I realize I'm a bit biased but I happen to think this tomato tart is amazing. Yes, those are green tomatoes in the middle. But you know what makes it so? The fact that I know whose hands handled these heirlooms from dirt to my table. Every morsel of this tart makes me think of these lovely ladies...
Which brings me to the reason I am writing this post. Yes, I know it's been a while. What can I say? I have 2 reasons: They are 4 and almost 2 and they fill my every second.
I read an article recently that touched the very core of how we (my husband and I) view our food and the choices we make. The article was written by a Cal Grad student who is working on social justice issues in food production. The premise of the article was that we are overly concerned about organics, pesticides, local food, etc but for all the wrong (read: selfish) reasons. She questions those of us who shell out top dollar at real food, local, organic, vegan, etc, etc. restaurants. She asks if we have ever dared look at who's behind the closed door. Who does your cooking? Who picks your vegetables? Are they treated properly, compensated well? Does it affect your decision to dine at such establishment? Sadly for me the answer was no. I hadn't thought that far. The extent of my concern stops at the food I buy for us to eat at home. But since we eat most of our meals at home I guess that's not so bad. Every dollar we spend reflects our value system, but it also supports a given method of food production. If you want cheap food you will get it, just know that it comes with a series of consequences to our health and the environment.
I don't haggle with farmers. I will on occasion tip them. The fact is, I don't shop at the farmers market to get a deal and I don't often get the pick of the crop. I shop directly from farmers because I support and value their work. Small farmers are going against the grain and its a hell of a job to be successful for more than a season. Yes, it's cut throat. If you ever question the value of your organic tomatoes go to a farm and spend the day picking them. Better yet, volunteer and help manually seed, trellis, weed, and harvest. Then go home and take a steaming shower because the allergies you didn't know you had have flared, your hands have tiny cuts all over and dirt has magnificently gotten into these crevices adorning them with a nice black hue. Your back is probably killing you but you are too exhausted to notice. Yes, its hard work. There aren't tractors or harvesting tools, just your two powerful hands and a moonlight to keep you company for as long as you need to go, because some days, harvesting is an all night affair. So while you are resting in your bed comfortably, think of what environmental factors can suddenly happen that will change everything for this farmer: frost or a heat wave, pests, rodents, just to name a few. Her whole crop could be wiped overnight. That's right! So remember this next time you are shopping. You are buying for more than yourself. You are supporting a food system and everyone who is a part of it.
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