Sunday, December 28, 2008

Predicted food trends, 2009

Fellow trendsetters: Here's what the Food Channel believes is the next wave for 2009. Some of these are good news, indeed--others, not so much. (The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch has the whole story, based on a press release from the Food Channel.)

1. Home on the Range — Downsized economy breeds new generation of home chefs, more food-savvy than their predecessors.
2. Foodie 2.0 — Growth of virtual and non-virtual food communities.
3. Going, Going Green — Kitchens go eco-conscious.
4. Living La Vida Locavore — Eating locally and seasonally, both at home and in restaurants.
5. TMI? — Is seeing the calorie count on the menu Too Much Information (TMI), or will it lead to healthier choices?
6. FrankenFood — The rise of bioengineering and genetically modified food; the next evolution of last year’s Functional Food trend.
7. Food Philanthropy — Individuals and companies address world hunger.
8. Food Insecurity — The call for tighter food controls, after the tomato and jalapeno scares of 2008.
9. Brewing Business — Striking a balance when cost is an issue; the divide widens between the exotic and day-to-day food needs.
10. Where in the World … — is the next flavor trend coming from? It’s all about globalization and variety.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Obama's choice for Secretary of Angriculture

Interesting blog post on the upcoming Secretary of Agriculture. I would have chosen Michael Pollen, of course.

Another (happy) reason to shop with La Vida Local

Compare the price Julie's apples from right here in Michigan to the organic apple gift boxes at Seeds For Change! Yikes!

I also just received as a gift a loaf of Zingerman's cranberry pecan bread. My generous gifter paid $15.00!! PLUS postage (probably another $15 to overnight it from Ann Arbor). It was good, but Avalon's is just as good if not better.

Another (disgusting) reason to avoid industrial meat

Some Austin pork plant workers struggle with disease and its aftermath
by Sea Stachura
Minnesota Public Radio
December 18, 2008

A year after a neurological disease surfaced among workers at a pork plant in Austin, some workers still can't get worker's compensation for their illness. Doctors traced the disease to a mist of pig brains at Quality Pork Processing.


Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Food Additives, China

This is beyond ridiculous. Lye, formaldehyde, boric acid, etc used as food addivites in China.

Read Associated Press article here.

Notice some of the language about not using some of them excessively...um...how 'bout not at all???

I think we really need some changes in our labeling laws so we know where our ingredients are coming from!

Or, we can eat local. : )

Saturday, December 6, 2008

We Are What We Eat: The Movie

Hi, all! I've just posted a link to a 15-minute short, which is serving as a preview to a full-length feature film still in production. This short has merit, although at times it feels like it doesn't have a lot of substance...stick with it, and there are some great snippets. It's basically a montage of interview clips. It was sort of annoying not knowing who the people were until the end--hang around for the credits so you can see the wonderful bios for the people interviewed--I was happy to see a face to put with Joel Salatin's name! : )

I was most moved by Brock Dolman--the guy with a cowboy hat speaking in front of some wild-looking shrubbery and grasses. I'm really looking forward to learning more about his work, and maybe even inviting him into our community in some way.

The link is over there to the right, but I'll put it here, too. Be well! Julie

http://wearewhatweeatthemovie.com/short.htm