Since I took a picture last week of my grocery store trip and so many of you seemed to enjoy it, I decided to take a picture of this week’s Azure Standard order for you.
The stinky part about sharing this is that not all of you have the option of ordering from Azure Standard. :( I feel very blessed that they deliver to Nebraska, especially since I have very few options in my small town for organic food. Plus, Azure’s prices are amazing! (Read this post to learn more about Azure Standard and to see if they deliver in your area.)
This month, I ordered loads of fresh produce, a case of white cheddar cheese, and five pound bags of frozen green beans and peas. We got a 20 pound box of organic braeburn apples, plus a 20 pound box of pink ladies. There will be no limits on apples eaten for snacks at our house!
Asa makes a mean Homemade Guacamole, so the avocados I got will be handed to him in a few days to make us some dip. I got a lovely two pound bag of kiwi, some lettuce, leeks, and tomatoes. Aahhhh, so many delicious options for my family!
Now, let me explain my crazyness bulk potato purchase. You see, last month I ordered 50 pounds of potatoes but they didn’t come in. So what did I do this month? I ordered two different varieties of 50 pound potato options, hoping that this would ensure that we’d get at least one 50 pound box of potatoes. Both were good deals, both were organic.
And what do you think happened? Both varieties of potatoes arrived on the truck. I now have 100 pounds of potatoes in my kitchen. (50 russet and 50 yellow)
What will I do with 100 pounds of potatoes? Well, feed them to my family, of course. I’ll make French fries and baked potatoes and mashed potatoes and hashbrowns for the freezer. In addition, I will likely bag some of them up, drive around town, and deliver them to some of my friends. Nothing says “I treasure our friendship” like the gift of a bag of potatoes, right?
Oh how my friends must roll their eyes at me.
We plan to get a good start on the potatoes tomorrow since it is Justus’ 13th birthday and he has ordered homemade fries to go with our lunch. I gasped when he first requested this, asking if he thought this was a wise choice, seeing as we only had 100 pounds of potatoes to get us through the month.
He smiled, because he’s sweet. But I’m pretty sure inside, he was rolling his eyes too. On second thought, he may have really been calculating how many potatoes we really could eat tomorrow since there was no need to hold back.
Think of me tomorrow. I may be slicing two hours worth of potatoes into French fries at lunchtime. ;)
Do you have the privilege of ordering from Azure Standard? Are you a part of a different food co-op? What would you do with one hundred pounds of potatoes?
Dawn Shaver says
Ha ha! I can see my husband laughing at me now if i did that. Apart from the things that you mentioned we love to eat shepherd’s pie from leftover mashed potatoes. I would also probably try to make some make ahead mashed potatoes and freeze them. Of course, hasbrowns for breakfast and potato soup would be on future menus!
Laura says
Yes, potato soup! How could I forget!? :)
Brandy says
I would like to thank you for introducing me to Azure. I learned of them from your blog a few years ago and contacted them. They didn’t have a drop site in our area at them time but told me that they would contact me if they ever did. I was so disappointed. We’ll I got the call I’d dreamed about last March telling me that Azure was looking to come to my area and they wanted ME to be the drop manager. I took the opportunity and haven’t looked back. Thanks again for the great blog! My community is loving AZURE…and I am so thankful to have the privilege to serve as drop manager and to buy great products from a great company!
Laura says
Awesome – I love how they keep expanding!
Linda says
That’s exactly like my story, Brandy! Our drop started last January so we’ve been ordering for just over a year now, and I, also, am the drop manager :) We are so grateful for their great products and great customer service! Thanks Heavenly Homemakers!!!
Linda in Las Cruces, NM
Tiffany says
same here! I live in Memphis TN and I read about them on a blog about 5 years ago. and now they come out here and I created a very successful drop point. I LOVE azure. I spend a pretty penny with them each month.
Kristi says
I made a really yummy loaded baked potato soup yesterday.
Angelia says
You can slice them up with a food processor and them dehydrate them. At least you have many options to use them…Good Luck!
