GUD BLOG: SINGLE POST
How to eat local without even trying
Shop at Eastern Market.
As my family sat down to dinner Sunday I realized that most everything we had on our plates was produced locally. The grilled pork chops were purchased from J & M Farm as part of half of a butchered pig that now sits in our basement chest freezer. They sell the same chops out of their trailer in Shed 2 at Eastern Market. Brother Nature provided the flavorful mixed greens salad, the colorful garnish of sliced radish and beets bought from Holtz Farms. Also on the plate were Holtz Farms roasted redskin potatoes flavored with rosemary from an anemic looking plant that wintered over on our kitchen counter and earthy ramps harvested from the sugarbush of the maple syrup guy who vends out of Shed 3. The wine was from Argentina. Hey, I’m no priest.
It was a satisfying meal in many ways and the point of describing where our dinner came from is not to brag or convince you that I’m some kind of prophet that’s going to save society by preparing Michigan pork chops and potatoes. The thing about this particular meal, and actually many that came before it, is that it was simply attractive seasonal food that I bought from farmers that I trust. It’s hard to argue that local food isn’t better for the environment and the taste buds. If you’re this far into the post you probably agree.
There are so many reasons we are drawn to Eastern Market on Saturday. Some days I need that huge plate of corned beef hash from Farmers Restaurant to soak up the debauch of the previous night. The excellent cheese selection at R. Hirt, dried fruit, nuts and candy at Rocky Peanut Co., Supino pizza, freshly roasted Great Lakes Coffee, I could go on. Mainly though, we go to Eastern Market because we have been going to Eastern Market. We have developed relationships with the farmers that provide our food. It’s not just an extra onion here, or a free smoked dog treat there. We know the names of the cows that produced the milk we drink. We know who grows the fattest and sweetest carrots. We can’t imagine getting the majority of our fresh produce anywhere else. There’s a genuine sense of community with both the vendors and the regular shoppers.
What is the greatest benefit of shopping at a supermarket? Convenience. Where else can you go to buy produce, frozen pizza, kitty litter and deodorant all in one location? But these “super” markets are merely warehouse replicas of urban centers with sterile lighting and endcaps. Forming a relationship with a supermarket employee can be creepy. I don’t mean to disparage folks working in this industry. Many of us feel castrated by similar professional situations. The system has been created so that most of the information is conveyed by marketing, where truth can be manipulated and words like natural have lost all meaning. Corporate products from a corporate supermarket chain is the last place we should be looking to for nutrition.
Unless your a teen idol, you’re probably not too busy to spend an hour buying fresh, local produce for the week. If Saturday doesn’t fit your schedule, Eastern Market will soon be open on Tuesdays. If you can’t make it to the market, consider joining a CSA. You could even grow your own vegetables at home. How much better could you know your farmer if you are your farmer?
I’m not going to pretend that shopping at Eastern Market is all unicorns and rainbows. Flower Days are going to be here soon and at least once or twice you’ll find yourself stuck behind a group of navel-gazers towing an SUV-sized wagon for the two small potted plants they purchased. I grudgingly admit, it’s part of the charm. But the day when you’re clearing plates after dinner and suddenly realize that you just cooked a meal almost entirely from locally produced food, without even trying, makes it all worthwhile.
2011.04.26 Todd Abrams at 2:25 pm
This entry was posted in GUD Blog and tagged Inside Detroit. Bookmark the permalink.
One Response to How to eat local without even trying
Hi Todd,
Hope all is well. I represent several wine and spirits brands and wanted to send you more information on tasting one locally.
Can I please be provided with an email address?
Thanks,
Zuri