9 posts tagged “food”
You know those annoying stickers on all the fruits and veggies in the produce department? Believe it or not, their sole purpose is not to adhere resolutely to your apple, and then cling relentlessly to your fingers when you finally flick them off.
Besides the names of the fruit itself and possible the farm where it was grown, each sticker has 4 or 5 digits on it and here's what they mean:
A 4 digit number means the fruit/veggie was conventionally grown (this includes the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides).
A 5 digit number beginning with a 9 means it's organic (although you probably already knew that from the big sign that says: "ORGANIC CARROTS!").
A 5 digit number beginning with an 8 means it's genetically modified (beware the franken-fruit!).
GMO's are relatively new to the world of food technology, but scientists have already identified several possible risks they may pose to the environment, including a reduction of biodiversity. Biodiversity is what keeps the earth's ecosystems stable, all plant and animal species are parts of an intricate web of interdependence. Constant evolution and variety protects these species from environmental hazards. By homogenizing our food crops, we are making them more susceptible to things like agricultural pests and sweeping diseases. Watch this (nerdy) video.
Besides the names of the fruit itself and possible the farm where it was grown, each sticker has 4 or 5 digits on it and here's what they mean:
A 4 digit number means the fruit/veggie was conventionally grown (this includes the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides).
A 5 digit number beginning with a 9 means it's organic (although you probably already knew that from the big sign that says: "ORGANIC CARROTS!").
A 5 digit number beginning with an 8 means it's genetically modified (beware the franken-fruit!).
GMO's are relatively new to the world of food technology, but scientists have already identified several possible risks they may pose to the environment, including a reduction of biodiversity. Biodiversity is what keeps the earth's ecosystems stable, all plant and animal species are parts of an intricate web of interdependence. Constant evolution and variety protects these species from environmental hazards. By homogenizing our food crops, we are making them more susceptible to things like agricultural pests and sweeping diseases. Watch this (nerdy) video.
peace.
It's that time of year again. The time of year we're all scrambling to get the best gifts at the best prices, and indulging in the usual holiday delicacies. Call me the Ghost of Christmas Conscience, but I simply must take this opportunity to blog my brains out on the tender subjects of both educated shopping and eating.
What We See
Brightly decorated store windows, displaying the latest merchandise, accompanied by big tantalizing SALE! signs. Hard to resist.
What We Get
(In most cases:) The products of unethical sweatshop labor. Read the tags on an item of clothing: MADE IN VIETNAM or CHINA or INDONESIA etc. The companies that stock most department stores export their labor to developing nations. Factories in those countries don't have to abide by the comparatively strict standards as factories in the United States. Conditions are appalling, wages are inadequate (to say the least), and many allow child
labor.
What To Do
The most powerful tool at any customer's disposal is the boycott. Don't buy from companies who exploit their workers. Often this is difficult considering the lack of accessible alternatives, but if we let obstacles like this stop us nothing will ever change.
Look for items that are specifically labeled "sweatshop free" or "fair trade." Support good industry with your money. Even if you can't always afford to buy ethically made, buy used. Make sure that the money paid for used items is not returning to the manufacturer.
What We See
Brightly decorated store windows, displaying the latest merchandise, accompanied by big tantalizing SALE! signs. Hard to resist.
What We Get
(In most cases:) The products of unethical sweatshop labor. Read the tags on an item of clothing: MADE IN VIETNAM or CHINA or INDONESIA etc. The companies that stock most department stores export their labor to developing nations. Factories in those countries don't have to abide by the comparatively strict standards as factories in the United States. Conditions are appalling, wages are inadequate (to say the least), and many allow child
What To Do
The most powerful tool at any customer's disposal is the boycott. Don't buy from companies who exploit their workers. Often this is difficult considering the lack of accessible alternatives, but if we let obstacles like this stop us nothing will ever change.
What We See
A delicious holiday feast, slow-roasted cut of meat at the center, surrounded by cheesy side dishes, followed by a rich chocolate dessert. Wish we could eat like this year round.
