What's Cookin' in Food News
Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 01:12PM 
Wal-Mart selling local produce? On July 1, Wal-Mart announced its commitment to buying produce from local farmers, in an effort to "support local economies, cut shipping costs and provide fresh food offerings." The move came just in time for 4th of July celebrations, giving some shoppers the chance to dine on fruits and vegetables grown in-state. In Dekalb County, Georgia, where the company made its announcement, customers had their pick of Georgia-grown sweet vidalia onions, cantaloupes, watermelons, and peaches. And in our own state of Alabama, on the Sunday after the 4th, a quick survey of the Wal-Mart in Guntersville revealed locally grown corn and cucumbers. According to the produce manager, early in the weekend they also had squash. Wal-Mart estimates that it will purchase $400 million in local produce this year, and by doing so save millions in food-transportation fuel costs.
What should we make of all this? Even though the move looks benign on the surface, the reality is that Wal-Mart is still a corporate giant. And while over recent years it has tried to clean up its image by supporting community programs and touting a commitment to sustainability, the true ethos of Wal-mart, from their cheap goods to their poor business practices to their 'big kid on the block' suffocation of smaller mom and pop operations, seem antithetical to the local food movement. The notion that they are helping the "small farmer" might be a little exaggerated, given the scale at which Wal-Mart would be purchasing products. It is probably more realistic that they are buying from mostly larger scale conventional farms near their stores. But even that - cutting out the middle man - is an improvement, I guess...
I wasn't a Wal-Mart shopper before, and I don't plan on becoming one anytime soon. If you really want to support local economies, buy from your local farmers market or directly from farms. But, to Wal-Mart's credit, I guess it's better to get a tomato from Alabama than it is to get one from Mexico any day.
2. The Rise of the C.S.A.Across the country, more people are catching on to the idea of community-supported agriculture. You can be a part of this movement too! Click here to find the C.S.A. in your area.
3. Food Festivals Thriving, Even if Farms Are Not
Apricot production may be down in Patterson, CA, the self-proclaimed "apricot capital of the world", but the town's tribute to the fruit is still in full-force. When the festival began in the 1970's, 40% of the nation's apricots were grown in the California region. Now, the number of orchards is declining rapidly as a result of the increase in dried apricots imported from Turkey. And apparently this is just one of many crops that have seen a recent decline in domestic production. But even though the farms may be struggling, food festivals are still attracting lots of visitors. Who wouldn't want to attend an all-day, in some cases multiple-day event, that offers you tasty treats made with the celebrated food item, or the chance to participate in eating contests and pie bake-offs?
Never been to a food festival? Well, what are you waiting for? Alabama has its share of events that play homage regional crops. Still up this summer and fall are:
- Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Russelville, AL - August 15-16
- Alabama Butterbean Festival, Pinson, AL - August 30
- Alabama Catfish Festival, Greensboro, AL - mid-September
- National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, AL - October 9-12
- Sweet Potato Festival, Tuskegee, AL - mid-October
- National Peanut Festval, Dothan, AL- October 31-November 9
It's that time of year again. The heat of summer has arrived, and with it the peak of watermelon season. In this piece featured on NPR's program 'Kitchen Window', food writer Susan Russo offers us some watermelon facts and figures and a few ways to include our oblong friends in summer meals. I bet you didn't know that watermelon could be thrown on the grill with a honey-lime sauce, or paired with prosciutto in an arugula salad. You were too busy eating it the old-fashioned way! Hey, but that's OK. With the average American eating more than 16 lbs of watermelon a year, there's more than ample opportunity to include watermelon in our culinary exploits, while still enjoying a traditional slice on a hot summer day!
We received our first watermelon two weeks ago, as a part of our CSA share, just in time to tote it to our 4th of July festivities. Ours was a variety called 'Yellow Doll', which I think is a bit sweeter than the traditional picnic variety. Try it sometime. The bright yellow flesh may turn some heads, but the spectacular taste is sure to please! Andy has even taken to eating the rinds!
And don't stop at the rinds - tired of your old margerita recipe? Try dressing it up with some fresh watermelon. Frank Stitt serves a mean one at his downtown Birmingham Restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill. You can find his recipe here.
Reader Comments (1)
I know it is a bit out of your area, but the International Goat days festival in Millington (just outside of Memphis, is one of the best local festivals in the world. Of particular interest is the best dressed competition ( Best dressed Goat that is). The winner from last year was a goat dressed like Elvis. The national anvil toss competiton is exciting espicially with the family team of Big thunder, Lil' Thunder, and Thunder Thighs. They also have a pertty good bule grass concert.
Their web site is http://www.internationalgoatdays.com
Be sure to visit their gift shop.
Bill