| If you're a city dweller, it's likely that your | | | | food chains and supermarkets. Believe it or not, |
| relationship with food needs some help. In the | | | | one of the up-and-coming trends among food |
| Western world, we have become accustomed to | | | | lovers is a renewed interest in butchering. That's |
| having everything on our plate packaged, | | | | right, home butchering is making a big comeback. |
| processed, and available instantly. We want every | | | | It makes sense when you think about it. If we're |
| type of produce available year round, regardless | | | | going to put so much care into where we get our |
| of the season. If asked, we wouldn't know what | | | | fruits and veggies, shouldn't we be just as smart |
| part of the cow goes into a steak or a burger. | | | | about animal products? Wouldn't you rather know |
| Meals are eaten on the go, and we mask the lack | | | | what part of an animal you're eating, instead of |
| of nutrients with an abundance of salt and fat. In | | | | consuming cleverly disguised leftover bits? |
| short, we have forgotten how to love our food. | | | | Knowing where your food comes from not only |
| Thankfully, there's an edible revolution underway. | | | | fosters respect for the animals we eat, but also |
| Slowly but surely, people are getting back to | | | | results in a healthier, more nutritious meal. |
| basics when it comes to what goes on their | | | | So what can you do? For starters, shop local. |
| plates. We all know that organic food is good for | | | | Support your local farmers and groceries. |
| the land, and good for the body, too. But just | | | | Family-owned or co-operative groceries have a |
| buying organic isn't enough - you need to start | | | | more direct connection not only with the farmers, |
| thinking local. Locally grown produce means | | | | but with their customers as well. They stock |
| fresher veggies, and reduces the carbon footprint | | | | products that the homogenized supermarkets |
| caused by shipping food vast distances in planes | | | | won't carry - specialty meats, artisan cheeses, |
| and trucks. Instead of expecting strawberries all | | | | local wines. Some will even offer tasting events or |
| year round, people are getting back in touch with | | | | cooking classes. |
| their local climate, and enjoying the variety of a | | | | So stop thinking of cooking or buying groceries as |
| more seasonal menu. | | | | a chore. Find a place you love to shop. Get |
| For omnivores, produce isn't the only thing being | | | | excited about your food again. It's good for you, |
| looked at differently. A backlash is growing against | | | | good for the community, and good for the planet. |
| the mystery meat we've come to expect in fast | | | | Bon appetit! |