Laura says
Ooh, good idea!
Shannon says
If you can keep the potatoes in a cool dry place they will keep for months!
Jaclyn says
We just discovered this recipe: http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2011/02/twice-baked-taco-potatoes.html
LOVE it!!! I would think it could freeze well, but we have not had any leftovers! I was thinking next time I make them to mash up some kidney beans with the mixture and add a little less meat since our organic beef is running out… :-(
tealady3 says
O I can’t wait until tomorrow we are having twice baked taco potatoes.
thank-you Jaclyn.
Jaclyn says
OH, and I think I have heard (Alton Brown, maybe?) if you bury them in dirt and store in a cool place they keep a LONG time and do not grow eyes!
Wendy says
I love Azure! I just ordered and received 50lbs of organic russets and wasn’t sure what I was going to do with that many since I don’t normally keep that much on hand, I can’t imagine 100 lbs! I think all of your ideas are right on and since the weather is still cool they should keep pretty well.
kali says
Oh my, you need a Bosch! My Bosch has an attachment that cuts up my fries its so fast and perfect I just wash my potatoes and put then through cause we love the skin:-) Love your site:-)
Marleena A says
Azure delivers to two different cities within 30 miles of me and I have numerous friends from church who order from them then share what they oredered with each other. They have asked me if I want to join them but so far I haven’t maybe in the future I’ll give them a try.
Idea for how to use all those potatoes – how about Homemade Potato Chips. Baked of course.
Lisa says
We have the privilege in our area of getting a weekly Azure Standard delivery instead of monthly. It’s really nice! There is also a new food co-op in our area called Bountiful Baskets. They have a standard basket with 50% veggies, 50% fruit and then you can also order different add-ons like breads and things like that. I just found out about them and will be picking up my first basket this Saturday. I’m excited to see how it turns out!
Andrea says
I ordered potatoes to Alaska from Azure today. Only ten pounds though. ;) I love getting Azure too. Such a blessing. They are improving their system to to only allow orders of things currently in stock, but I played honey roulette all last year afraid to order more than one type of honey and end up with several gallons but getting none each month!
abbie says
I made my first azure order! Here in Arkansas we have awesome farmers market and local produce, we have our own chickens, goats, and other animals. We also have an awesome health food store! But i was AMAZED at prices from Azure. I prefer spectrum palm shortening and was able to get it nearly 3 dollars cheaper per container! Also got i got 20 lbs of apples way cheaper that way. Peas, thought i was buying sucanat but it was actually evaporated cane sugar not sure bout it? Wheat, kamut, spelt, flour( didn’t come in) then peas, oats, dried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, aluminum free baking powder, was AMAZED at the reasonable prices. I will continue ordering from them!
Erin S says
Sucanat is a registered trademark and essentially the same thing as evaporated cane juice. I just received some in my order this month too.
Erin S says
I meant evaporated cane sugar (which is still all the same, I think).
Laura says
Actually, I made the mistake of ordering evaporated cane juice once, and it was different from sucanat. Sucanat is DEHYDRATED cane juice, and there is a little difference.
On the other hand (just to make this really confusing) the Rapunzel brand of whole cane sugar is sucanat, and it’s defined as “evaporated cane sugar”. Grr. How are we to know?! :)
Jen says
I actually order both Sucanat and Evaporated Cane Sugar. They are different. Sucanat is darker brow, and less refined than Evaporated Cane Sugar. I prefer Sucanat for my coffee and baking, but the Evaporated Cane Sugar works better for making Kombucha.
Rachel E. says
That is a lot of potatoes! I’d buy some from you if I were next to you. :)
Jen F says
Laura, I clicked on the imaginary like button after reading this post! :) Blessings to you today!
Jolene says
HA! After reading your reply…I actually did look for a “LIKE” button….LOL…i need a facebook break!
Laura says
Funny thing…if you click on my post title, then scroll down to the bottom of the post, you will find a FB “like” button to click. I need to have my webmaster code it in to appear at the bottom of each post automatically. But I thought I’d let you know that, just in case you really, really wanted to hit “like”. :)
Jolene says
HA! Just “LIKED” it….LOL…thanks Laura!
