Localvore…….final week and a bag of flour
After three weeks of going without grains and seeds and missing bread, pasta, rice, muesli and other staple products I have bought a bag of Eden Valley Biodynamic flour. Its mid winter and I decided to do this challenge (see more) only a couple of weeks before it started so here is my thoughts so far about grains and seeds.
- Nearly all grains are grown on broad acre farms far away from the bulk of the population, so anyone choosing to eat local should find the most ethical grain grower close to them (though this may be a few hundred kilometres away) and buy from them in bulk to reduce transport and packaging.
- Make an effort to grow more edible seeds even if they are only in small quantities such as grain amaranth, sunflower and linseed that can be stored for the winter months.
- Collect edible Acacia seeds in the summer, I think that this is one of our most overlooked local source of seeds. A large number of acacias have edible seeds including the common weed species Acacia Longafolia and some great local species such as acacia cyclops. Being Australian perennials they are far better suited to our environment, not needing extra food or water in the summer.
- Research more varieties of grains that can be grown in our area.
- Learn more about local plant uses from traditional owners, especially seeds (again can only be harvested in summer and autumn)
So with this in mind I am treating myself to a bag of flour for the final week of my challenge…….have I weakened? In one day of having flour and consequently a delicious loaf of home baked bread life has got much, much easier as a slice of bread dipped in olive oil is such quick and easy food. It has made me think about our early settlers and how precious a flour delivery must have been, it has also made me think about how quickly traditional cultures could be destroyed with the addition of this one product….. quick, filling, delicious and versatile it can displace other foods that take longer to harvest and prepare (and this is true even when I have baked the bread, not grabbed a loaf at the shop!). Food for thought!
July is proving to be a great month for thought provoking ideas and discussions, Plastic Free July (which is what gave me the inspiration to take on this challenge) is making people think, in thinking they are talking, talking is leading to actions and however small or grand these actions are they are heading us towards a more resilient community.
Good onya Jodie! I was only going plastic free, but was making my own bread to avoid the bakery in town and plastic bags, and found it a throughly enjoyable process – not necessarily local grains but I’ll look harder next time. I’m growing amaranth, but it’s pretty minimal so far! Bringing one loaf of fresh bread into the LETs opening tonight, but no idea what it’s worth as a trade! See you there! And I’ve only broken the plastic free bit once when I gave in and bought some smoked salmon. Not enough time to go catch a fish!
well done! I really love how much it has got everyone thinking…………..see you tonight!
One thing we have been able to ditch is the plastic lid on Stewart’s seemingly compulsory paper cup of coffee at the markets. So many habits are totally un necessary, while others are, well, pretty hard to avoid . Eg salami wrapped in paper bag not plastic really pervaded the fridge . Well done indeed Jodie, you have a will of iron to go through most of July without that great convenience food…bread.
ditching little things is great, when we had our PFJ launch mum and Cynda talked about what they used do do before throw away plastic, I missed it but from many accounts it was one of the best parts of the day and I think it highlighted how in such a crazy short time we have become so reliant on the stuff.
Bread ! well that’s another story, cant work out if I love it or hate it at the moment, but jeez it makes a difference!
Maximum respect Jodie :-) What an awesome perspective to bring to us all. By experiencing these things you are bringing knowledge and thoughts to us that we need to consider in a very serious way. Go native bush seeds, amaranth, broad beans, fresh greens, local meats, fishing habits and lots of herbal teas. Growing tea could be easier than coffee :-) I’ve been sharing your blogs with the Big Blue Shed and its inhabitants.
wow thanks Olly……….love knowing who it is out there that’s checking out what I’m up to……..in a way I think it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done, it sure is going to have a big impact on our future eating habits. Its amazing how local you think you are until you actually say “I’m only using …..” . Swapped some olive oil for some precious salt tonight……….ahhh, the idea of going without salt is super hard and I was nearly to the bottom on my jar, luckily Kylie collected in Feb or I’d be in strife!
Hi Jodie and Olly. More thoughts on living local came to me today when, in a shirt all wet from the rain I had a nice fire set in the stove but had no MATCHES. I’m hoarding matches ! Also think I will plant a few paperbarks near the house for toilet paper. XX
ah ha……………good one Bee
My mum stayed with me for a month in June and I loved talking about her life growing up on the family farm. She said they grew all their own fruit and vegetables and reared their own meats, dairy and poultry. She said they only bought flour, sugar and tea. (Obviously didn’t drink coffee!) My grandma spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking etc but their food was organic, local and seasonal..all the attributes of health giving food. My grandmother was one of the most contented people I’ve ever known and I’m beginning to understand why!