…is one that has been dunked in coffee or tea! Famous British chef Heston Blumenthal set up an experiment to see whether cookies taste better after dipping in a beverage and the answer is yes they do! The science behind it is here.
Tag Archives: Living
What’s in a Potato?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? We see different kinds of potatoes at the store or farmers’ markets: brown, red, gold, fingerlings, purple but that is just a surface difference, right? Actually there is much more to it than that and I learnt about it from this delightful post at The Botanist in the Kitchen, on making potato and leek soup. I loved the way an everyday ingredient was explained in a scientific way so that we see it with fresh eyes…and can also choose the right potato for soup next time!
Posted in Food Choices, food fun, Living, Nutrition
Tagged food decisions, food fun, Living, nutrition
The Race to Grab Farmland
“But land is land, and it’s safer than the stocks and bonds of Wall Street swindlers.” —- Eugene O’Neill, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Today, though, land is not safe anymore as the increasing population, volatility of food prices and leveling off of yield is leading to a global rush to grab farmland before it runs out. Investors, agribusinesses and governments are buying up land mostly in less developed areas where the population can be easily displaced as land records are not easily available. Some of these may be communal lands , held in trust over centuries so when they are taken over, the community is displaced and scattered and deprived of a livelihood.
Recent reports show that approximately 203 million acres of land has been acquired and the top land grabbers include the UK, the USA, China and Saudi Arabia. In Cambodia, about 55% of the arable land is now under the control of agribusiness and foreign investors. The investors who make these deals often make promises about providing employment to local workers or introducing new technology but these are seldom fulfilled. And what about the actual crop that is grown? Chances are it would not be the traditional crop but one that is destined solely for export. In one case, Saudi Arabia decided to grow sorghum in Sudan, not for the Sudanese market where it is a food item, but for consumption by camels in their own country. As the decisions regarding crop choices changes, this might take food choices out of the market and exacerbate the problem of hunger in already vulnerable populations.
Last year’s drought in the US brought home the importance of water, a fact that will only become more evident as we deal with the impact of climate change. Land grabs also put this resource out of the public domain and into the hands of private investors. This presents a daunting challenge for poor rural populations depending on farming for a living. In future, they might have to pay extra for drinking and irrigation water.
How did we get here? Perhaps the first step was the morphing of agriculture into big business, the disconnect between profit and the provision of food on the table, and the second was the sad collusion of corrupt governments and predatory investors.This trend toward land grabs poses a grave challenge to food and livelihood security in the countries and communities where it occurs and also impacts what people elsewhere can put on their plates and how much they have to pay for it.
Posted in Climate Change, Farm Technology, Food Choices, Food Justice, Food Policy, Food Security, Green, Hunger, Living
Tagged climate change, Farming Technology, food decisions, food policy, food security, Green, Hunger, Living
How Coke Makes Orange Juice
Is anyone surprised by the news that Coca Cola’s Simply Orange product is somewhat different from slicing an orange and squeezing it? It seems that Coca Cola uses an algorithm (apparently also used by Delta to balance its books!) to prepare the juice, blending different batches to ensure uniformity of taste. The whole process is described as efficient and of course, for the consumer, very convenient.
Why is this story deemed unusual? Was anyone really expecting that what comes out of the carton is not subject to any processing at all? That is only possible if we prepare the juice ourselves by simply slicing and squeezing. This is the lack of clarity on the consumption side that I find mystifying. If we want convenience from a carton and we want it to be at a low price, then we will get processed juice. It is not exactly the same that we would get at home where the fresh burst of citrus flavor hits you as lift the glass to drink, but that would take some planning to ensure we have oranges to hand and a few more seconds to prepare than it takes to open a carton. We make our choice: time or convenience, both together are not possible and demanding that is unrealistic.
This much I can say, once you start with freshly squeezes juice, you will not want to pick up that carton! For this who have never tried it, this is how easy it is:
Posted in Food Choices, Green, Hunger, Living, Nutrition
Tagged food decisions, Green, Hunger, Living, nutrition
What Should Tomatoes Cost?
