Growing up, I wasn’t sure what November was good for. Now I do. I’m cozied up in my favourite chair by the fire, listening to rain gush down the spouts while soggy Halloween decorations whip around in the wind outside.
November is the time to hunker down and line our nests with warmth, softness and comfort. I think of it as the human version of hibernation—a month to rest, recharge, and embrace cozt things. Tonight, I’ve decided is chicken soup, biscuits, and apple crumble night.
Speaking of apples, I’ve got about sixty pounds of “seconds” sitting in the carport. Seconds are the apples farmers can’t sell because they’re a bit too bruised or funey-looking. I found a spot where they sell these bumped and bruised beauties in bulk for about sixty cents a pound. Late tonight, I’ll haul out my trusty apple corer/peeler, prop up my iPad for a good sitcom binge, and get to work. Half the apples will be sliced, tossed with lemon juice, and frozen in ziplock bags—perfect for quick crumbles or pies all year long. I’ll also pop about twenty pounds into the dehydrator for apple chips, a family favourite snack.
The rest? We’ll just eat fresh, because “ugly” produce is still delicious. This practice of using “ugly produce” is called food rescuing, and it’s amazing. Around twenty-five percent of fresh produce never even makes it to the consumer, often being tossed because of being over-ripe, damaged or marred. Food waste contributes about ten percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Food rescuing saves our family money, gives us an abundance of healthy snacks, and reduces the amount of harmful methane gas created in our landfills.
Even if you don’t have the space or time to buy in bulk and practice food preservation, it’s worthwhile to connect with farmer’s markets, local farms, small grocers and even some food delivery apps that offer “seconds” on produce. I recommend building personal connections in this area. Taking a moment to talk with shop employees, or the person behind the till may lead you to some yummy tips about where you may be able to score some tasty discounts.
November is about comfort and care, it’s also about thankful harvesting, even the funny-looking stuff.
Cheers to a cozy season!
Links to know more:
https://www.secondharvest.ca/resources/research/avoidable-crisis
http://www.nzwc.ca/focus-areas/food/Pages/default.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment