Think global buy local

FOR 2006, let us think season, local, animal welfare, food miles, organic, sustainability. The coolest words in food as we slide into 2006 are local, artisan and slow.

Those with a passion for real quality are seeking out fresh, naturally produced, local foods from artisan producers. Foods that are produced more slowly in the time-honoured way so they have more flavour, better texture and more nutrients.

Food is at its freshest and most flavourful when it is in season. It makes no sense to buy expensive ‘jet-lagged’ food that has travelled half way round the globe when we could be eating delicious local food in season. The foods that are in season contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements our bodies need at that time of the year - eg, citrus fruit in winter provides us with vitamin C.