Food-Full Circle

In so many ways we are really disconnected from the food we eat.  Sure, we eat everyday and hopefully we enjoy what we eat.  But really, we are not connected to it.  We may not know how to grow it, raise it or cook it.  We may not be aware of the nutritional value or the harmful effects of our foods.  Many times we do not know from where in the world it comes or how safely it is produced.  Very few people get to actually know the farmer or the grower of the foods they purchase and eat.  

For a multitude of reasons I am really lucky to be having an experience in Italy.  One way in particular is to be a part of the full circle of food.  Here on the farm I am involved in every aspect of the animals we raise and the items we produce.  I have a hand in the birthing of piglets to the continued care and animal husbandry of them.  I help select the animals to be butchered, process the carcasses, spend hours making salumi and other cured products.  My hands then nurture the curing meats as they dry, age and develop their unique flavors.  And finally, I go to market once a month to interact with customers and  complete the circle of life, and death and food that sustains more life. After being accepted to this program, one of my goals was to complete this loop.  For over 20 years I've been involved with foodservice and food preparation in some way or form.  The impact of my Italian experience has been tremendous thus far and this is definitely the most connected I've been with my food and the processes involved in creating what we eat.  Remember, no matter how simple the food you're eating may appear, it's not simple at all.  In fact, it is, has been and continues to become more difficult everyday.  So I urge you, get connected in some way.  Plant it.  Cook it.  Read about it.  Ask about it.  Support farmers' markets.  At the very least, enjoy it and appreciate the full circle of food.....