Bernadine
Although I'm not an "up north foodie" yet, I hope to be very soon. Currently, live in Chicago (but planning to relocate to Petoskey) and have spent the last two summers in northern Michigan.
I started focusing on eating locally and seasonally for a few reasons:
(1) The food is fresher and tastes better (it's traveled fewer miles) (2) The great variety of flavors in heirloom varietals. The food is grown for flavor not its shelf-life and ability to be shipped thousands of miles. Favorite example: A caprese salad of Green Zebra, Purple Russian, and Sun Drop tomatoes is more interesting than one that has all beefsteak tomatoes (add different varietals of basil in there and it's even better!) (3) More interesting flavor combinations and the fun of researching what to do with items I'd previously never heard of (like Cardoons and Jerusalem Artichokes). (4) The ability to not have to run to the freezer every time a meat recall was announced on the news. I've met the people who are producing and overseeing the processing of the meat I eat. I trust them more because I've shaken their hand, looked them in the eye and talked to them about their business.
Something that has come out of eating locally and seasonally is a realization that there are more than 4 seasons in a year. Summer, alone, is comprised of Strawberry season, Blueberry season, Cherry season, Melon season, etc. Also an appreciation for enjoying something while its here - like the fleeting season (a few short weeks) of Ramps.
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Winter Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets aren't just for the warm months any more. This winter, some Up North markets are taking it inside on Saturdays!
