Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Oregon

Rainy days like today have been infrequent this summer. However they always put a smile on my face. It takes me back to my days in Oregon and the seemingly infinite overcast days that comprised winter. The winters made me soak up every bit of Oregon's temperate summers, appreciate good footwear, and be refreshed by the rain. Water is life.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Eating Local with a Yellow List Guest

Last night we had a fabulous dinner inspired by our CSA share recipe suggestions this week. We bought some tuna and committed to Grilled Tuna with Fresh Tomato, Cucumber and Dill Relish, Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and a side of lettuce greens and strawberries. The weather was perfect for grilling and dining on the deck. The results were delicious.
While celebrating the successful employ of our CSA share, I cannot help to be a bit disappointed in myself. The recipe called for 4 - 8 oz tuna steaks, so that's what I ran out and bought. Here's where I failed in sustainability. I did not consult the seafood watch list. Today after enjoying my leftovers, I finally faced the music and looked at the watch list. There it was.
Yellowfin tuna =

  • Green, if caught via troll or pole from the U.S. Atlantic,
  • Yellow, if caught via longline from the U.S. Atlantic, and 
  • Red, if caught elsewhere.
Since I live four hours inland from the Atlantic, my hopes are that it did come from the Atlantic. The fish was labeled "wild". With my limited knowledge of fishing and fish labeling, I don't know if this means caught via troll, pole, longline, or purse seining. Either way, I think I hit a green or yellow fish. With further exploration of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium site, I found this gem, "A notable exception is longline-caught yellowfin from the U.S. Atlantic or Hawaii, where strict bycatch regulations result in a "Good Alternative" ranking." 

Indigestion is resolved. I made a call to the headquarters of the grocery store where I purchased the tuna and know the questions to ask the staff next time. The Seafood Watch pocket guide is handy for future shopping. I'll look at the list next time and keep working to find a trusted seafood supplier.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Good Food Good People

Tomorrow begins a new journey. I will be picking up our first Veggie Advocate Share from Good Food Good People at the West End Community Market. Good Food Good People is farmer-owned and farmer-operated community supported agriculture (CSA). All of the food is grown within 100-mile radius of Floyd, VA which is about 35 miles from where I live.

Community Supported Agriculture - Yay!!


I just received our first newsletter which includes a list of food we'll receive and some suggestions for recipes. 
May 8, 2012
Your box this week will contain:
Baby Lettuce Mix—Fertile Crescent Farm (BIO)
Kale, Red Russian—Full Circle Farm (BIO)
Baby Bok Choy—Fertile Crescent Farm (BIO)
Tomatoes, hydroponic—Yoder’s Farm (Low-Spray)
Green Garlic—Fertile Crescent Farm (BIO)
Rosemary—Virginia Klara’s Farm (BIO)
Strawberries—Yoders’ Farm (CONV) 
Recipes included: Baby Bok Choy with Green Garlic, Greens and Green Garlic, and Green Garlic Pesto. 

We love going to the farmers market and supporting our local food sources. This year we'll be embracing what is in season and eating whatever comes our way each week. I look forward to the challenge with containers for freezing and canning, food dehydrator, and compost bins standing ready for action. 

Next week we'll pick up the next Veggie Share and our first Fruit Share. My little fruit-lover, a.k.a. fruitarian, will be thrilled.