Adventures in Local Food IV

LThe aforementioned "it" is the fact that I have four weeks' worth of beets in the crisper. Ok, beets aren't the best example, in fact, I kept a supply of beets on hand all winter so I could make borscht (now a new favorite, over even potato soup!). But it's too hot for borscht ... but I think I've found "the" recipe for my beets, supplemented with potatoes that I purchased at the downtown Wednesday City Market. I also have to report one casualty: I lost one little batch of lettuce greens because they were pushed too far back into the refrigerator and I did not see them in time. The good news is that they will become compost and feed next year's garden.

I feel confident putting scraps from Homestead Growers' produce in my compost: they don't use chemicals on their farm, according to Anita Spencer. Even if Anita didn't tell me this, I would have suspected as much because of the little holes I observed on the beet leaves. I am not a big fan of some insects, but I have a high tolerance for imperfections on my produce. In fact, I am highly suspicious of perfect __________ (whatever produce sold in the grocery store that has traveled untold miles and endured unknown chemical baths).

Speaking of chemical baths, Wednesday, I returned to the office from the downtown Farmers' Market with a couple of my bosses. They know of my "green," unapologetic tree-hugger tendencies, so they were quick to inform me that they did not buy corn from a particular vendor because they found caterpillars on the kernals when they pulled away the ear leaves. The vendor, in his defense, said he did not spray. In their defense, they are not ready to compete with caterpillars for their fresh market produce. At least the corn they did buy did not travel 1,500 miles ... many, many steps in the right direction!

Meanwhile, I asked Anita about that corn. She said that for a farmer to achieve caterpillar-free corn, they must spray every 24 to 36 hours. I need to find that farmer so I can buy some corn (and a few caterpillars) from him! It may cost a little more, but worth it. And speaking of cost, Anita said a farmers' market customer returned the green beans he purchased from her because they cost $.50 more per pound than another vendor. She tried to explain that she handpicked those green beans and that no chemicals had been sprayed on them. The man was unconvinced, she returned his money.

At what point do we begin to look at the true costs of our food decisions? I pay more for my food ... yet I don't earn lots of money, so instead of shopping for clothes, DVDs, CDs, and electronics, I use my money to support a local food economy. I am convinced that that one decision pays off in excellent health.

... time to eat ... and I had better make a thorough check of the refrigerator!

Meanwhile, if you are up for a few food adventures, check out Homestead Growers at http://www.homestead-growers.com/CSA.html ... they just announced that they are taking on a few new customers, as is Center Valley Organic Farm, http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M116.