What We Get
The products of a factory farm or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). These are places where food animals are kept ankle deep in their own waste, and fattened on evolutionarily inappropriate diets. Take for example the cow, whose feed consists almost entirely of corn. Cows are not designed to eat corn, which is why the CAFOs must process the animals in as little time as possible, before they die of malnutrition. The rest of their
Oh, and did I mention that these operations are exempt from clean air and pollution policies?! They have virtually no restrictions to prevent them from dumping their toxic wastes right into the Gulf of Mexico. The animals, and the environment they live in, are both so full of chemicals that the manure they produce (which could be used as a valuable, free fertilizer for farming!) becomes a bio-hazard!
What To Do
I'm not going to proselytize veganism. I'm stating facts, not vilifying omnivores. After all, humans are omnivores. But this is wrong. There's a difference between sustainable farming - humans and animals in harmony - and factory farming - humans treating animals as brute commodities.
I will, however, implore you: do not support CAFOs with your money.
Find a nonindustrial farm, or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) near you. Buy your food animals and animal byproducts from a farmer who treats her or his livestock with respect. Unfortunately, the meat and eggs and milk and cheese in the supermarket do not come from sustainable farms, even if the label says "free range."
It honestly makes me sad when people won't research where their food and clothing come from. Ignorance is not bliss, and in the long run - we all suffer due to the lies behind our unexamined lives. Consumers ultimately rule when it comes to industry. Every dollar spent is a vote for what is was spent on. Don't let your power go to waste!
peace.
This is where my mini series comes to a close, because honestly, there's not much left to say. The previous segments covered all the most demanding factors of Eating with People Who Don't Eat Exactly What You Eat. Now I'll simply address two slightly less hazardous positions to be in: the omnivore guest, and the herbivore host.
Please excuse my obsessive need for closure, I promise I'll get back to posting more interesting topics after this!
Part 3 - The Omnivore Guest
How to Eat with a Party of Mainly Herbivores
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
1. If you know that the company you will be in is predominantly vegetarian/vegan/fruitarian/raw-foodist, brace yourself for some unusual cuisine. This is not the time to be picky, be open to trying new things. (If you don't know the dietary preferences of the people you'll be eating with until you actually arrive, then you'll have to adopt this attitude rather quickly.)
1. Don't enter the situation with a chip on your shoulder, just because you're the only one in the room who eats animal products.
1. Be aware that the herbivores may occasionally drop derogatory remarks about the things you eat, weather they're aware of your diet or not. Just keep in mind that they shouldn't be criticizing you specifically, and constantly jumping to the defense of an omnivorous diet will not make you very popular. If possible, let them know that you do eat animal products and if they're polite they'll avoid denouncing meat in your presence.
1. In return, don't denounce their diet either. It may be hard to take the anti-meat mood (if there is one), but don't get hyper-defensive. Note: This is part of being a minority. You may not be used to it (but your hosts probably are). You have to remain calm and respectful no matter what.
1. Don't bring meat to a vegetarian/vegan pot luck. No one will laugh, trust me.
Part 4 - The Herbivore Host
How to Accommodate Omnivores
1. If you invite someone who eats animal products to eat with you, let them know beforehand that the food will be all vegetarian/vegan/fruitarian/raw. (And make sure they don't have a soy allergy!)
1. If you're inviting other herbivores, let them know that they'll be in "mixed company" so they won't be unintentionally rude to the omnivore(s).
1. Try to offer plenty of familiar, traditionally animal-free dishes, in case your guest is resistant to trying new foods.
1. At the table, keep the conversation away from food and/or food politics.
1. Don't criticize or tease your guest for their diet, it will make them severely uncomfortable, especially if they're outnumbered.
Well, that's all folks. If I left anything out, please let me know so I can add it to the lists. And if you ever need help with this sort of thing, just check the lists again, that's what they're for!
peace.
Please excuse my obsessive need for closure, I promise I'll get back to posting more interesting topics after this!
Part 3 - The Omnivore Guest
How to Eat with a Party of Mainly Herbivores
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
1. If you know that the company you will be in is predominantly vegetarian/vegan/fruitarian/raw-foodist, brace yourself for some unusual cuisine. This is not the time to be picky, be open to trying new things. (If you don't know the dietary preferences of the people you'll be eating with until you actually arrive, then you'll have to adopt this attitude rather quickly.)
