Slow Food Nation

By Joannaline Casasola Young

Picture I took in Little Farm, Miami FL

Have you ever heard of “Slow Food”? Most Americans know all too well its arch nemesis-the evil “Fast Food” Darth Vader. So we can compare the liking of Slow Food to Luke Skywalker or even the angelic Jar Jar Binx? For a more sensible explanation, I give you the Slow Food USA (www.slowfoodusa.org) definition:

“Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.”

Therefore, food should be more than those mass-produced corn dogs stuck in the back of your freezer or a quick drive-thru pick me up after work. I understand that with today’s American society, “faster is always better”. However, it is better to live longer than to die…well faster. Also, with the growing concern of today’s environment, it is important to think about how we can preserve land for future generations. This is important in many ways-culturally, historically, and ecologically. A main idea of this movement is to eat food that’s in season, a food tip you can see on any TV food network show. In season food is much tastier, easier to find, and cheaper! Also, according to practicallyedible.com, Slow Food, “Promotes the idea of reducing the number of miles that food travels to reach a consumer. To the foodie wing, this means that the food is fresher and better; to the environmentalist wing, this means reduced energy emissions.” The Web site also points out how the idea was formed by Carlo Petrini who opposed a McDonald’s opening of the first McDonald’s in Italy in March 20 of 1986. You will also see opposing views of Slow Food on the Web site.

So I encourage you to visit that local farmer’s market! You’ll be glad you did. You’ll see fruits and species of people you’ve never seen before. You’ll be able to taste different types of honey from around the world-cheaper to spend as much money on gas to the farmer’s market than plane tickets around the world. Therefore, I think it’s about time the United States becomes a Slow Food nation.

For more information you can go to these organizations:

Slow Food International: www.slowfood.com

Slow Food USA: www.slowfoodusa.org

-My personal favorites are Slow Food LA (slowfoodla.com) and

Slow Food Oahu (slowfoodoahu.org)

Slow Food Nation Book by Carlo Petrini- Founder of the Slow Food movement

Posted by joannaline on November 23, 2009. Filed under Health and Living,Science and Tech,Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.