Laura says
Hehehe :)
Wendy says
Yea! My kids (and me, who am I kidding?) love to get our Azure orders and unpack them! I am the drop point manager for our area and it is SO nice that it is so easy and efficient.
Did you know when you are checking out that you can request substitutions? For example, if you order the yellow potatoes and they aren’t available at the time of packing, you can ask for Azure to sub in the red ones, if you don’t mind those. It is under “special directions” in the check out process. You can do this with any of the products. FYI
Erin S says
Ooh, so good to know!
Heather says
Thanks! I didn’t know and I received no potatoes this month.
Heather T. says
So hoping they come to Wisconsin soon! They do now have midwest routes and go to the states around us but not WI. I have sent emails hope there are enough requests. The food all looks so good.
Gina says
I’m hoping they come to WI soon too! I called them up when Laura mentioned that they may be expanding their route to WI in April. Hope enough other people want it here as well.
Jolene says
They called me last week about getting a route here in WI….haven’t had a chance to call them back yet…where do you ladies live? Maybe we are close enough to get a route together…I am in Waukesha!
Gina says
I live in western Racine county about 5 minutes from Waukesha county.Maybe we can get a route together!
Heather T. says
I am in Baraboo so that is quite a ways for me, hope you two can get something going, I just got their books and there was a market study about expanding, so I called and got info to email
Rebecca says
We are in the Madison area and would love a drop anywhere in southern WI, east or west.I’d be willing to drive up to 90 min to do a pick up.
Heather says
I’ve moved further from you (now near Beloit) but would possibly be wanting to jump on if a drop was put together somewhere in SE/South Central WI. Keep me in mind if you find anything developing! My e-amail is fuerniss at hotmail. Thanks!
Sarah Jane says
I must confess to being a wee bit jealous of you. I’ve heard of Azure Standard before, but we live in MD and aren’t on their delivery route.
DonnaJ says
I am hoping Azure will expand into Mississippi, but they haven’t so far. I would love a gift of potatoes! I give folks eggs from our chickens! Our pastors wife loves the fresh eggs and frequently on Sunday mornings ~ we will leave a dozen on his office desk!
Katie says
I just learned about a drop about 45 min away. Do you mind telling what cheese you buy from them?
Laura says
Landmark raw white cheddar. :)
Kathleen K says
I, too, found Azure through you and am so glad I did. When we first moved to DFW, I had a very hard time finding organic foods other than at Whole Foods and their prices are outrageous! Azure began a route here shortly after and I’ve been a loyal buyer since. Last fall we got 50# of potatoes and stored them in a large cooler in the garage. Last month we finished them up! I usually order apples during the fall/winter, as well as all grains, dried beans, cheese, and so much more. Thank you!
Mary N. says
If you have the time to can some of the potatoes, they are so handy for quick stews etc. or open a jar and add frozen peas and add some white sauce for creamed potatoes and peas with a little onion added. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm. I have canned potatoes, carrots and celery together for quick stews. Very handy and less cooking time.
Gina says
Love seeing what you pick up! Until Azure comes to WI I’m trying to get as much as I can online and am off to try Trader Joes. They are about 45 minutes from us,but if they have good prices it will be worth a drive once a month or so or whenever we happen to be in the area. Also found a coop about an hour’s drive from me along with a place that sells honey reasonably and a Christian farm that has a farmstand selling organic produce so that could be a monthly trip option as well. We’ll see. I think this shopping will be simpler and more fun than my previous double couponing shopping,but first have to figure out all my sources and that is time consuming right now.
Elizabeth says
Gina – where are you getting your honey, and where is the Christian farm? I am also from WI and have been on the lookout for such items. Thanks!
Gina says
Well I don’t know where you are located,but the places I found are in Janesville area. The name of the farm is Amazing Grace farm and the honey is from Orlovsky Apiaries. Basics Cooperative is the coop in Janesville. Hope this helps! I am having a hard time finding stuff real close as well,but hopefully this will work for now. Oh and found another farm called Highcross Farm that is another Christian farm in Campbellsport which is a bit of a drive for us. They do CSA’s and deliver in deifferent areas,but are too pricey for us right now although it does seem they are willing to work with you.
Heather says
We just moved to Turtle (between Clinton and Beloit) so would LOVE any info on real food farms/co-ops and such that you can share. My resources are Milwaukee area and north and I’m just starting to search in this part of the state. My email is fuerniss at hotmail if you would be so kind! Thanks for any info you can pass on!
Rebecca says
We have a great honey farmer near Madison, wi, called Gentle Breeze Honey. They attend the same church as us and are amazing with their bees, doing prairie restoration and selling responsibly harvested raw honey.
Heather T. says
Seems that a lot of us are from WI and can’t wait until they come, they do have a midwest Azure facebook page.
Amy says
We are able to order from Azure Standard, also, and I just started ordering white wheat instead of just red for making rolls and pancakes–yum, and thanks for the suggestion! We also ordered a 20 lb box of apples this month, and they are oh-so-good!
Chelsea says
I’ve never ordered, but I have always wanted to! Truth be told, I’m intimidated by the bulk ordering. I have a small family (3 members) and we eat small portions, and we have somewhat limited storage in our townhouse. We do have whole foods stores, but they come with hefty price tags. Any thoughts? Should I go for it anyway?
Laura says
Actually, the beauty of Azure is that you can order a case of something, or you can just order one single unit. You can order 20 pounds of apples, or just 3 pounds. They have everything broken down into smaller packages for those who want/need smaller amounts. :)
Rashel says
I also order for Azure and I got 50lbs of potatoes last month! We have been eating a lot but not using them enough. I followed your link to your hashbrown recipe and I cannot wait to try that and have some potatoes in the freezer. Thank you for sharing!!
Blessings,
Rashel
Susan says
Still looking for something in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts – close to both Conn. and Mass.
Anyone know of any co-op where I can get bulk. I am putting in order to Zaycon foods – chicken (boneless/skinless) – $1.79 lb. Don’t know of anything else.
Laura,
Can you order stuff from Azure and they ship it to you – or you have to be on delivery route?
Susan
Laura says
You can order and have them ship it directly, but my understanding is that the shipping costs often negate the savings.
Heather says
Here is an option for organic foods but not as many bulk items.
http://www.greenpolkadotbox.com/
Danielle says
“Nothing says “I treasure our friendship” like the gift of a bag of potatoes, right?” Made me laugh! I’d love to receive a bag of potatoes!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Danielle
Jenn P. says
How far do most of you drive for your orders? I’ve been wanting to order, but the closest one is a little over an hour away. is that normal? Is it worth it?
Laura says
Some drive as far as an hour to pick up their order. Thankfully, I just have to drive about a mile. :) I would say that it is worth it if that is your only option. I would do it if it were me. :)
Sheryl says
I already use and love Redman pink salt. Would love to win the draw for Redman Paste.
Marilyn says
I found this very funny because I have considered doing that very same thing, only with apples. I am so grateful for Azure-best prices ever. It has really helped our grocery bill. What I appreciate the most is the great produce they offer.
Jen says
When I first read about Azure, they didn’t deliver to my area. I was SO EXCITED when they added a drop about 30 minutes away last January! We just got 20# of Honey Crisp apples… my husband’s favorite. Their prices on many, many items are outstanding! I used to pay $4 for a small bottle of organic mustard from the health food store. A while ago, I ordered a gallon of organic mustard from Azure for $13.00. We refill our smaller jar. A HUGE money saver! They also have great prices on gallon sizes of white wine vinegar and sesame oil, which I use to make homemade mayo. I also purchase grains and beans in bulk.
