“Farm to table” eating is what our great-grandparents used to do before it was cool…
Supermarkets have made it super easy to get what we want, when we want it, but there’s a growing movement that’s celebrating local food, local producers and local growers – even if it means giving up food that isn’t always in season in your local region (um, like avocado). Here’s what you need to know about “farm to table” eating …
What is “farm to table”?
People that focus on a “farm to table” style of eating do their best to eliminate the middleman as much as possible. In other words, they try to source food that comes straight from the farm, rather than the supermarket (who buys it from a wholesaler, who buys it from the farmer). This ultimately means that the environment around you dictates what’s on your plate! So if you live in Oz (or the UK or the U.S., for that matter) this means no acai berries or imported pink pitaya. There’s also a strong focus on local food, because you’re not going to drive interstate for a punnet of blueberries now are you?
How do you define “farm to table”? Are there radius rules or guidelines?
This is where it gets tricky! While many agree that a 100km (or mile) radius in which to source food is a good guideline, what we in Australia consider to be “local food” might extend a little further than our global neighbours. Geographically, we’re a whopping big country (that’s also girt by a whopping big sea), so this might mean that your local berry farm is actually more than 100km away. In this case, just do your best.
Keen to dig in?
Find a local farmers market…
(AKA produce market) and make sure that the produce is actually local. If you don’t live rurally (which is the majority of us!) you might think you’ve got slim pickings. Go for the food grown as close to your home as possible. If you recognise the name of the town of origin, chances are it’s not too far.
When eating out…
Seek out cafes and restaurants serving local produce. They might label themselves as “plate to paddock”, “farm to table” or “farm to table”. There are even apps to help you out.
City dwellers…
Shop in trusted markets and grocers that value local food. Always buy food grown and produced in your home country.
Or, if you’re living outside of the big smoke…
Suss out who, and where, your local farmers are. Do you have apple orchard within driving distance?
Give your region the credit it’s due…
Don’t buy organic walnuts grown in China when you can buy pesticide-free ones grown right here in your own ‘backyard’.
Why should I bother?
Eating “farm to table” is a great way to express the fact that you value your local community, your local growers and your local economy. In doing so, you’ll be embracing your region and the culture that’s unique to it! You’ll also be eating seasonally, which is lighter on your wallet and better for the environment. Think about it: when strawberries are in season they’re at peak supply because they grow abundantly. When they’re not in season, they’re harder to grow and cost a bomb! It’s also taxing on the environment to insist on your need for (imported) purple mangosteen – all those carbon miles add up! Lastly, eating “farm to table” gives you a better knowledge of how your food was produced. Is it ethical? Does Farmer Joe use pesticides? Does he bother with sustainable practices? The cool thing is, you can ask!
What grows in your local region? We’d love to know!
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