We Need Your Spring Recipes!
MAY 18, 2007
100-Milers, we need your help! Spring is in full swing and we are compiling recipes from across North America for May. What's in season right now at the farmers markets where you live? What's coming ripe in your garden? And, more importantly, what are you making for dinner? (Or brunch . . . ) Please let us know at jamesandalisa@100milediet.org.
Mailbag: What About Coffee?
Elaine in Vancouver writes:
I would love to get your feedback on where coffee sits in your world as I've recently started working for a Vancouver roaster (attracted by the possibilities of working in a socially responsible business). Given the North American addiction to coffee (i.e. it ain't going away) I've come to the conclusion that it's better to have locally roasted small batch (and always Fair Trade & Organic certified) coffee than having "mega buck" corporate coffee roasted in one place and shipped all over the continent.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this as we're constantly approached by folks who want "local" . . .
Obviously, there is no such thing as 100-percent local coffee in North America as it is a plant of the tropics. James and I were lucky because, thanks to a caffeine intolerance, we both quit coffee long ago. However, I agree with Elaine that if you are going to drink it, pick fair trade and organic from a local roaster. Certainly, I would hate to think that a coffee jones would prevent someone from trying to eat local in other ways--local eating is not an all-or-nothing undertaking. So, enjoy your global treats in moderation and with a mind to the workers who made it and the environment it grew in. -ADS