With 2 little boys, I go through a lot of oxygen bleach in my laundry, and they have a good price on a 50 pound box. So much cheaper than the little bottles I used to buy. I also buy hand soap and dish washing liquid in gallon size bottles and refill my smaller containers. They have great deals on a lot of non-food items, as well.
I do price compare with Trader Joe’s though, and have found several items to be cheaper there. We have one about 15 minutes away from my husband’s work, so he goes every 2 – 3 weeks.
Azure has been a great addition to my regular shopping sources, which include Trader Joe’s, local health food store, local farms, and a local organic delivery service (which brings raw milk and pastured eggs to my door every week!). I’m so thankful Azure expanded to my area.
Shannon Harrell says
Thanks for sharing. I am part of a co-op in/near Richmond, VA called Quail Cove Farms. I’m actually the drop house and we have approximately 15 or so people who order and pick up once a month. I order chicken, sausage, chorizo, butter, cheese, whole wheat tortillas, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, wheat, sucanat, coconut oil, THE best sweet potatoes in the world, and more I can’t think of. Friends go in together to help pay so we share the bulk. :) I think Quail Cove goes all over the VA eastern shore—the website is http://www.quailcovefarms.com which shows a map of their delivery area. Thanks!! Shannon
K Quinn says
I ordered an Azure catalogue after reading about them on your site. It’s big and I’m scared. They deliver here but we just haven’t made the jump yet. One day I’m sure. Keep talking them up.
Wendy says
I did the exact same thing with apples last month! Mine hadn’t come through the month before so I over ordered but we have really enjoyed them all! I since read that we can put in the comments section when we order through Azure if we’d like to sub an item if one isn’t in stock. Will definitely be making use of this in the future!
Denise Frederick says
I would make all the items you mentioned…potato soup…twice baked potatoes (they freeze beautifully…and make a wonderful side dish!)…maybe try some homemade potato chips ~~ perhaps fried in coconut oil (I love how beautifully CO fries things a lovely golden color!).
I don’t have azure here in upstate NY…but I do belong to a group called UNFI (United Natural Foods Inc.)…not as much “fresh” produce like Azure offers…but the Organic and Natural selections are VAST! :)
Michelle W. Flannery says
We live on a small farm, and have been moving toward a self-sustaining lifestyle for several years. As we move toward that goal, we are also incorporating more natural products into our daily lives. Homemade and naturally prepared health and beauty products are just as important to us as homegrown vegetables and grass-fed beef. I’d love to have the chance to try these products for free! Thank you.
Cindy D says
That is so funny that you ordered two 50lb bags! I almost did that with wheat this month after not getting any in last month’s order. I have been ordering from Azure for about a year and am so excited that I found it!! I will have to try out their frozen veggies after this spring/summer’s growing season (praying for big things from our garden). Good luck fining recipes for those potatoes! I would try any bbq meat on a baked potato. OK I only thought of that because that is what we are having for dinner :)
Jennifer Dunn says
I think that is amazing how you ended up with lots of taters to share with those you love!
Leah says
No Azure Standard in Central Florida. ::cries:: I have to drive all over town to find everything I need. I’m just thankful that our warm weather allows for lots of little farms all around that I can get wonderful fresh produce from.
Amanda Yoder says
I wish we could order from Azure Standard! looks amazing!
Angeline says
I live in Nebraska and I can only WISH to get my men hooked on natural toothpaste. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Dione says
Here in Western SD we are blessed to have Azure Standard deliver every 4 weeks. We also have a buying club that gets United Natural Food deliveries every 8 weeks. Bountiful Baskets is available every week. We are also blessed to have individuals who are able to bring in trucks of different fresh fruits when in season. Both Bountiful Baskets and Azure are opening new sites all over so if you are not blessed to have a drop at this time you may want to check then out and see if you can start one.
Dione says
Oh, as for potatoes, I get over 300lbs each fall of Yukon golds. They are just now starting to grow eyes. The few that are left will be what we plant this spring.
abbie says
Yes evaporated and dehydrated not the same but different sugar brands use different thing, well i am just saving it and il probably use it up but i definitely prefer sucanat so much i ran to the health food store and got some but hopefully they want be sold out again st order i really do love Azure!
Cheri says
Wow. 100 lbs. of potatoes?!! I thought the 3 lb. bag I had to get through was hard! lol Luckily, I raise mealworms for my chickens, so if I have any potatoes (or apples) that get too far gone for me to eat, I feed the mealworms, who feed the chickens, whose eggs I enjoy, so it all works out.
Heather says
I wouldn’t worry about the potatoes at all! Our family of 5 (three are very little) buys 150-200 pounds of potatoes from the farmer’s market in the fall before they close up. Then we eat on them as normal through the winter. And when they start to sprout and need to be used up I just plan a big processing day. I bake and shred some for hash browns, they go in bags in the freezer. Then I boil a huge pot of water and start cooking potatoes. When they are cooked I use a slotted spoon and pull them out into my HUGE stainless steel bowl. They are mashed with butter, milk and cream cheese, seasoned and then frozen for future meals. They reheat beautifully and are so good when all the fresh potatoes are gone and we miss them! And after batch after batch has cooked in that same water I leave the last ones in and have a super creamy potato soup as the water has so much starch from all the potatoes. To that I add lots of seasonings and such and we top with cheddar cheese, bacon, green onion and sour cream (or whatever we have of those items) and call it baked potato soup. So good!
Enjoy the spuds!
sage_brush says
A french fry cutter is a wonderful, life changing do-dad. So is an apple peeler. Being married to an apple pie lover for 32 years has raised my appreciation for the apple peeler to almost worshipful status. And I got mine for $14 at a local home goods store with a coupon. My french fry cutter was only $15!
We would have no problem handling 100 lbs. of potatoes. I usually grow at least that many every year – and after curing, they go down into the unheated part of the basement, along with apples and pears. They keep for months. Pumpkins go upstairs in the attic, as they seem to keep better where it’s drier.
Heather @ My Kansas Life says
I love your freezer hashbrown method. I use it all the time when my potatoes start to get eyes.
jill says
Well how funny is this? We didn’t get our potatoes last month either, so I have 50# coming. I almost ordered two different kinds like you, but at the last minute changed my order. Now, if my potatoes don’t come in this week, I’m flying to Nebraska and getting my share from you.
I’m in CA, southern, so I can get a lot of the produce fairly inexpensive at the local store, organic of course.
Well, let’s see, you can make freezer potatoes. I can’t wait, it’s so handy to open the door and see diced, hashbrowns and maybe even a potato casserole. Or french fries. All ready to toss into the oven. Or pan.
I will use my food processor for making the hashbrowns, it really speeds up the process.
I know this makes me a nerd, but I’m kind of jealous of all those potatoes.
Michelle says
Have you ever used the Pampered Chef potato slicer? You simply press down on it like you would an old fashion apple corer/slicer. It makes absolutely perfect french fries and takes no time at all. My son loves it so much that he carried it on a Boy Scout camping trip this weekend as he was the chef and had homemade french fries on his menu.
Michelle says
Forgot to add – I’m NOT a consultant for Pampered Chef so I’m not trying to sell anything. LOL.
Vilma says
Oh, I would love t o win this….thank you
Kristin says
Wow, I have trouble using a 5 lb bag of potatoes before they start sprouting eyes. Still cream of potato with leek soup with a side of cheddar chive biscuits sounds delicious on a cold winter day like today.
Hannah says
I’ve noticed people mentioning they process potatoes when they get eyes. Mine are beyond having eyes – are they not good to eat after they sprout? Can’t I just cut the emerging plant off and cook as usual?
LindseyforLaura@HHM says
You can just pop the eyes off, scrub them and cook them. :)
jill says
Okay, I won’t come pounding your door down. My potatoes showed up. Forgot, it was 100lbs. Although I gave 50 of it to my oldest daughter.
I’ve processed two bags today, freezer hash browns.
Haven’t decided what to do next. Although the 4 yr old helped me cook oven fries for dinner.