Eat Fresh, Eat Local

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 Omnivores 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.