We’ve heard from many of you that meat and poultry are the biggest challenges to really eating local for your families. You know the farms are out there, but where? One of the best guides we’ve seen to local farms committed to grass-based production of meat, poultry and dairy products has just been updated and is available, both in a searchable online version and in hard copy, from Future Harvest – A Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (Future Harvest – CASA). The Amazing Grazing Directory features 62 farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, with information about what they offer, how you can order or where you can find the products, and contact information including web sites, emails, and phone numbers. The really great news is that there are 19 more producers in this version than in the first one, published in 2002. Check it out and let us know about your adventures in sourcing meat you can feel good about. http://www.futureharvestcasa.org/amazing.html
Test the Taste
See for yourself why so many people would rather eat local food! Nutritional benefits aside, we're betting you'll find the taste of fresh, ripe, local food is much better than typical grocery store stuff. Conducting a taste test is also fun, and provides a great premise for a cocktail party or dinner. Just buy different varieties of fruits, veggies, eggs, sausages or even steaks; keep track of which is which (but don't tell anybody!); then have your friends and relatives eat away! Over dessert, see how the local fare measures up.
Kids Love Crudites (“krew-dee-tay")
Let’s face it: a lot of children complain about eating vegetables. Sad to think the fresh local veggies from the farmers’ market might not make it into their bellies.
Crudités to the rescue! Otherwise known as diced and sliced raw vegetables, crudités provide an easy way to get some nutrients into our kids. Typically, a crudités selection might include radishes, carrots, cukes, peppers or cherry tomatoes, but try anything you like! A farmer Kristi knows swears by raw okra, and her five-year-old loves raw kale.
Children love the crunch and firm consistency of raw veggies. By asking bigger kids to help cut, and smaller ones to arrange the veggies on a pretty platter, you can include them in meal preparation -- and beautify their table. To add a little drama, sprinkle crushed ice on the pieces to keep them fresh, just like restaurants do. (Kids always love playing with ice!) The attractive presentation and their involvement both increase the chances they’ll eat the food. Finally, don’t forget to use the fancy French name. You’ll be surprised how re-packaging the usual foods helps to make them appealing.
Thanks for your interest!
Kristi and Renee
Renee Brooks Catacalos and Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen
Join The Local Mix Mailing List
All content of the Real People Eat Local website and the Local Mix email newsletter is original and the property of Renee Brooks Catacalos and Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen. We welcome your comments at feedback@realpeopleeatlocal.com.
