If the economy has you thinking cheap, genetically-modified corn-and-soybean junk foods may be the way to go, frugal foodies serious about cheap, tasty eats are blogging to convince you otherwise. Sustainable, yummy eats don’t have to break the bank!
First, check out this list of 13 ways to eat locally and sustainable on a budget, from Jennifer Maiser of the Eat Local Challenge blog. One main tip she offers is to eat in season. “In season eating offers the best value for local produce, and if you put up or preserve foods while they are in season you can have a version of them throughout the year.”
I went to the farmers’ market earlier today — so I know luscious peaches are in full season. The 7 I bought won’t last long enough for me to think about preserving them though…
My favorite tip for reducing local-eating costs is growing your own herbs. Every little bunch of basil, parsley, fennel, and many other easy-to-grow herbs costs you a buck or few every time you decide to buy them from the grocery store — but if you keep your own little pot o’ herbs, you have a gift that keeps on giving.
If any sort of plant maintenance seems like too much work for you, maybe I can draw you in via the cute and crafty factor of these mini-herb gardens. Here’s instructions on how to create a Credit-Card Flower Box-Fridge Magnet or a Lightbulb Greenhouse of your own (both via re-nest).
Last but not least: If your garden gets weedy, don’t fight ‘em — eat them! Jennifer M. aka Baklava Queen at Ethicurean points out that weeds are growing even more like weeds than usual, thanks to global warming. On the upside, many weeds are edible! Says Jennifer M:
The weeds might have the advantage as our climate changes and cultivated species find themselves more prone to pests and diseases as a result. But there’s one possibly delicious way to tame those wild plants: grab a fork and dig in.
She even provides a tasty-looking recipe for Wild and Weedy Potato Salad (right), sure to be a hit at any summer pot-luck –
Top image by Siel; middle images via Instructables; bottom image via Ethicurean
[crossposted on BlogHer]
I’ve discovered another way to eat locally, although nine times out of ten it isn’t organic:
The chain of 99¢ stores that is actually entitled 99¢ Store carries milk and produce, and it is almost always very local. They don’t always have organic milk (some brand I’ve never heard of), but the produce is nearly always from San Bernardino or Riverside county, and occasionally Los Angeles County. I’m currently polishing off a bag of nectarines (10) grown in El Monte, and very tasty they are too.
I’ve only seen organic produce there a few times, which is too bad. But as a supplement to my farm box, it’s a great option, and a way for the less-monied to eat locally.
Comment by meg — July 6, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Herbs are a great way to grow your own food (and save money) but you can grow so much of your own food and it’s so cheap. I recently added up the value of my very small backyard garden and it totaled almost $400 at market value, not to mention gas money saved on trips to the grocery store. I paid less than $50 for the seeds and starts for my garden bounty!
Comment by Beth Sethi — July 6, 2008 @ 10:17 pm