Shortage of Broccoli!
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lesdarts180 wrote: »Well, I went shopping this morning. First to the Co-op supermarket where I do most of my shopping. The sugarsnaps were from Peru, the brussel sprouts from South Africa, even the frozen broccoli was from Portugal. They didn't have any cauli or ordinary broccoli but they did have tenderstem broccoli from Worcestershire (which is only an hour up the road) so I got that. I also got british carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and mushrooms.
Second, I looked in the greengrocer (where I ought to shop more) and they did have broccoli but no cauli, however, they did have romanesque (have I spelt that properly?) which I do like but is a bit pricey, and anyway, I already had the tenderstem.
Then, in the interests of research I went to ASDA - which had British broccoli, and cauli from Holland. I have to admit, I bought a cauli.
I didn't visit Waitrose - perhaps I'll continue my research there tomorrow.
Interesting they are from so far away in many cases at this time of year.
I can get locally (from a green market that local farmers go to, as well as my garden and farm subscription) all the things I mentioned and more right around here, as well as broccoli and cauli, and it's been a generally bad agricultural year due to rain. I wouldn't have thought the UK was so different. I do live in a farm state, but most of that is BigAg, so corn/soybeans (where the harvest has been a disaster), so again I wouldn't have thought it was so different.
Interesting to learn things.
Of course, I do buy plenty of imported things that won't grow around here -- avocados, clementines, various frozen greens and fruit and veg in the winter/early spring.1 -
A marrow is what happens when a courgette grows up
Essentially a slightly bitter but fairly neutral-tasting squash that's nice stuffed. 4 -
A marrow is what happens when a courgette grows up Essentially a slightly bitter but fairly neutral-tasting squash that's nice stuffed.
Oh, cool, thanks! The diversity in squashes and what they are called all over the English-speaking world is fascinating. Doesn't help that here in the US a lot of them are just called "squash" even though they are clearly different things because they simply aren't very popular. Lots of "summer squashes" and "winter squashes" as a catch all. Luckily they are getting more popular.
I hope you guys don't get the worst case scenario fresh-food-wise. I don't think people realize how specialized factory farming has become. The weather here in Virginia is conducive to all sorts of crops, but many large farms (and even some small family farms) specialize in just the crops that give them the best chance at profitability and stuff that could be grown here simply isn't.5 -
lesdarts180 wrote: »Well, I went shopping this morning. First to the Co-op supermarket where I do most of my shopping. The sugarsnaps were from Peru, the brussel sprouts from South Africa, even the frozen broccoli was from Portugal. They didn't have any cauli or ordinary broccoli but they did have tenderstem broccoli from Worcestershire (which is only an hour up the road) so I got that. I also got british carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and mushrooms.
Second, I looked in the greengrocer (where I ought to shop more) and they did have broccoli but no cauli, however, they did have romanesque (have I spelt that properly?) which I do like but is a bit pricey, and anyway, I already had the tenderstem.
Then, in the interests of research I went to ASDA - which had British broccoli, and cauli from Holland. I have to admit, I bought a cauli.
I didn't visit Waitrose - perhaps I'll continue my research there tomorrow.
Note that I also am pretty sure that brussles sprouts aren't in season in the northern hemisphere. Yeah you can get them year round, but don't be surprised if they're not grown locally for most of the year.0 -
I often default to cabbage if broccoli and cauliflower aren't available or are particularly pricey.1
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A marrow is what happens when a courgette grows up Essentially a slightly bitter but fairly neutral-tasting squash that's nice stuffed.
I hope you guys don't get the worst case scenario fresh-food-wise. I don't think people realize how specialized factory farming has become. The weather here in Virginia is conducive to all sorts of crops, but many large farms (and even some small family farms) specialize in just the crops that give them the best chance at profitability and stuff that could be grown here simply isn't.
Pretty specialized throughout the country. Here, it’s pretty much corn and soybeans, but farmers markets are very popular with a very nice variety of veggies and berries. Soon apples will be coming in.
I have to admit, I had to Google courgette when I first saw it🤷🏻♀️2 -
Has anyone seen a pomegranate? I've been busy and only checked out two stores, 40 grams really help with breakfast. I know they are imported, I should consider air miles, they can't be caught up in the promised mayhem, can they.0
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I’m not in the UK (I’m in NYC) but I read this on BBC the other day about produce wilting last month in the UK from extreme weather which is causing the local produce shortage. Bummer!
