Harvesting The 100 Mile Diet

During a recent hike near my home in the country, I came upon some puff mushrooms, a local delicacy that is delicious, fresh and free! This spurred my idea for that night’s dinner and today’s blog on The 100 Mile Diet.

I had guests for dinner and everything on the table was from my garden or that of local farms. The remark was made that we are actually living this diet. At the time, I was unaware of this movement and its Canadian origins.

The idea for this diet is truly simple, traditional and, in fact, Canadian. The history, as quoted from the website, started when “in 2005, Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon began a one-year experiment in local eating. Their 100-Mile Diet struck a deeper chord than anyone could have predicted, inspiring thousands of individuals, and even whole communities, to change the way they eat.” http://100milediet.org/

I thought I would share how my family enjoys the harvest from our local area. To begin with, apples are in season right now and I am lucky enough to have a few apple trees on the property. We never spray the trees so, yes, as Joni Mitchell would sing, there are spots on the apples, and that does not bother me a bit. They are delicious right off of the tree.

The sweetest freshest corn I have ever had is from Roslin, Ontario. I have been all over the County of Hastings and nothing compares.

My eggs come from a farm that I pass on my way home from work. I always reuse my egg cartons and the farmer sells these eggs fresh that day for $2.00 a dozen. You can really tell the difference in these eggs, the yolk is dark almost orange.

I have my herb garden in pots on my little front porch, basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, fresh and ready for each meal. I only take what I need. Some of the plants can be brought in for the winter. Others, like the massive mint and the taragon I have in the front garden will be dried.

My vegetable garden looks like my mind at times, utter chaos, but it is so full of amazing things! Tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, chives, hot peppers which came in handy when I made my salsa this year. (If you peek behind the tomatoes, you will see the salsa). I also have beans and rhubarb and peas growing around the perimeter of the house.

I get my honey from the Morton’s up the road. Our butter comes from Stirling, Ontario. Our milk, ice cream and most other dairy come from Reid’s Dairy in Belleville, Ontario, however our special cheese comes from Maple Dale. I have been able to source out local meat and managed to 'meet' some great people during that process. I enjoy visiting Wendy and Bruce each fall when I pick up my lamb (and maybe a rabbit or two). We also get our beef and pork locally. We know of a source for fresh chicken and turkey, but we prefer the lamb most of all.

Finally, I have found a local organic shop which allows me to order from other sources right here in Ontario for my grains and granola bars and cereal too. The less distance the food has to be transported, the less energy it takes to get it to your table.

If you are in my area, check the following links to make your 100 Mile Diet easier for you.

Farmers Markets Ontario. Find a farmers’ market near you.
Food Down the Road. Locator map, seasonal chart, local-food newspaper for Kingston area.
Ottawa Social Planning Council. Comprehensive Ottawa-area farm directory.

From all other corners of the world, seek out your local food, and then let me know how you do. I look forward to hearing about your harvest table.

With grace,

Janet