1. Don't enter the situation with a chip on your shoulder, just because you're the only one in the room who eats animal products.
1. Be aware that the herbivores may occasionally drop derogatory remarks about the things you eat, weather they're aware of your diet or not. Just keep in mind that they shouldn't be criticizing you specifically, and constantly jumping to the defense of an omnivorous diet will not make you very popular. If possible, let them know that you do eat animal products and if they're polite they'll avoid denouncing meat in your presence.
1. In return, don't denounce their diet either. It may be hard to take the anti-meat mood (if there is one), but don't get hyper-defensive. Note: This is part of being a minority. You may not be used to it (but your hosts probably are). You have to remain calm and respectful no matter what.
1. Don't bring meat to a vegetarian/vegan pot luck. No one will laugh, trust me.
Part 4 - The Herbivore Host
How to Accommodate Omnivores
1. If you invite someone who eats animal products to eat with you, let them know beforehand that the food will be all vegetarian/vegan/fruitarian/raw. (And make sure they don't have a soy allergy!)
1. If you're inviting other herbivores, let them know that they'll be in "mixed company" so they won't be unintentionally rude to the omnivore(s).
1. Try to offer plenty of familiar, traditionally animal-free dishes, in case your guest is resistant to trying new foods.
1. At the table, keep the conversation away from food and/or food politics.
1. Don't criticize or tease your guest for their diet, it will make them severely uncomfortable, especially if they're outnumbered.
Well, that's all folks. If I left anything out, please let me know so I can add it to the lists. And if you ever need help with this sort of thing, just check the lists again, that's what they're for!
peace.
Ok people, time for round two. Can't you just feel the patience, the tolerance, the open-mindedness... who wants a hug? Anyone?
All right, herbivores, chances are you're more than used to dietary contestation. But that's no reason to forget common courtesy in the face of the occasional dogmatic steakaholic when they snort at your tofu. I know you have strong reasons for eating what you eat, but unfortunately not everyone appreciates them. You may be taken as a threat, so you have to take precautions to avoid offending anyone (too bad precautions are not always taken in return - for more info, see my previous post).
Once again, here you'll find no blaming or ridicule. Just a guide to keep everyone happy and, hopefully, well fed. As a vegan, it's hard not to be un-biased, but believe me, I'm trying. If any omnivores have things to add from the other side of the table, just let me know.
Part 2 - The Herbivore Guest
How to Eat with Omnivores (When You're Invited)
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
Preparation
1. When you are invited to eat with someone (or to an event where food will be served), find a way to inform the host of your dietary restrictions. Be extremely clear about what you do and do not eat.
1. If possible, offer to bring food of your own, or something to share.
1. If you will be eating at a restaurant, check the place out before hand and get a menu.
1. If you doubt there will be little or nothing for you to eat at the event, eat before hand so you at least won't be hungry.
At the Table
1. When people offer you something you don't eat, refuse it politely. When they ask why you're not eating it say simply "I'm a vegetarian/vegan." When they ask you why you're a vegetarian/vegan, tell them you'd prefer not to discuss it, as the subject tends to make people uncomfortable. Avoid discussing your reasons at the table at all costs (within the bounds of courtesy, of course - no screaming, or running out of the room, that would be (more) awkward).
1. Although it's tempting, avoid using phrasing like "I can't eat that", this undermines the core values of your diet, because the whole point is your conscious choice not to eat animal products. The word to use is "I don't eat that".
1. Sometimes it's easier to let people believe you're avoiding certain foods due to allergies. At least, people are almost always more sympathetic. But you're going to have to explain it to them eventually, so try to keep things less confusing by being very clear (and polite).
1. If someone persists in discussing your diet, despite your attempts to change the subject, you may have to answer some awkward questions. Whatever you do, do not react to rudeness. Even if they blatantly denounce the rights of animals or forecast your painful death by malnutrition, I repeat: do not react. Any heated disagreement will get you labeled as an offensive, self righteous salad-muncher, even if you were only defending yourself. So, always remain calm and respectful.