Link- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-49330210
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BarbaraHelen2013 wrote: »Nope, probably not, if you’re talking about the summer produce. But it depends on what fresh vegetables you’re looking for. Long before we imported so much of our produce people did eat vegetables. Cabbages, leeks, marrow/courgette, carrots, sprouts, swede, turnip, parsnips (yuk), onions...and don’t forget long term storage has moved on since those days. Ethane filled storage facilities can keep fruit and vegetables in virtually fresh picked state until demand calls for shipment. Yes, the clock starts at that point, but that’s no different than loading a cabbage onto a truck straight from the field.
Whilst I totally agree with those above who don’t like frozen broccoli or cauliflower due to the mushy texture there are vegetables that survive the freezing process better than others. Most people will have a bag of frozen peas in their freezers as they sit and read this, I’m sure! I know I have broad beans, fine green beans, peas and spinach in the freezer at all times.
It’s also true that we import a lot of things from outside the EU anyway. Those trade agreements should not be disrupted.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a ‘remainer’ but I honestly doubt the entirety of the UK is going to slump into a malnutrition induced haze due to Brexit! I could, however, be wrong and it will be the end of the world! 😱😉
Yes, frozen peas are indeed a staple that I have on hand at all times. I also grow them in the spring. (I'm near Boston.) Haven't had much luck with fall crops, but planted a few seeds yesterday when I was planting spinach, for which I have higher hopes.
I also have spinach in the freezer.
Cabbage and carrots do keep quite well - I stock up when they are on sale for St. Patrick's Day in March and have enough for a few months.1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »BarbaraHelen2013 wrote: »Nope, probably not, if you’re talking about the summer produce. But it depends on what fresh vegetables you’re looking for. Long before we imported so much of our produce people did eat vegetables. Cabbages, leeks, marrow/courgette, carrots, sprouts, swede, turnip, parsnips (yuk), onions...and don’t forget long term storage has moved on since those days. Ethane filled storage facilities can keep fruit and vegetables in virtually fresh picked state until demand calls for shipment. Yes, the clock starts at that point, but that’s no different than loading a cabbage onto a truck straight from the field.
Whilst I totally agree with those above who don’t like frozen broccoli or cauliflower due to the mushy texture there are vegetables that survive the freezing process better than others. Most people will have a bag of frozen peas in their freezers as they sit and read this, I’m sure! I know I have broad beans, fine green beans, peas and spinach in the freezer at all times.
It’s also true that we import a lot of things from outside the EU anyway. Those trade agreements should not be disrupted.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a ‘remainer’ but I honestly doubt the entirety of the UK is going to slump into a malnutrition induced haze due to Brexit! I could, however, be wrong and it will be the end of the world! 😱😉
Yes, frozen peas are indeed a staple that I have on hand at all times. I also grow them in the spring. (I'm near Boston.) Haven't had much luck with fall crops, but planted a few seeds yesterday when I was planting spinach, for which I have higher hopes.
I also have spinach in the freezer.
Cabbage and carrots do keep quite well - I stock up when they are on sale for St. Patrick's Day in March and have enough for a few months.
Just curious - why do these go on sale at that time? Is there a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish that these are used in or something?0 -
Likely corned beef and cabbage, typically made with carrots and potatoes too.
In Chicago, it's common for there to be a dispensation from no meat Fridays in Lent if St Patrick's Day falls on Friday, in order to allow the corned beef and cabbage dish. I believe that's common elsewhere too, so it's a thing: https://abc7chicago.com/religion/catholics-in-chicago-get-dispensation-to-eat-corned-beef-friday-for-st-patricks-day/1805450/3 -
Likely corned beef and cabbage, typically made with carrots and potatoes too.
In Chicago, it's common for there to be a dispensation from no meat Fridays in Lent if St Patrick's Day falls on Friday, in order to allow the corned beef and cabbage dish. I believe that's common elsewhere too, so it's a thing: https://abc7chicago.com/religion/catholics-in-chicago-get-dispensation-to-eat-corned-beef-friday-for-st-patricks-day/1805450/
Thanks!0 -
Has anyone seen a pomegranate? I've been busy and only checked out two stores, 40 grams really help with breakfast. I know they are imported, I should consider air miles, they can't be caught up in the promised mayhem, can they.
I don't typically see a lot of them until they're in season. Where I live (the northern hemisphere), that starts around September. I've seen a few in stores this summer, but they're significantly more expensive.0 -
Went to the farmers market yesterday. Got some beautiful brocolli, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, yams, romaine lettuce. I was in heaven.
