I recently finished a book; Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. (Yes, the same author of Poisonwood Bible.) This was in some ways a book that addresses some things that I have become very passionate about lately. Many of you know about my "soap-box" about food and the food industry. There is a reason why so many people are overweight and obese in this country. The food industry is not our friend, they don't care about us, or our health. They are a business just like any other business, and their goal is to make money. But enough of that...
This book was about the author and her family and their goal to eat "local" for an entire year. They had many reasons, most that I agree with. They grew, stored, and slaughtered the majority of their own food. And tried to buy the rest from local farmers. There was some propoganda in it about the bad, some of it you just have to let it slide and keep reading. (I don't agree with everything she says.) I loved the book and the way the author wrote. I loved their experiences and every time I picked up the book I found myself just wishing I could be there. I could be a farmers wife.
Food grown and purchased locally is not only healthier but also requires less oil (travel and packing) to get to its destination. When I say healthier think of it this way... A tomato that was picked this morning will have more of its nutrients available to your body when you eat it versus one that was picked a week ago. (And one that was picked a week ago usually isn't picked when it is quite ripe.) It also tastes better. I'm not sure I believe in global warming, but I do think we should be better stewards of the land that God gave us, and so I don't think it hurts to try and leave "less of a mark" on the land.
The book also addressed organic versus unorganic. I use to think that eating organic had to do with eating things that didn't contain pesticides. Well, that isn't entirely true. Plants that are grown non-organically do use pesticides, but they are also grown really fast and their soil contain just the basic nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. But there are trace elements that are in soil that are not replaced. A vegetable that is grown with pesticides also contains less "antibodies" than one that isn't. Think of it this way, why are we given immunizations? To build up antibodies to viruses. And the shots contain a weakened strain, usually, that helps our body to build these antibodies. So, a vegetable doesn't even "fight" off bugs or viruses because these pesticides usually kill of the bug or virus instead of giving the plant a chance to build a resistance to it. Make sense?
Non-organic fruits and vegetables are also grown really fast. When they are grown really fast, they may not have all the nutrients in them that they should. Studies have shown that an apple grown in the 1950's has less nutrients in it than an apple grown today. So, in order to get the same nutrients from an apple grown in the 1950's, you would have to eat more than one apple from this time period. But the author did point out that just because it's organic does not necessarily mean it's better for you. If I had the chance to buy an organic apple that was grown in CA versus one that was picked from a non-organic farm in the valley, I would choose the closer one.
I'm not saying that organic is the only way to go. I have started to buy more organic, but I still buy a lot non-organic too. And I'm not going to start eating bananas because they come from another country. And not eating an apple because it is out of season isn't my thinking either. I do believe that the Lord gave us technology for reason. And I believe it is a blessing that we can have fruits and veggies year round, even if they aren't in season where I live. But I will try and buy more "local" when it is availabe. And I hope to make more trips to the farmers markets this year. I am even considering buying into a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). This one to be exact. I want to can and preserve more and I am already thinking about what I am going to plant this year. (I got a pressure canner for Christmas and I can't wait to use it!) I have a lot more space that can be used better. I want more tomatoes, and more root crops. I wish I had room to build a root cellar in my back yard, but I am going to try and store more either in the shed or the garage. I'm really trying to feed my family better without having to rely on prepackaged food or the supermarket (at least as much as I can) and I really feel that this is what is right for my family. And besides I LOVE gardening and the thrill from taking it out of my garden and using it or preserving it for the future.
I've just rambled a whole bunch, and I'm not sure I said what I really wanted to. I'm sure I'll go to bed tonight and think, "Oh, I should have said that!" And I'm sure that some of this didn't make sense and that my thoughts weren't really complete. But I hope that someone understood what I was saying. If not, go read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and see for yourself.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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3 comments:
I felt some of the same when I read this book, too! Everything within moderation- we're purchasing more local and "simple" foods. But hey- I'm not saying no to a delicious chicken dinner every week either! :) Thanks for your insight, Jen.
I think the whole question of what is really better for us is always very interesting. like for instance, did you know that tomatoes have cancer fighting agents in them. . . but only if they are processed. Your body can't break them down from fresh tomatoes. . . so eating lots of spaghetti will help fight cancer, but eating a sandwhich with fresh tomatoes on it won't hum. . . interesting. I definantly like buying local foods. . . they often taste better too, but just because it comes from a road side stand does not mean it is local. . .better ask, especially if it seams like it is earlier than other local stands, many of the road side stands bring in fruits and veggies from california early so they can get their road side stand going before the locals and build up regular customers. the tricks people play! another thing that I have heard but need to do more research on is the benfits of organic clothing. . . i have heard that there are many. . .odd enough. thanks for you post, I enjoyed it.
LIke you, I didn't agree with everything she said. But it was a very thought provoking book, and a worthwhile read, in my opinion. It got my juices flowing, so to speak, and I intend on hoarding all the produce I grow this year and not giving it away because I'm not motivated enough to process it all!
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