1. While we're on the subject, do not criticize what someone else is eating. Ever. This is rude.
1. Do not drop remarks like "meat is murder", or make faces at other people's food.
1. Do not act high and mighty.
1. Do not complain about how hard it is to be a vegetarian/vegan. This is your choice, remember?
1. Do not expect people to bend over backwards for you, get used to making due with what you can.
After Wards
1. Always remember to thank your hosts when they are considerate enough to provide animal-free food for you. I mean it, accommodating weird diets (be they allergen or principle related) is hard. Let people know you appreciate them for trying.
Coming up next: The omnivore guest.
peace.
All right, herbivores, chances are you're more than used to dietary contestation. But that's no reason to forget common courtesy in the face of the occasional dogmatic steakaholic when they snort at your tofu. I know you have strong reasons for eating what you eat, but unfortunately not everyone appreciates them. You may be taken as a threat, so you have to take precautions to avoid offending anyone (too bad precautions are not always taken in return - for more info, see my previous post).
Once again, here you'll find no blaming or ridicule. Just a guide to keep everyone happy and, hopefully, well fed. As a vegan, it's hard not to be un-biased, but believe me, I'm trying. If any omnivores have things to add from the other side of the table, just let me know.
Part 2 - The Herbivore Guest
How to Eat with Omnivores (When You're Invited)
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
Preparation
1. When you are invited to eat with someone (or to an event where food will be served), find a way to inform the host of your dietary restrictions. Be extremely clear about what you do and do not eat.
1. If possible, offer to bring food of your own, or something to share.
1. If you will be eating at a restaurant, check the place out before hand and get a menu.
1. If you doubt there will be little or nothing for you to eat at the event, eat before hand so you at least won't be hungry.
At the Table
1. When people offer you something you don't eat, refuse it politely. When they ask why you're not eating it say simply "I'm a vegetarian/vegan." When they ask you why you're a vegetarian/vegan, tell them you'd prefer not to discuss it, as the subject tends to make people uncomfortable. Avoid discussing your reasons at the table at all costs (within the bounds of courtesy, of course - no screaming, or running out of the room, that would be (more) awkward).
1. Although it's tempting, avoid using phrasing like "I can't eat that", this undermines the core values of your diet, because the whole point is your conscious choice not to eat animal products. The word to use is "I don't eat that".
1. Sometimes it's easier to let people believe you're avoiding certain foods due to allergies. At least, people are almost always more sympathetic. But you're going to have to explain it to them eventually, so try to keep things less confusing by being very clear (and polite).
1. If someone persists in discussing your diet, despite your attempts to change the subject, you may have to answer some awkward questions. Whatever you do, do not react to rudeness. Even if they blatantly denounce the rights of animals or forecast your painful death by malnutrition, I repeat: do not react. Any heated disagreement will get you labeled as an offensive, self righteous salad-muncher, even if you were only defending yourself. So, always remain calm and respectful.
1. While we're on the subject, do not criticize what someone else is eating. Ever. This is rude.
1. Do not drop remarks like "meat is murder", or make faces at other people's food.
1. Do not act high and mighty.
1. Do not complain about how hard it is to be a vegetarian/vegan. This is your choice, remember?
1. Do not expect people to bend over backwards for you, get used to making due with what you can.
After Wards
1. Always remember to thank your hosts when they are considerate enough to provide animal-free food for you. I mean it, accommodating weird diets (be they allergen or principle related) is hard. Let people know you appreciate them for trying.
Coming up next: The omnivore guest.
peace.
Humans are not a very complex species. We may take ourselves way too seriously and fight wars over insoluble subjects like religion, but when it comes down to it, we all have the same basic needs. Like food.
We can't convert sunlight into glucose and oxygen, we don't suck the nutrients out of decomposing organic matter (that would be gross), we eat.
Everybody gets to choose what they ingest based on likes and dislikes, food allergies, religious doctrines and/or personal moral convictions. Unfortunately, certain dietary practices often make those who don't adhere to them feel uncomfortable. For that reason I've decided to devote a series of posts to the subject of (drum roll, please): Eating With People Who Don't Eat Exactly What You Eat. What usually makes things so hard is not knowing how to accomodate guests with unusual diets. The most important thing to remember is - they are not challenging, questioning or criticizing you for what you eat. They are making a personal decision about what they eat. Don't feel threatened. You've done nothing wrong.