Wondered if you have farmers markets near you in the UK.0 -
Went to the farmers market yesterday. Got some beautiful brocolli, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, yams, romaine lettuce. I was in heaven.
Wondered if you have farmers markets near you in the UK.
Yes, we have farmers markets - typically once a week, in my town its twice a month but the veg stall has stopped coming. Our greengrocer is a "farm shop" and stocks largely local grown produce and I do shop there. Other farm shops and farmers markets are further away and would involve driving there. I try to shop local -ie on my bike. I'm retired so I can pop down to town on my bike every day and pick up small quantities of fresh stuff, reducing waste, fuel consumption etc etc.
I use my local co op supermarket because they focus on British produce as far as possible
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?5 -
lesdarts180 wrote: »Went to the farmers market yesterday. Got some beautiful brocolli, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, yams, romaine lettuce. I was in heaven.
Wondered if you have farmers markets near you in the UK.
Yes, we have farmers markets - typically once a week, in my town its twice a month but the veg stall has stopped coming. Our greengrocer is a "farm shop" and stocks largely local grown produce and I do shop there. Other farm shops and farmers markets are further away and would involve driving there. I try to shop local -ie on my bike. I'm retired so I can pop down to town on my bike every day and pick up small quantities of fresh stuff, reducing waste, fuel consumption etc etc.
I use my local co op supermarket because they focus on British produce as far as possible
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?
It is? How so?
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lesdarts180 wrote: »
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?
You mean personal ethics. I do my best to support local growers but I consider it a preference not a matter of ethics.5 -
lesdarts180 wrote: »
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?
You mean personal ethics. I do my best to support local growers but I consider it a preference not a matter of ethics.
Same here.3 -
lesdarts180 wrote: »
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?
You mean personal ethics. I do my best to support local growers but I consider it a preference not a matter of ethics.
Same here.
And the same here. Reading this thread, I can't help but think if something like where your broccoli is grown is one of the biggest problems you face today, you are a very fortunate person.11 -
lesdarts180 wrote: »
How come shopping is such an ethical minefield?
You mean personal ethics. I do my best to support local growers but I consider it a preference not a matter of ethics.
Same here.
And the same here. Reading this thread, I can't help but think if something like where your broccoli is grown is one of the biggest problems you face today, you are a very fortunate person.
So very much this ^^^5 -
For those interested in a lovely account of eating locally, I highly recommend Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" which is available in my library system so perhaps yours as well.
"When Barbara Kingsolver and her family moved from suburban Arizona to rural Appalachia, they took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally-produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Barbara considers our nation's lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production.
Since 2007, their scheme has evolved enormously. In this new edition, featuring an afterword composed by the entire Kingsolver family, Barbara's husband, Steven, discusses how the project grew into a farm-to-table restaurant and community development project training young farmers in their area to move into sustainable food production. Camille writes about her decision to move back to a rural area after college, and how she and her husband incorporate their food values in their lives as they begin their new family. Lily, Barbara's youngest daughter, writes about how growing up on a farm, in touch with natural processes and food chains, has shaped her life as a future environmental scientist. And Barbara writes about their sheep, and how they grew into her second vocation as a fiber artist, and reports on the enormous response they've received from other home-growers and local-food devotees.
With Americans' ever-growing concern over an agricultural establishment that negatively affects our health and environment, the Kingsolver family's experiences and observations remain just as relevant today as they were ten years ago. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is a modern classic that will endure for years to come."3 -
On the other hand, I like coffee.6
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kshama2001 wrote: »
I was kind of joking. I've read and enjoyed some of Kingsolver's fiction, but not that book, and I didn't actually know what it was about until now. I might well read it.
But I did read this book when it came out: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-307-34732-9
Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally
It's about a couple in British Columbia who decide to eat only locally for a year.
I was kind of obsessed with the idea (because I am obsessive) for a while, and considered becoming a locavore (with exceptions for occasional restaurant meals, since it's part of my social life), but then when I thought it through I realized that it would be unworkable and, besides, I love coffee and avocados and oranges and fresh veg in January, etc.
Of course, I don't live on a farm, but in the middle of Chicago, and I have no idea how to can anything, although it's something I want to someday learn. ;-)
Wouldn't be any rational or ethical reason for me to eat all local, though (in this climate it would mean more meat, for example), and it would be less healthy and pointlessly difficult. I think my draw to do it completely was more about it seeming like a challenge and that I do have an unhealthy if something is good, going completely overboard in an extreme way must be better mindset at times.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »
I was kind of joking. I've read and enjoyed some of Kingsolver's fiction, but not that book, and I didn't actually know what it was about until now. I might well read it.
