Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Has fast food become the norm rather than the exception in your diet? Do you eat on the run, gulp your food and finish your meal long before anyone else at the table?
Welcome to Slow Food, a current trend that focuses on the pleasure of food. Slow Food was founded in Italy more than 20 years ago. Slow Food USA® is a younger organization.
The goal of Slow Food USA is to have people enjoy what they eat and to learn where their food comes from. The emphasis is on appreciating all of the aspects of eating: taste, presentation, preparation and purchasing.
Linked with that is an effort to sustain the environment by buying foods that are locally grown. Members of both the American and European organizations also work to promote cooking traditions and preserve regional recipes.
Here are just a few of the ways in which you can become part of the slow food efforts.
- Eat slower. Take the time to appreciate the food you are eating.
- Shop at a farmer’s market. Buy foods that are in season and locally grown.
- Start a collection of recipes. Help preserve the traditions of your family and your locality.
- Make more meals at home. Learn how to prepare these favorite recipes using locally grown foods.
- Grow your own herbs. Use them to add new taste sensations to your food.
- Find restaurants that specialize in locally grown food.
- Join a Slow Food chapter. You can find out more about them at http://www.slowfoodusa.org.
