Our Food

Melissa Petersen is the editor of Edible Memphis magazine, http://www.ediblecommunities.com/memphis/, a quarterly devoted to building connections between farmers, food artisans, and the community. Melissa spoke to the Memphis Herb Society about the food we eat, what it takes to bring it to the table, and what it means to us. She described how our food is so much more than nourishment for our bodies. We use food to celebrate special family events. Certain foods bring back special memories. Many of those who buy our honey at farmers markets relate to us that their grandfathers kept honey bees. Others seek comb honey because they have nostalgic memories of eating honeycomb as a child after family members robbed a bee tree. The Herb Society members know that cooking often involves preparing foods using home-grown herbs for special occasions. Melissa reminded the audience that bringing food to the table requires hard work from numerous individuals. Preparing food in a commercial kitchen involves long, busy, hot, hours, by a team of dedicated workers. Beekeepers recognize the commitment involved in harvesting honey in the summer. Honey supers are heavy; protective bee suits are hot; and some guard bees always find exposed skin.

Mary Phillips, who worked with us at Peace Bee Farm, is featured in the Memphis Commercial Appeal: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jun/24/farm-fresh/. Mary is helping bring fresh food to inner-city areas known as “food deserts.” In parts of some cities it is said to be easier to buy a handgun than a fresh apple. Mary is helping correct this by managing a midtown farmers market, helping community gardens, and building raised-bed backyard vegetable gardens. She is also teaching farming at a girls’ school. Mary says that food “transcends all barriers—class, gender, race, and age.” In our recent travels, we encountered a food coop in Spokane, Washington, featured in today’s photo. See http://www.mainmarket.coop/. Without pollination from the honey bee, the only pictured food available to us is the bread and the macaroni noodles in the soup.

--Richard

Edible Memphis

There is a considerable interest among many for us to return to foods produced locally as opposed to those readily available in grocery stores. These foods may have been imported from great distances. People are attracted to local foods because they may be fresher, more flavorful, or more healthful. More varieties of produce may be available, such as delicious, but fragile, heirloom tomatoes. In many cases local production of food is favored as a means of supporting the local agriculture and economy. Each of these incentives combines to make farmers markets increasingly attractive. Local chefs arrive early to shop for fresh produce to include in the day’s menu. They know that not only is the produce fresh, it is fully mature or ripened. Varieties not available in groceries can be found in farmers markets.

The first time I talked to Melissa Peterson was when news stories broke regarding the mysterious disappearance of honey bees, now called Colony Collapse Disorder. She called from Portland, Oregon. Minutes later, I was interviewed by news media from Savannah, Georgia and in the Mid-West. With coast to coast media coverage, I kidded Rita that I might have to get an agent. Melissa Peterson, the editor of Edible Memphis magazine, is one of the energetic and effective voices supporting the move toward local foods in Memphis and the Mid-South. Her quarterly magazine approaches foods of the region in each of the seasons. She helps build ties between restaurants, chefs, bakers, farmers, and those who merely enjoy food. Melissa is an advocate for the slow food movement. Yes, that’s the opposite of fast food. In The University of Memphis’ continuing education program Melissa teaches interested cooks how to properly use their chef’s knife. She is a regular, friendly face at local farmers markets, and she always has with her a basket of fresh produce or a bouquet flowers. A subscription to Edible Memphis, with its colorful photography and articles can be obtained at: http://www.ediblememphis.com/. I enjoy reading it; Melissa is a pleasure to have around.
--Richard