But I did read this book when it came out: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-307-34732-9
Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally
It's about a couple in British Columbia who decide to eat only locally for a year.
I was kind of obsessed with the idea (because I am obsessive) for a while, and considered becoming a locavore (with exceptions for occasional restaurant meals, since it's part of my social life), but then when I thought it through I realized that it would be unworkable and, besides, I love coffee and avocados and oranges and fresh veg in January, etc.
Of course, I don't live on a farm, but in the middle of Chicago, and I have no idea how to can anything, although it's something I want to someday learn. ;-)
Wouldn't be any rational or ethical reason for me to eat all local, though (in this climate it would mean more meat, for example), and it would be less healthy and pointlessly difficult. I think my draw to do it completely was more about it seeming like a challenge and that I do have an unhealthy if something is good, going completely overboard in an extreme way must be better mindset at times.
I heard about the BC couple's book and it's on my back-burner to-read list.
It would sure be easier to be a locavore in Appalachian farm country than BC.
My aunt is in North Carolina and her harvest starts way earlier than mine do outside Boston.1 -
And the same here. Reading this thread, I can't help but think if something like where your broccoli is grown is one of the biggest problems you face today, you are a very fortunate person.
Firstly yes, I am a very fortunate person.
Secondly, I never said it was one of my biggest problems. I just started the thread as a light hearted conversation following a news item on the BBC radio, and finding that my local shops were having a problem.
I live in Somerset UK and I could eat perfectly well on only local produce - all kinds of vegetables and meats are grown locally and fish is available from Devon just down the road. However, I would have to give up rice, quite a lot of fruit, tea, coffee etc. But use of fossil fuels to transport food is not just a "first world problem" as it is a global issue. Also, considering for instance, buying baby veg from Kenya, am I supporting those farmers or am I encouraging them to grow cash crops instead of food for their families?
I don't have any answers but I do find myself discussing these issues with other concerned people.7 -
It’s a global economy. Feeding people is a global issue. I live in the US in a rural area. I would guess family farming is tough everywhere. Supporting them is important. So is supporting local businesses that provide jobs. No matter where you shop for your food, you’re supporting a farmer, a business and the person that’s actually taking your payments. Providing food for yourself and you’re family.6
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lesdarts180 wrote: »
And the same here. Reading this thread, I can't help but think if something like where your broccoli is grown is one of the biggest problems you face today, you are a very fortunate person.
Firstly yes, I am a very fortunate person.
Secondly, I never said it was one of my biggest problems. I just started the thread as a light hearted conversation following a news item on the BBC radio, and finding that my local shops were having a problem.
I live in Somerset UK and I could eat perfectly well on only local produce - all kinds of vegetables and meats are grown locally and fish is available from Devon just down the road. However, I would have to give up rice, quite a lot of fruit, tea, coffee etc. But use of fossil fuels to transport food is not just a "first world problem" as it is a global issue. Also, considering for instance, buying baby veg from Kenya, am I supporting those farmers or am I encouraging them to grow cash crops instead of food for their families?
I don't have any answers but I do find myself discussing these issues with other concerned people.
I don't really get it. 'Encouraging' means they presumably have a choice between a right and wrong decision. If I started worrying about how my actions encouraged wrong behavior in others I would go insane. That would be like not carrying a wallet with me because that would be encouraging someone to steal it.
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lesdarts180 wrote: »
And the same here. Reading this thread, I can't help but think if something like where your broccoli is grown is one of the biggest problems you face today, you are a very fortunate person.
Firstly yes, I am a very fortunate person.
Secondly, I never said it was one of my biggest problems. I just started the thread as a light hearted conversation following a news item on the BBC radio, and finding that my local shops were having a problem.
I live in Somerset UK and I could eat perfectly well on only local produce - all kinds of vegetables and meats are grown locally and fish is available from Devon just down the road. However, I would have to give up rice, quite a lot of fruit, tea, coffee etc. But use of fossil fuels to transport food is not just a "first world problem" as it is a global issue. Also, considering for instance, buying baby veg from Kenya, am I supporting those farmers or am I encouraging them to grow cash crops instead of food for their families?
I don't have any answers but I do find myself discussing these issues with other concerned people.
But if they're growing cash crops for, um, cash, wouldn't that then give them the means with which to provide for their family? Or couldn't they also just keep a 'garden patch' for themselves? <confused>6
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