leeks, onions, meyer lemons, blood oranges
Ummm, I still don’t know what I want to do for Tigress’ Can Jam. So, it looks like I’m just going to have to find some more allium options and hit the books. I’ll be fine.
It’s been an odd week. I read Slate’s ‘Canning is Trendy‘ article. I read the The Atlantic’s ‘CSAs: A ripoff?’ article, too. I don’t have a problem saying that I think some of the questions they ask are valid. I think the tone in which both articles are framed is dismissive and patronizing, though. I just think it fosters a discussion where everyone is defensive.
The thing is neither article annoyed me. I just thought they both missed the point. When it comes to CSAs, farmers’ market produce, or dairy products from small farms, I don’t expect the prices to compete with conventional grocery stores. That’s not why I seek them out. That’s not why I come back every week or still shop at the superchains. Does an article bemoaning the price help me define why and where I choose to spend my money? Yep. Non-issue.
The Slate article got under my skin, primarily, because it hurt the feelings of people I’ve come to respect, who felt attacked for practicing the traditions they hold dear. I had less of a problem because I kind of knew who she was talking to and about. It didn’t bother me, personally, because I’ve come to really enjoy doing it. Period. Whatever.
She can condescend, if she chooses. That’s her. I know how it felt to make that first jar of strawberry jam last spring. I know what its been like to be a part of TCJ. I ask myself about salt and sugar intake. I pay attention to what’s local and abundant. I don’t find it tedious. I’m learning a little patience. I’ll be standing with my basket ready when my gardening friends start to harvest the fruits of their labor.
I think what’s starting to rub me the wrong way is this push back on those of us not in rural areas or who haven’t been canning for time. Yes, there are new fresh books with their take on tradition. I’m not rushing out to buy them just because the cover rocks. Yes, there’s more attention on the practice. Yes, I like those cute jars. So what. If I’m canning for the next week or the rest of my life, it shouldn’t have any bearing on what anyone else is doing.
Let’s pass the knowledge amongst ourselves. Share with whomever may be interested. I’m here soaking up your advice and wisdom. Please, share in my excitement.
Nikki♥
aww, i was just havin’ some fun nikki! 😉
…its the same discussion that’s been going on for years about the organic & local movements and i believe 100% that there are valid points on the side of; who can afford to eat better (more healthy) in this country? but the point to me is; its about weakening that divide, not strengthening it, either by thought, word, or deed.
know what i’m sayin?
Amen. So well said.
Tigress… What chu talking about Willis? I totally agree. That’s why neither article irked me personally.
I just noticed how defensive I got reading the comments on a couple of different sites. There was an anti-NYC, CA, Portland thing that was going on. It felt like the same dismissive language that was used on canners in general by Henrietta Hater was being deflected onto the cityfolk and newbies.
I think what’s amazing about all of this is the sharing that we’ve been doing. In reality, the conversation isn’t just about canning or eating organic/local, it’s about food and our relationship to it. Hey, wait… 🙂
When are we doing cabbage? I’ve been searching for Gramma Dessie’s Cha Cha recipe.