Well, they’re on their way. If you want local greens (which we know are the best and most delicious!) then you have to wait a bit longer unless you can get greenhouse or hydroponic leafy greens. This spring has been a bit difficult for our local St. Louis area farmers. I love my greens in a variety of ways. Sometimes I just wash them and toss them into a salad, other greens are best cooked (collards should always be cooked, kale and spinach can go either way).
For cooking you can saute your greens in a bit of olive oil, or you can quick boil them (toss into boiling water for just a minute or two, rarely more – then remove). Steaming is also an option. The less you cook your greens, the more they will retain their nutrients and healthful goodness!
I haven’t had a chance to try this recipe yet, but you can check out A Veggie Venture from another St. Louis blogger, Alanna Kellogg, for a delicious looking recipe with greens and pasta, all cooked in one pot (I love simplicity!).
Local food, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
- fresh!
- delicious
- support local farmers
- lower carbon footprint
So what’s the deal with local food? Many outspoken food experts have chimed in on this topic. Marion Nestle, PhD at NYU, has basically said that local, organic food is your best option, followed by local, then by organic and so on down the road. Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and numerous articles, is also a big fan of locally produced foods.
Let me explain in a bit more details why local food is good. Much of the food in the average American’s diet has traveled over 1000 miles!!! Food that’s fresher tastes better, and food can’t possibly be as fresh after traveling 1000 miles than if it comes from say 100 miles of your home.
Then there are gas prices! When you pay for food to be shipped, it has to use gas to get to you. One reason food prices are increasing have to do with fuel prices. If every person on this planet tried to eat food from 1000 miles we couldn’t sustain ourselves! Eating locally is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support local farmers! There are still small and mid-sized family farms out there. They put so much effort and love into growing this food for you, support them! You’re also more likely to find some really delicious foods that you won’t find at your local grocery store (think heirloom tomatoes!).
I’ve joined a CSA – Community Shared Agriculture – where I have basically purchased a share of farmers’ crops. So far it has been delicious! Chicken, cheese, bread, peanut butter, pancake mix, lettuce and it’s only going to get better as the growing season develops! So check out a CSA or local Farmers’ Market today!
ps – I’m a member of Fair Shares CSA
