SOMETHING IMPORTANT

For a long time now, seasonal cooking has been something that is important to many. We have long since forgotten what it was like to not have every vegetable at our disposal at any point throughout the year. Some people forget that not that long ago, refrigeration was something that most families couldn't afford.

So how in the world did we ever get by without these modern conveniences? What happened to the good ol' days? What happened to preserving produce when it was in season so it could be enjoyed in the darker cold months when the sun wasn't hibernating?

Maybe we just forgot.

Or.....we rely on less than savory practices to provide us with the things we love so much throughout the year. These products generally aren't that good, but they seem to always remind us of the warmer months. It's always hard to let go of the sunshine time, especially in the long and arduous winter we often face in Cleveland.

Is it worth it?

The March 2009 issue of Gourmet magazine recently published an article entitled: Politics of the Plate-The Price of Tomatoes. This article is extremely informative, especially for all soccer moms that thought those tomatoes their children eat just fall from the sky. The disconnect between product and plate in this country is amazing, as I'm sure most of you are well aware(I hope).

This article shows exactly what goes on in certain circles to provide us , as consumers, with product that isn't really of the best quality. This is just done to provide the consumer with something that they feel is necessary for them to have year round.

Is it? At what expense?

Immigrants have to live in worse than ideal(that's putting it lightly) conditions. These men are oft abused by those that promised to make their lives so much better. I know that in this country we often turn a blind eye to such practices, but it's time to understand that purchasing goods out of season can even affect the quality of life for some people.

So, what should you the consumer do? First of all, educate yourself better about products that are seasonal. It's time to help the environment and your fellow man.

Think about how much you and your children can learn. Gardening is a great experience for families.

What if I can't garden? You can always grow tomatoes indoors. You can even make it a party.......when you jar up all those tomatoes that you can't eat immediately. As soon as you start, you can't stop....like Pringles!!!

I know that sometimes it's hard to make an impact. There is no excuse not to buy and /or grow tomatoes when they are in season. This helps just a little. It helps, on a small scale, to ensure that men are not being forced to live in the worst conditions just to pick something that is barely edible in the 1st place.


DON'T BUY TOMATOES THAT COME FROM FLORIDA WHEN THEY ARE OUT OF SEASON!!!
THIS IS JUST COMPOUNDING AN ALREADY HORRIBLE SITUATION!!!!


For more on how to make an impact, check out a website that I hold incredibly dear : River Cottage. Hugh has made a huge difference for me, and hopefully for you as well!

Please comment if this post meant anything to you!!!!!