Farm to Table: Why Supporting Local Farmers Matter

Around the world, the terms conscious cooking & seasonality are thrown around quite casually, but in case you think that these terms are simply trendy buzzwords, I’m here to tell you that they have a much bigger impact on your pocket, the world & your body than you might have thought.

Seasonality Matters

Cooking with seasonal ingredients is the simplest way to get the most flavour into your dishes. When produce is at its peak, you need far fewer ingredients to make a super flavourful dish.

If you are not sure about what might be seasonal at any time of the year, think about what is growing in your own garden. You can also be more conscious of the items that might be in abundance in your supermarket or greengrocer. Printing a seasonal South African chart from the internet & placing it in your kitchen is also very useful.

The seasonal ingredients around you & your body itself will guide you around towards what you need to cook & eat. In winter months & when it is quite cold, our bodies crave stews & soups. In summer, our bodies are very happy with a light, salad-based meal.

If you continue to eat a summer diet throughout the year (ie a diet that is not seasonal), you are likely using imported ingredients that are far less tasty & much more expensive than local seasonal produce. Imported fresh ingredients also result in unnecessary carbon emissions that contributes to global warming & ultimately impacts negatively on food production. Something to consider: one kilogram of carrots that are transported to London (from South Africa) results in 5.5kg of CO2 released into the atmosphere.

Did you know that quality seasonal cooking can satiate learned food cravings too? Human beings are part of nature & we are made to naturally desire certain products. Listen to your body it will tell you what you need for true nourishment.

Buying Direct From Growers Matter

Eating seasonal, often means eating local which directly points to supporting local growers & farmers. This means a boost for our local economy & a saving for you as you cut out the middle man.

I recently stumbled upon Schoonbee Landgoed’s Online Shop – a hidden gem from Limpopo which is great for all food enthusiasts looking to embrace the farm-to-table lifestyle right here in South Africa. As I was browsing their website, I noticed their excellent prices. With current soaring food prices, farm-to-table options are by far the most affordable way to shop. Schoonbee Landgoed is a family-owned farm with a variety of weekly fresh deals and specials & hampers that can be delivered directly to you. It’s a game-changer for those looking to save both time and money on food while enjoying the freshest ingredients.

Planning Matters

Regularly ordering seasonal food boxes directly from a grower means that you may have more produce than you can use at the time. The last thing that you want is for your gorgeous produce to end up in the bin. My strategy is plan & cook meals as soon as I receive the box. I also enjoy sharing with neighbours & my helper.

It’s important to freeze meat that you won’t cook straight away. A couple of food prep hours per week can really be a game changer. If you have a bit of additional time, you can also make some jams & preserves from items like tomatoes. Is it ever too early to start making edible Xmas gifts? The answer is no. 😉

I recently received an order from Schoonbee Landgoed (valued at R1225) that included a treasure trove of fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh juices and incredible meat products. Three boxes of fruit juices, meats, fruit & veg – absolutely excellent value for money.

Here is a list of ideas of what you can make with some of the items that are included regularly in the Schoonbee Landgoed boxes:

*Fresh Fruit Juices: enjoy as is, freeze into ice lollies, mix with cold rooibos tea for a refreshing iced tea.

*Carrot: enjoy as a vegetable snack, make a juice with citrus & carrot, make into a carrot salad with pineapple or bake a moist carrot cake.

*Boerewors: grill on the braai for breakfast, lunch or dinner; make my Boerewors & Bean Cassoulet (include link) or make your favourite boerie roll.

*Beef Mince: cottage pie, mince balls & spaghetti, savoury mince pancakes or Curry & Rice (include link to recipe).

*Potato: Potato Wedges or Chips, Potato & Leek Soup, Potato Salad, cottage pie.

*Tomatoes: Gazpacho, tomato salad – try my caprese salad, Smokey Red Pepper & Tomato Soup; Tomato, Chili & Ginger Jam.

*Butternut: Butternut Soup, Butternut Salad, Stuffed Butternut Halves, Butternut & Carrot muffins.

*Apple: Apple Pie, Oats with Cinnamon Apples, Apple Juice or enjoy fresh as a snack.

Schoonbee Landgoed has opened up a world of possibilities for me, allowing me to enjoy delicious, farm-fresh South African produce while saving both time & money. I can’t recommend it enough.

I hope you are inspired to embark on your journey to fresh, flavourful & budget-friendly meals.

Yolandi ♥

This post is part of a brand collaboration with Schoonbee Landgoed’s Online Shop. Thank you for supporting the brands that support aZestyLife. (Images: Supplied)