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Eat Fresh, Eat Local
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I've known for a while that eating fresh food that is locally grown with sustainable methods is both better for the environment and better for my health. I know also that it puts a fair wage into the hands of the farmer who grows that food. But until recently, I hadn't taken many steps to do anything with the knowledge I have. About a month ago, I purchased Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life as a splurge item in a bookstore. I began reading it that night and devoured every word. Immediately afterward, I dove into another book that has been on my list for a while: Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. Both books are excellent, and I highly recommend them. They help to explain why eating food that is in season, grown locally, and grown with sustainable farming makes a lot more sense than eating food that is days/weeks old (grown specifically to be able to withstand a cross-country trip in a refrigerated truck, not for taste), shipped in from thousands of miles away (lots of oil used up in transit), and grown with pesticides and mass planting (detrimental to the soil and to humans). Armed with more than I ever thought I'd want to know about food, I decided to make some changes in the way I eat. Nashville has a relatively big farmers' market within walking distance of my house. But quite a bit of the produce there is still shipped in from thousands of miles away. I decided I'd try out the weekly downtown farmers' market, which features "The BEST in local farm fresh products, including organic produce and flowers, free range eggs, grass fed meats, fresh artisan breads, organic naturally dyed clothing, handmade soaps and candles, and more!" After my first trip there, I came home with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, strawberry jam, tomato-basil-cheese, several varieties of squash, blackberries, raspberries, and some basil. Everything I purchased was locally grown and made, and nearly every dollar I spent went right into the hand of the farmer who grew and made it. The fun part was trying to figure out how to use up all the fruits, veggies, and herbs. I've never been much of a cook, but I've learned a lot in the past month. I've made two types of tasty berry desserts. I've made homemade pizza (including the crust) topped with squash and eggplant. I've made zucchini dish that was surprisingly good. And I've made a squash and rice combo that was a hit with company. I've since made several trips to the farmers' market near my house. But I'm more aware of what food is in season here in my area. I'm more inclined to ask questions about how that food is grown. And I'm more careful about which farmers I purchase from. I'm pretty sure my next step is to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). This is basically an agreement between a farmer and local customers, who pay a set amount each week (or month) in exchange for a specified share of whatever is in season. I've located several CSA farms in my city—the only trouble now is deciding which one to use…and then figuring how to cook and serve all that fresh food! Take some time this weekend to search for a CSA near you. Your tummy and the environment will thank you.
CommentsChelsea commented, on July 24, 2007 at 5 p.m.: For anyone who lives in the Sequatchie Valley there is what my family jokingly calls our "24-hour fruit stand" set up outside Ewtonville Baptist church. It is on HWY 127. Every time that I have bought produce from this stand it has been delicious! Sarah commented, on July 27, 2007 at 10:59 a.m.: ALso in Franklin there is a local Farmers Market that is there every Saturday morning from 8-12 behind the Factory in Franklin. they have local farmers, organic farmers and even local organic raised meat. Lori commented, on July 29, 2007 at 10:07 p.m.: We love the fresh, local, organic Whites Creek Farmers Market in the yard of Earthman's General Store near the intersection of Whites Creek Pike and Old Hickory Blvd., just a few minutes north of downtown Nashville. Stop by between 8 & noon every Saturday through October. If you spot a bald man with a goatee interacting with a 3-year-old boy begging for more green beans, squash, and tomatoes (or he might be running around with the farmers' kids), stop and chat. We also do the EcoGardens CSA and love it--they box your weekly produce according to your food preferences. LeighAnn commented, on February 26, 2008 at 11:18 a.m.: In Lafayette IN there is an amazing Farmers Market that is open May through October every tuesday,thursday and saturday. the best part for me is that it is literally out my front door in downtown Lafayette on 5th street, check it out! There is not only produce, but honey, breads, clothing, jewelry, and loads of other stuff! Post a commentYou must be a registered user to post comments. |
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Katherine commented, on July 20, 2007 at 7:33 p.m.:
For anyone who lives in the Franklin area, there's a market that sells fresh produce grown by a local Amish community down on Third Ave, just beyond the old cemetary. Also, if you work in Brentwood, you can stop by the produce stand next to the Shell station on the corner of Franklin Pk. and Old Hickory on your lunch hour, instead of doing fast food. Be sure to bring cash though, they DO NOT accept plastic!