These posts are in no particular order, and I'm not singling anybody out. They're just meant as a guide to help everybody get along. No blaming, no lecturing. It's hard to be completely un-biased (as I am a vegan), but I'll do my best. Can anybody explain to me why food is such a touchy subject?
Part 1 - The Omnivore Host
How to Eat With Vegetarians and Vegans
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
Preparation
1. Before inviting anyone to eat with you, ask if they have any dietary restrictions, including allergies.
1. If they are a vegetarian/vegan, find out exactly what they do and do not eat, because this usually varies from person to person.
(Ova-lacto) Vegetarians do not eat meat (including fish), or things that contain gelatin.
Lacto-vegetarians still eat dairy, but do not eat eggs.
Vegans do not eat meat, eggs, dairy, things that contain gelatin and sometimes honey.
Fruitarians only eat fruits that can be harvested without killing the plant such as tomatos, avacados, nuts and sometimes grains.
Raw Foodists do not eat any processed or cooked food (food that has been heated over 116 degrees F).
1. If the meal's main dish will be meat, be sure to provide side dishes your guest can eat and tell them clearly what they are. I can't tell you how great it feels when a host is considerate enough to do this! (Note: If it is not possible to provide vegan/vegetarian food, tell your guest beforehand, maybe they can bring something of their own.)
1. Be very careful when checking the ingredients of prepared foods, animal ingredients are not always obvious. For this reason, it's usually best to keep things simple and stick with, well, vegetables.
1. Never try to slip animal ingredients into food without telling your guest. This is extremely rude and immature, and they will never trust you again.
At the Table
1. Do not (ever) discuss why your guest doesn't eat what you do at the table. I know it's hard to resist, but please wait until afterwards, when no one is eating. Talking about it over food really makes people uncomfortable, including the guest who has to explain.
1. Do not try to argue with your guest, or discredit the values of an animal-free diet. They've already made their choice, they aren't (or shouldn't be) trying to force it on you.
1. Do not lecture your guest on nutrition, or tell them how it's impossible to get enough protein without meat, or enough calcium without milk, or how they're eating to many carbs or whatever. Chances are, they've already done the research, and you're getting on their nerves. However, if you are truly interested in how they get all their vitamins, ask them later, politely.
1. Do not be (intentionally) rude and insult what your guest eats. "Ew, how can you eat that?" or "It looks like %$@&!" etc. They may be just as grossed out by what you eat, but if they're considerate (not everyone is) they won't mention it.
1. Do not be overly apologetic. I can say from experience, this is very embarrassing and often worse than being downright rude. Don't apologize for eating meat in their presence, or feel guilty about enjoying your food. They already know you eat different things, and that's ok, they're just there to spend time with you!
It all comes down to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect people's choices and they should respect your's too. A little planning ahead can make everyone's life a lot easier. My next post will be from the other perspective: how to behave as a courteous vegan/vegetarian guest. Till then!
peace.
We can't convert sunlight into glucose and oxygen, we don't suck the nutrients out of decomposing organic matter (that would be gross), we eat.
Everybody gets to choose what they ingest based on likes and dislikes, food allergies, religious doctrines and/or personal moral convictions. Unfortunately, certain dietary practices often make those who don't adhere to them feel uncomfortable. For that reason I've decided to devote a series of posts to the subject of (drum roll, please): Eating With People Who Don't Eat Exactly What You Eat. What usually makes things so hard is not knowing how to accomodate guests with unusual diets. The most important thing to remember is - they are not challenging, questioning or criticizing you for what you eat. They are making a personal decision about what they eat. Don't feel threatened. You've done nothing wrong.
These posts are in no particular order, and I'm not singling anybody out. They're just meant as a guide to help everybody get along. No blaming, no lecturing. It's hard to be completely un-biased (as I am a vegan), but I'll do my best. Can anybody explain to me why food is such a touchy subject?
Part 1 - The Omnivore Host
How to Eat With Vegetarians and Vegans
(These tips are all numbered 1, because they are all equally important.)
