It's been forever since I have written! Busy, happy summer and busy, happy move to Colorado has left little time to write. I'm hoping to be more diligent now that I'm settled...I have so many new things to share!
Colorado has brought many great new things, one of them being the large amount of local organic farms in the area and the community's deep passion to eat locally. I have been lucky enough to volunteer at a local organic farm 2-3 times a week since I have been here and it has really opened my eyes to the importance of growing your own food and eating locally and seasonally. This value was first made clear to me in Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"; a book that has completely changed my life and way of thinking (sounds cliche, I know, but it's true!). Now with all that I have learned through farming too, this way of life and way of eating is the only thing that makes sense.
So how does one eat locally and seasonally? Seems like a pain but it's really just a little more effort and awareness. The key is research, research, research and plan, plan, plan.
1) Farmer's markets are everywhere now and by shopping at a farmer's market you can guarantee what you are eating is local AND seasonal. Some stay open during the winter also!
2) Research your local farms and stop by their farm stands to pick up your veggies, eggs, milk, and sometimes meat for the week. Joining a CSA during the spring-fall season is a great option too! Many farms will also allow you to trade volunteering for vegetables.
3) Train your self to cook meals based on what is in season. You won't be eating strawberry pie while watching college football games in the fall or fresh brushetta with Christmas dinner but you will get to enjoy that season's own seasonal and delicious food.
4) Understand that you aren't going to be eating those delicious exotic fruits and foods as often. It is an adjustment if you are used to eating kiwi for breakfast every morning but when you realizes the amount of emissions created by that one kiwi and how those emissions are effecting the earth, the kiwi probably won't taste as sweet.
5) Look for farm to table restaurants in your area...a ton are popping up everywhere allowing you to get away from the stove and enjoy a night out sticking with your "eating local" values!
6) When you do buy non-regional products make sure they are labeled "fair trade" ensuring fair compensation and treatment of the farmers and workers who grow these products for our enjoyment.
7) Eat whole, non processed foods. It is easier to ensure local ingredients when you are eating a squash as opposed to over-processed foods with 10 or more ingredients. Not to mention whole foods are a billion times healthier for your body! It is fun being challenged to use new seasonal ingredients that you are not used to cooking. It will expand your pallet and your cooking skills.
We have become a culture so accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it and it's time to step back and simplify. There is something so beautiful to understanding how the Earth grows different nutrients for us in each season to sustain us and keep us nourished. It is also time to start to take notice of what we are eating and where it is coming from and stop ignoring the harm industrialized agriculture is putting on our communities, our health, and our Earth. Eat Local!
