Go Local, not Loco!

We live in a world where people are spending (or starting to spend) more time asking about the sources of their food.  Our Farmer’s Market at Wychwood is developing signage to help increase the transparency of each vendor.  We want to know the practices of our local farmers.  What does “organic” really mean?  How about “local”?  ”Sustainable”?  ”Fair-trade”?  You can almost go crazy trying to figure out where everything comes from.  And how do we choose between “organic” and “local” when it’s one or the other?  Does local always trump organic?  Is it the other way around?

We are asking these same questions at Five Shades of Green.  Our goal is to be as organic and as local (and/or locally sourced) as possible.  Our cinnamon, agave, and coconut butter all come from Chocosol.  We buy our greens from Everdale Organic Farm and Kind Organics; our sweet potatoes are obtained from Round Plains Plantation.  However, there are many ingredients that seem to be more challenging to source.  What about pumpkin seeds?  We sure have a lot of pumpkins in Ontario.  But, where are the organic, local pumpkin seeds?  Try raisins.  We definitely have Ontario grapes.  So, where are the Ontario raisins?

It’s an ongoing exploration.  While it can be frustrating sometimes, it’s incredibly rewarding.  Knowing more about where your food comes from means you’re more informed every time you eat.  How’s that for  food for thought?

So, please join us in this conversation.  Leave a comment below.  Share your thoughts about local, seasonal, organic, etc.

Let’s talk!