Posts Tagged ‘local food’

I was recently flipping through David Suzuki's Green Guide when I came across a section titled "An Apple's Ecological Footprint." Still feasting on what's left from the height of Canada's apple season, I always have these little round bits of crisp deliciousness on my mind. So naturally, I had to stop and read it.

In his Green Guide, Suzuki explains in layman's terms the ecological footprint of an imported apple. It obviously doesn't take much to imagine how many resources growing, transporting and assuring freshness of an apple takes. But what really made me stop and think was the idea that anyone here in Canada could purchase an imported apple. Take one of my favourite apples, the perfectly tart Empire apple - a cross between the yummy McIntosh and sometimes-too-sweet Red Delicious. When I bite into one of these apples that came right from my backyard (better known as Ontario), my taste buds sing with satisfaction.

Snacking on apples aren't the only joy I get from these Canadian gems, I also enjoy baking with them. Some favourite apple treats of mine are apple pie, apple muffins and apple crumble.

Currently, I'm lamenting over the fact that Canadian apples will soon be hard to come by until fall. Sigh.

Apple trivia: Did you know that the apple tree originated in Central Asia? Also, there are over 7,500 recorded varieties of apples.

I had put the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver, on hold at the library when I first read about it, and it finally arrived the other week. I must say, I'm enjoying the book thoroughly.

I've never read a book by Kingsolver, but have always heard such great things about her novels. This book differs from her others, as it's a nonfiction narrative, but the language and stories are written beautifully.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is about the Kingsolver family's move from city life to rural life ... and their vow to only buy food that is raised or grown by their neighbours or themselves. If someone in the family craves something that is out of season, it's tough luck, they have to learn to live without.

In her book, Kingsolver puts great emphasis on the importance of the kitchen table as a place where the family can come together. Whether because of cooking or preserving an in-season ingredient, lamenting over the food they can no longer enjoy (due to their vow) or to sit down and enjoy the fruits of their labour – the kitchen table truly is the centre of the family.

The book also includes passages written by Kingsolver's daughter, Camille. They offer insightful tidbits and tips about a certain ingredient, among other things. There are also ample recipes to add to your cooking regimen.

My favourite part of the book is when Kingsolver talks about making her own cheese. I can't believe how simple she makes it sound. I'm honestly intending to give it a go, with her guidance, of course. I can't imagine have homemade cheese!! I'll keep you posted.

I highly recommend this read to anyone who cares about where we get our food and anyone who loves food ... or simply someone who is looking for a great, insightful read.

Has anyone read this book? Has anyone made homemade cheese? Fill me in!

Speaking of books, we have a contest running on our forums right now. Visit our forums to find out how you can win a new novel.

We all know by now the importance of buying local food. It doesn't travel as far, which means less emissions than foods shipped from far-off lands. It also means supporting local farmers and helping them protect vanishing green space. And, of course, we get fresher produce.

You know what else will thank you for supporting local farmers? Your taste buds. For me, there is nothing like biting into sweet, Ontario corn on the cob or a local, juicy peach. I forget what these (more...)