In keeping with my resolution to cook and eat in season, I have been trying to limit my tomato purchases. Still, I find myself gazing longingly at the piles of tomatoes at the grocery store. The price sticker shows the same price as it did over the summer. This puzzles me: should they not cost more as they are not in season? What determines the price of tomatoes anyway? It would include the cost of resources: seeds, water, fertilizers, labor, to start with. If any of these sees a rise in prices, tomatoes will cost more as well. So far land and water have not been an issue in the Unites States but with rising population and climate change these resources are the source of tension in many parts of the world. Farmland grabbing is now a major phenomenon on several continents.
Cheap labor has also helped to keep food prices low but as countries like Mexico improve the standards of living, the flow of migrant labor will slow down. Will there be enough people to meet the demand for farm labor in America? Farm work is hard and the wages are very low. One way to resolve this would be to ensure a fair wage for farm workers, this might induce some current unemployed workers to move into this sector. This would make the food system better by ensuring that it is just and that we are not in the position of watching fruit rot on trees as there is no labor to harvest them while children go to bed hungry.
Posted in Farm Bill, Food Justice, Food Policy, Uncategorized
Tagged food policy, Green, Hunger, Living
A Time to Reflect
This week something rare happened in the world. Something that is rare not just in the world of food, but in our lives in general. Mark Lynas, best known for his environmental work, announced that his anti-GMO position has been a mistake. He said that once he had actually read the research and investigated for himself he concluded that food policy should include genetic modification of crops. This is really rare: reflection on a position and the recognition in public that the position was a mistake and changed.
Most of the coverage on GMOs is negative and is often presented in a way that stirs fear in the minds of consumers, the most recent example being the Seralini rat study. Most of us also do not have the time to read up on the scientific research ourselves, but it does not follow that a technology that is difficult to access is dangerous. There is overwhelming evidence to support the case that GMOs are safe to use. I present a link here and will be happy to provide more in case you wish to research further.
The debate on this issue will continue but, (as has been noted here, and also here, and here) at least it can be conducted in a framework of facts, logic and reason rather than fear.
Posted in Farm Technology, Food Choices, Food Policy, Food Security, Green, Hunger, Living
Tagged Farming Technology, food decisions, food policy, food security, Green, Hunger, Living
Wishlist for a New Food System
The din around the fiscal cliff grows louder every day, perhaps it is time to raise our voices to ask an important question: what happened to the Farm Bill? There has been some debate about the food stamp program or debate on genetic modification of crops but what if we resolved to start over, from a blank sheet and set up the food system that would benefit both producers and consumers and be prepared for dealing with climate change. Here are some of the things on my wish list for a better food system:
1. Better food choices at home: while the awareness about eating “local” is laudable , everything cannot be grown locally so if we find ourselves buying “local” tomatoes while stocking up on snow shovels, it means that we are buying produce that requires greater resources because it is being produced out of season. Instead, let us try to eat in season, experiment with produce that actually grows in this season and expand our culinary abilities. Also, if a food producer has to sell only locally they might either not be able to meet demand (in which case we would have to go without) or is left with a surplus which does not sell and he cannot ship it elsewhere because of the insistence on local food. Most of us in the food debate consider the consumer’s point of view. Let us also hear what the farmer thinks.
2. Change agricultural practices: adapting to climate change is not just about producing food under a different set of weather conditions, it should also be about using better farm practices like growing trees on farms to prevent soil erosion and sequester carbon, preserving biodiversity, green manure among an array of possibilities.
3. A fair food system: let us recognize the hard work that goes into producing our food; long hours in all kinds of inclement weather often involving hazardous chemicals and equipment. The number of people ready to do this is small and yet we do little to bring in those who are ready to work in this area. We need to provide a decent life and dignity of work for immigrant workers on American farms.
And when we go to a restaurant and are happy to see that the food is “local” and “sustainable” and the chef has so many stars, let us also think about the restaurant worker. If you want to know if your server or cook is being paid a fair wage or get paid sick leave, there is now an app for that!
4. Renew rural life: when it is openly stated that there is a disconnect between urban and rural communities with the latter being isolated and cut off from the mainstream, it is crucial to take action. Farmers today are older and fewer in number than before and as they become less able to farm the land, farms may be sold off to urban property developers or be purchased by large farms. To create a vibrant farm sector, it should be made easier for younger people to farm, offering financial aid or improving infrastructure where needed.
5. Plate and Planet: every time we make a food choice let us think not just of how it will be on our plate but how it will impact the planet. A recent study shows how yields of major crops are falling, and preparedness to deal with climate change is hardly robust so when we push a certain technology or practice, let us consider the global situation as well. Changing tastes in America might lead to positive change here but global hunger and access to food should also be considered.
