Know Your Farmer
For all the hot air we blow around here about traditional foodways, we've been neglecting a very important detail. Almost exclusively (you foragers are off the hook here), our food is grown, raised, or processed by a human being. This affords us a rare opportunity to move past our modern role of the passive consumer into the brave old world of the true understanding of the what's, why's, and wherefore's that surround all of our foodstuffs. You need to get to know your farmer! A face to face conversation with the people behind your food is enlightening.
While all sorts of labels are thrown around these days to distinguish the alleged ecological responsibility quotient of our food choices, the people behind these labels remain a highly intangible and uncategorized feature of responsible eating. Do you live near a farm, a dairy, a brewery, a mill, a shoreline? If you look hard enough, I'm sure you can find one. There is a wealth of locally owned food production in this country that is as varied as your desire to find it. It is vitally important to seek out and support these small producers as they are crucial to our ability to maintain unique and viable local foodways.
OK, well, off the soapbox for a minute then...
Here are a just a few of the great things to look for in your community that will allow you to actually have a conversation with the person that grew, raised, or processed your food:
• Farmers' markets - these are everywhere and, with your support, can grow enormously important to your local economy. There's no better way to tie yourself to the growing season than to make a regular visit to the farmers' market. You'll also be able to speak to the people that have a direct hand in bringing the amazing foodstuffs to you. As long as you make sure to respect both your fellow customers' and the farmers' time, I've never met a farmer (or dairyman, or butcher, or fisherman) that was not incredibly wonderful to talk to about their products. Their recipes can be phenomenal and they take pride in what they bring to market... what more can you ask for?
• Local farms and orchards- this is direct-to-the-source stuff and is some of the best times you can spend. You'd be surprised how many communities have small to tiny farms and orchards that have managed to survive despite economic pressures that have pushed most of their colleagues out of business. The ones that survived are amazing treasures that need our support so stop by and buy something as often as you can. Even the smallest purchase is helpful. Have an apple orchard nearby? Stop by once a week and buy a 1/2 gallon of cider. It will be better and fresher than anything you could hope to buy in a supermarket, plus, every penny of your purchase supports the owner.
• Any local food processing facility - this could be a mill, a brewery, a cheesemaker, a quality deli, or a good food store. The best thing about any good example of one of these locations will be the people. Any processor that is worthy of our praise will have owners and staff that are dedicated to an insanely high level of quality in their product and are always eager to share their passion for their craft. Seek these artisans out and buy everything that you can... you are both lucky to have found each other.