Preparation
1. Before inviting anyone to eat with you, ask if they have any dietary restrictions, including allergies.
1. If they are a vegetarian/vegan, find out exactly what they do and do not eat, because this usually varies from person to person.
(Ova-lacto) Vegetarians do not eat meat (including fish), or things that contain gelatin.
Lacto-vegetarians still eat dairy, but do not eat eggs.
Vegans do not eat meat, eggs, dairy, things that contain gelatin and sometimes honey.
Fruitarians only eat fruits that can be harvested without killing the plant such as tomatos, avacados, nuts and sometimes grains.
Raw Foodists do not eat any processed or cooked food (food that has been heated over 116 degrees F).
1. If the meal's main dish will be meat, be sure to provide side dishes your guest can eat and tell them clearly what they are. I can't tell you how great it feels when a host is considerate enough to do this! (Note: If it is not possible to provide vegan/vegetarian food, tell your guest beforehand, maybe they can bring something of their own.)
1. Be very careful when checking the ingredients of prepared foods, animal ingredients are not always obvious. For this reason, it's usually best to keep things simple and stick with, well, vegetables.
1. Never try to slip animal ingredients into food without telling your guest. This is extremely rude and immature, and they will never trust you again.
At the Table
1. Do not (ever) discuss why your guest doesn't eat what you do at the table. I know it's hard to resist, but please wait until afterwards, when no one is eating. Talking about it over food really makes people uncomfortable, including the guest who has to explain.
1. Do not try to argue with your guest, or discredit the values of an animal-free diet. They've already made their choice, they aren't (or shouldn't be) trying to force it on you.
1. Do not lecture your guest on nutrition, or tell them how it's impossible to get enough protein without meat, or enough calcium without milk, or how they're eating to many carbs or whatever. Chances are, they've already done the research, and you're getting on their nerves. However, if you are truly interested in how they get all their vitamins, ask them later, politely.
1. Do not be (intentionally) rude and insult what your guest eats. "Ew, how can you eat that?" or "It looks like %$@&!" etc. They may be just as grossed out by what you eat, but if they're considerate (not everyone is) they won't mention it.
1. Do not be overly apologetic. I can say from experience, this is very embarrassing and often worse than being downright rude. Don't apologize for eating meat in their presence, or feel guilty about enjoying your food. They already know you eat different things, and that's ok, they're just there to spend time with you!
It all comes down to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect people's choices and they should respect your's too. A little planning ahead can make everyone's life a lot easier. My next post will be from the other perspective: how to behave as a courteous vegan/vegetarian guest. Till then!
peace.
Dedicated to my good chum♥ - you know who you are.
Although the intense orange comestibles of the multi-billion-dollar chow marketer with the blue box holds no intestinal appeal for me, I can never completely forsake the ultimate comfort-food from the magical land of carbohydrates. So, I've dug up a recipe for a dairy-free alternative:
8 oz. whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
12 oz. soft silken tofu
1 1/2 cups soy milk
1 Tbsp.fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. mellow light miso
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. tumeric
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cayenne
salt
paprika
1/3 cup toasted almonds, chopped
And I'll probably end up adding some nutritional yeast for flavor.
By the way, Kraft Foods inc. is the second-largest food and beverage company on the globe, after Nestlé. For a list of all the companies they actually own - click here.
peace.
Although the intense orange comestibles of the multi-billion-dollar chow marketer with the blue box holds no intestinal appeal for me, I can never completely forsake the ultimate comfort-food from the magical land of carbohydrates. So, I've dug up a recipe for a dairy-free alternative:
8 oz. whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
12 oz. soft silken tofu
1 1/2 cups soy milk
1 Tbsp.fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. mellow light miso
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. tumeric
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cayenne
salt
paprika
1/3 cup toasted almonds, chopped
And I'll probably end up adding some nutritional yeast for flavor.
By the way, Kraft Foods inc. is the second-largest food and beverage company on the globe, after Nestlé. For a list of all the companies they actually own - click here.
peace.