And, finally, in this, as in other debates, let us be civil with those who disagree. Perhaps this wish list will remain just that: wishes, but can we at least resolve to stop name calling on Internet discussion forums because someone disagrees with us on a point of policy? We are all people, no one is a “shill”.
Posted in Climate Change, Farm Bill, Farm Technology, Food Choices, Food Justice, Food Policy, Food Security, Green, Hunger, Living
Tagged climate change, farm bill, Farming Technology, food decisions, food policy, food security, Green, Hunger, Living
Wal Mart is Coming to India
Recently the Indian government announced that foreign investment would be allowed in the retail sector, and, after some debate, the relevant legislation was passed by the Parliament and is now the law of the land. This means that stores like Wal Mart , IKEA and other supermarket chains will start operations in India. What does this mean for Indians particularly with regard to food? There is reason to believe that farmers would benefit as stores now start competing for their produce; productivity gains are expected as less food is wasted due to improved refrigeration and storage and the consumer is also expected to have a more enjoyable shopping experience at, hopefully, affordable prices.
It is uncertain what the new policy will mean in terms of jobs. The jobs generated by the supermarkets would require a different skill set from those possessed by the small holder farmers and small traders who would be most vulnerable to the coming changes. And what about the little corner stores and produce stands that currently dot the landscape? Certainly, some small stores will go out of business, that is inevitable. However, in matters relating to food, emotions are just as important as data. Many people enjoy chatting with their neighborhood store owner as they get their shopping done. They also enjoy little conveniences, like free home delivery even with small orders or some credit at the end of the month when finances are tight. For every middle class consumer who is looking forward to shopping at the supermarket, there is one whose income would not stretch that far. And going by the popularity of farmer’s markets in the US, for example, the small farmer will still have the option of setting up his wicker basket of vegetables on the sidewalk. And even the supermarkets might have to think about adapting to local customs: China’s indigenous grocery chain RT-Mart wins out in part because it lets customers come in and choose their fish live (it is then processed for purchase) as they have been used to doing at their neighborhood stores for centuries!
So, the outcome of this new policy is far from clear.We will be following how this change works out.
Posted in Farm Technology, Food Choices, Food Policy, Food Security, Living, Price Rise
Tagged Farming Technology, food decisions, food policy, food security, Living, Price Rise
Of Looming Cliffs and Melting Ice
The last of the turkey leftovers are gone and we are now fully awake from the food coma to find, according to the incessant media coverage, that we are hanging off a cliff and in danger of plunging into catastrophe. Hopefully we can claw our way back. But while those involved in solving this do their best headless chicken act, another drama is unfolding in Doha where the climate change conference is being held. There, also, all is sound and fury and we watch in disbelief as no action emerges to tackle a challenge to the planet and the people who inhabit it. And while the debate rages on regarding the placement of the comma goes on the communique that communicates less and obfuscates more, everything that we put on the table to give thanks is threatened, yes,everything including the wine.
What, one wonders, would make the urgency on this matter obvious? Perhaps a video of the melting Arctic ice that will allow ships to navigate through this area for the first time? Or perhaps they might need to consider the information in these handy charts?
Climate change is going to have a major impact on a food system that is already under pressure. How will we meet this challenge if we are going to pretend it does not even exist?
Posted in Climate Change, Food Choices, Food Policy, Food Security, Green, Hunger
Tagged climate change, food decisions, food policy, food security, Green, Hunger, Living
Turkey Time!!
It’s that time of the year when thoughts turn to turkeys, cranberries and travel arrangements. While you prepare to enjoy a day of feasting and fun with the family , please remember to give thanks for the farmers and workers who make it possible to load up our tables with such an abundant meal. Also, a thought for how we grow our food, and a heartfelt wish for those who are still stranded and without power from Hurricane Sandy.
It’s not all about the food, though. There are other traditions, like the recounting of past turkey day disasters, the nosy relative wanting to know about relationship updates, or the walk after gorging on the meal. Whether your Thanksgiving is an intimate one or a fancy gathering at a hotel, have a wonderful, fulfilling Thanksgiving!
And in case you were wondering, this is why your turkey is cheaper at this time than the rest of the year!
Thought + Food 