranged farm-stand style, with signs designating the amount allowed per vegetable.”

There are 8 to 12 vegetables and herbs available for selection each week, McLoughlin says. CSA members usually leave with two bags of produce that will easily accommodate a family of four or more. The CSA season begins in June and ends in mid-October.

Shares are limited and sold out last year, so early application is encouraged. For more info, visit HilltopHanoverFarm.org or call 914-962-2368.