Local Foods

In order for our society to reduce oil prices, and end reliance on various different countries, we need to begin supporting our local farmers. Not only does this give the growers business or helps you to eat healthier, but it also ties you to community and the land you live on. About a month ago I went, along with my parents, to an event in Napa, California where we spent the whole day sampling and eating foods from farmers in my county.

The event was at Copia, The America Center of Wine, Food and Arts. This day was one of the most fun and interesting days of my life. I first went to a cooking show put on by one of my mom’s best friends who owns a chain of steak house restaurants throughout northern California. I watched her prepare meat in various ways and was able to sample her delicious creations. I then went to a tomato sampling, where I received six different types of tomatoes before me. I first had to look at the tomatoes, then smell them and categorize them by what I smelled. Lastly, I ate them and realized how differently the varieties actually taste.



The next thing I did was go to an amazing six-course meal feast. This was probably one of the freshest meals I have ever had. All the food was grown or raised in my county. I never realized how much various agricultural growth goes on so close to me. Following the dinner, I ended with a cheese sampling. We received six morsels of cheese, all paired along with a sample of wine. It was very interesting to listen to a woman talk endlessly about cheese, how different cheeses are made, and how broadly you can incorporate cheese into meals.



Spending this day at Copia really broadened my understanding and appreciation of food. It allowed me to see the amazing and delicious food that is growing around me. I now have a greater appreciation of the farmers in my area and all the work they put into nurturing these amazing foods.