the taste of summer

My general shopping habit for produce is that if it's not local, in season, organic, I don't buy it. Not that this means I don't buy the occasional bag of frozen veggies/fruit or can of tomatoes or bunch of bananas (is there anywhere in the States where bananas are local?), but in general. And yes, I realize I'm spoiled, because early and late in the season, I can sort of count northern California as local. Yay.

I think this started two winters ago. About the middle of winter last year, I was really craving a fresh tomato, so I gave in and bought one. Did not enjoy it. The thing about only buying produce when it's local and in season is that you realize how much better it tastes.

I made a vegetable ratatouille on Monday with a bunch of veggies including tomatoes, eggplant, red bell pepper, and zucchini. I had the bright idea to double the recipe - and put half of the ratatouille in the freezer. I don't often freeze things because I tend to forget about them until they are very old and ice crusted; however, I'm hoping that this will give me that much-needed taste of summer during a cold rainy week this winter.

Comments

[mella]

mmmmm.... my favorite subject!

I love doing that too, though I am slow in mentally making the adjustment back to the NorthEast, where many a farmers market fave do not grow once the frosty mornings hit - and apparently we're already there! Not only that, but farmers markets are (eek) seasonal.
I asked the best farmer at the market for a large amount of basil (I love to make fresh pesto and freeze for use in the winter) and was sad to learn that had I asked a month ago he may have been able to oblige...

Your post is a great reminder of an intention that has laid dormant during my spoiled time in a 'warmer climate', to live in sync with nature from the ground up, literally. Next season I will plant my own basil!

PS your ratatouille sounds yummy, have you seen that cute movie?

[Julie M.]

In season produce is SO much better! I don't even realize how much until I get something directly from my parents garden and eat it that day. That's such a healthy way to live- I'm impressed.

[elizabeth @ the blue lotus]

@julie: i agree - so much better! which is why i have been going through tomatoes and cucumbers like mad .. since they will soon be gone.

@mella: my favorite subject too! you had farmers' markets year-round?! envious. i think the main portland one goes from march through december, but i haven't been there early/late to see what's available; i imagine squashes, etc. fresh pesto - yummy! my neighbor planted basil so i've been grabbing leaves from his plant from time to time .. next year i should plant it too. oh! i have not seen that movie - i need to!