Today's Tidbit - Food Sovereignty

Introduction to Food Sovereignty - Food and Democracy, edited by Marcin Gerwin, Copyright 2011 by Alliance of Associations Polish Green Network

Recently I came across this free e-book, which is a collection of essays written by a number of food activists from around the world who believe that powerful corporate conglomerates, special interest groups and governments are attacking our right to grow food and feed ourselves in real and fundamental ways like never before. I have to admit that I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to this subject, aside from listening to the occasional news item on NPR. This should make for a rather eye-opening read.

Today's Tidbit - On Permaculture

The other day I came across an interesting article in the New York Times about the permaculture movement. I might just have to pick up Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture." I wonder if the guiding principle are similar to those found in Masanobu Fukuoka's "One Straw Revolution."

The Permaculture Movement Grows from Underground - New York Times, July 27, 2011

Today's Tidbit - Health Coverage for Farmers

Four Corners of Health Insurance - "My Son Needs It" from Everynone on Vimeo.

I've always wondered what farmers did for health insurance and whether there was a trade organization out there made up of small farms that band together in order to negotiate for more affordable coverage. Based on this video, I guess the answer is no.

It's sad that something like not being able to afford personal health insurance coverage can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and following in your dad's footsteps. I can relate somewhat to what these farmers are facing through my own personal experience. When Marc and I opened up a law practice together a few years ago, finding affordable health coverage for our small business was difficult to say the least and the plan we ultimately went with offered minimal coverage, despite the hefty premium we paid each month.

I'm sure many more young people would venture into the farming field if this was not an issue. Hopefully it won't be forever.

Today's Tidbit - What on Earth is This???

When I pulled up my bolted Red Sails lettuce, I noticed these little thingys growing in the bed. Initially, I thought it might have been some weird larva. My guess now is that it's some sort of tiny mushroom. Does anyone know what they are?

Tasty Tidbit - Char-Grilled Fava Beans

This has to be my favorite way of eating Fava beans. In a large bowl, toss the pods in a bit of olive oil, fresh cracked pepper and coarse salt. Grill covered for 5 - 8 minutes on medium heat until the pods are nicely charred and the beans inside are tender. As you peel the hot skins, your fingers pick up bits of salt and tons of flavor as you pop the smokey...nutty...buttery beans into your mouth. It's finger licking great!

Today's Tidbit - The Food Oddities of China and How They Mimic Our Own

Yesterday I came across this rather eye-popping piece written by Mark Bittman of the New York Times:

China's Bizarre Food 'Safety' Scene, and Our Own - New York Times, July 6, 2011

Who would have thought that you could make counterfeit eggs (a notion almost as disturbing as this video demonstrating the process) or brew soy sauce from human hair? Then again, who knew that you could become paralyzed because you inhaled too much aerosolized pig's brains at work?

Hungry yet?

Today's Tidbit - T Stands for....

Tomatoes!!! More specifically, our first cherry tomatoes of the year. We picked these beautiful vine-ripened Sungolds on Monday and to our delight, they were very sweet and tasty. In fact, I had to fight Jonathan for two of them.

Today's Tidbit - Dry Stone Walling

I've always wanted to learn the craft of dry stone walling. For anyone interested, the New York Times published an interesting piece on this very subject recently:

The Master of the Stone Wall Discusses the Perfect Fit - New York Times, July 6, 2011

Check out the short instructional slide show too!