Jul

14

Fruit & Vegetables: healthy, local and organic

July 14, 2008 |


I know it has been a long time since I have posted on my blog but between work and the really hot weather I’ve been “out of order” for awhile, but I’m here again full of energy and ready to go.

Last month I read an interesting article published in the NYTimes: Salad Days for the Internet by Michelle Slatalla and I discovered that, like in Italy, more and more people in the States are trying to eat healthier, locally and organic. In the States it’s much more difficult to go direct to the farmer and get vegetables due to the long distances you have there. However, if you check the article you’ll see that it is possible to have your organic fruit and vegetables delivered at home. It also mentions a very useful website, Local Harvest for those who want to go directly to a single farmer instead. You only need to insert your zip code, check and see if there are some farms  near you. I’m so glad I found these links and when I go to the States to visit I’ll definitely keep them in mind.

I think it’s really a time saver to have your fruits and vegetables delivered at home, but on the other hand I still love to go buy and choose my own vegetables directly from the farmer or at the numerous local farmers markets here in Verona. In Italy distances are not that long  and I’m fortunate to have found an organic farmer  just few minutes away from where I live.  I love to go to buy my vegetables there, a green area surrounded by hills covered mostly by vineyards. It’s such a relaxing place not to mention its kind owners Gianluca and his wife Giorgia who started this organic farming 3 years ago. They decided to change their lifestyle by living in contact with nature and so they bought the farm and now sustain themselves by the products they cultivate.

This was not a completely new environment for Gianluca as he is a graduate in agriculture at the University of Padova, but as he told me most of what he learned he’s learned in the fields experimenting as he goes along. He treats the plants with natural preparations, allowed in organic farming. Two years ago he introduced beneficial insects for  pest control he said couldn’t believe the positive results he obtained. If you happen to be in Verona and want to try fresh organic vegetables just go visit them they’re in San Felice extra - Verona in Via Belvedere n. 38, give them a call (phone 045 533343 - mobile 328 7135954) just to make sure they’re open. The farm is generally open from April through December, 3 days a week (Tue-Wed-Sat). You can usually find  Guido, Gianluca’s father, or Giorgia at the stand. You’ll see Gianluca working in the fields.  He’s very busy but also very willing to talk about his work if you ask he’ll be happy to bring you with him in the fields to show you his vegetables.

Since I have started to buy my fruits and vegetables at their farm my eating habits have changed and every time it’s a pleasure to go there and find the first vegetables of the season. There’s a big difference in taste when you eat products matured directly on the plant  than the ones picked before they are  ripe and sold at the store. The latter are lacking in flavor and  they’ve lost part of their vital energy. I’m convinced that nourishing our body by eating natural foods, free of chemicals, will contribute to make us healthier.

Speaking about first vegetables of the season this week I found bell peppers! Needless to say that I immediately prepared one of my favorite summer dishes Peperonata: a joy for the eyes with its vivid colors and for the palate. I usually make it with yellow, red and green bell peppers, onions and fresh tomatoes. There are many versions of this recipes all over Italy, some people add celery too which it actually balances the sweet taste given from the onions and bell peppers, some only use bell peppers and onions. You can serve Peperonata warm or at room temperature, as a side dish accompanied with cheeses or meat and if you made too much of it you can use it as condiment in your pasta.


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind



Cookbooks

My Reading Corner