As we boldly enter the 21st century, things are getting pretty creepy in the kitchen. Genetic copies may seem like a fad pulled from science fiction, but sooner than you think a clone could end up on your dinner plate. The FDA has been very clear about where it stands on the safety of cloned meat, as well as milk, eggs and other byproducts from cloned animals. There is no significant difference between the derivatives of conventional livestock and those of test-tube chattel. However the FDA dose not address any ethical or environmental concerns on the topic, that's not their job. Anxious consumers will cast the deciding vote on the appeal of animal clone-food.
The most desirable prospect on behalf of cloned meat is the increased control of size and quality. Imagine the ability to produce grade A steaks on a regular basis, even if it is by artificial means. Sounds great, but don't forget to look into the details and procedures. You can't judge the quality of meat if the cow is still alive. There's no way to guess before killing it. So, you butcher the cow and see what you get. If the meat turns out top-notch, great - now you can grow more just like it. Animals are cloned from tissue samples, after confirming the quality of meat from an animal (by killing it) scientists can take a sample from the carcass and produce copies of identical excellence. Essentially, they bring the cow back to life. And then eat it.
Genetically modified food is nothing new. As much as 80% of processed food (in the US) contains some form of genetically modified crop. "Franken-fruit" has been stocking the produce department for years and the American populous doesn't bat and eyelash. Ok, so plenty of people have a problem with GM veggies, not mention pesticides and growth hormones, but there's just something a little more forbidding about living, breathing, edible experiments than say - a mammoth tomato. It all comes down to the intestinal fortitude of the modern day omnivore. Would you eat a duplicate burger?
peace.
Genetically modified food is nothing new. As much as 80% of processed food (in the US) contains some form of genetically modified crop. "Franken-fruit" has been stocking the produce department for years and the American populous doesn't bat and eyelash. Ok, so plenty of people have a problem with GM veggies, not mention pesticides and growth hormones, but there's just something a little more forbidding about living, breathing, edible experiments than say - a mammoth tomato. It all comes down to the intestinal fortitude of the modern day omnivore. Would you eat a duplicate burger?
peace.
Before I begin, allow me first to elaborate upon my profound aversion to fast food. I have not set foot in a burger joint beyond the grease capacity of Panera Bread in about two years. For anyone having trouble kicking a french fry addiction, watch Morgan Spurlock's documentary/experiment Super Size Me just once. It will gross you out. The end.
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
When Burger King launched the BK Veggie Burger in 2002 it was met with great acclaim by PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), even though it's not vegan - the patty contains egg and the bun contains milk. You'd think by now the fast food chains would have noticed the eager audience they have in the veg-comunity. As consumers we vote with our money, companies will only sell what people will buy. If non-animal products are succussful on the menu, they'll stay on the menu and more will appear. Want to help the deep-vat-friers of the US get a clue? Order veggie burgers. They may not be perfect, but if no one's eating them, they never will be.
peace.
peace.
Call me nostalgic, but I just can't resist posting on this year's layout of edible architecture. A onetime burst of simplification genius has evolved into a yearly tradition in my house, we never actually make gingerbread houses out of gingerbread, but graham crackers. Compared to custom shaped baking pans and glossy royal icing, our broken-cookies-stuck-to-a-milk-carton approach probably seems a bit...uncultured. What can I say? Way way back, a few Christmases ago, my mom decided that the glory of homemade gingerbread houses was not worth the "fun" of cracked cookies and collapsing walls, even with the helpful fine motor skills of four kids ages two to seven. So even to this day (with the fine motor skills of four kids ages ten to fifteen) we continue to honor the old ways, and construct our humble little abodes upon the sturdy framework of four 6 oz. milk cartons, plus a prodigious amount of Duncan Hines vanilla frosting (which is vegan).
Decorating is the fun part anyway. This year we got very creative with the classic red variety of Swedish Fish. These vegan gummies can be found gracing the toasted coconut plots in a variety of ways including shingles, doormats, and the blades of a very sticky windmill. Yes, several of this year's models feature environmentally friendly, self sustaining power sources, complete with generators with bright red and green lights, or jujubes, for storage purposes. Who but a home-schooler would install solar panels to power the jelly bean Christmas lights on their gingerbread house?
peace.
