I am not sure about you, but as a gardener and as some one who enjoys preserving the harvest, I always find myself with too much. I always find myself giving multiple jars of jam away or passing off whole buckets of broad beans to family and friends because there is no way I will be able to use all of glut during the year. If you have been nodding in agreeance this whole time, I have the event for you.
From March the 3rd, 100 mile foodie will be hosting monthly food swaps (times and dates are yet to be decided). What is a food swap you ask? I’m glad you asked. A food swap is a casual event where community members gather, all bringing some of their excess produce. Excess produce could be anything you have grown or preserved. Community members then exchange their goods with one another. There is no money exchanged and every one gets to try something new. It is win/win. Maybe you swap a head of cabbage for some blueberries, or your strawberry jam is swapped for some one else’s pumpkin. It is really as simple as that.
So, What can you bring to the food swap?
– Homegrown fruit, vegetables, herbs.
– preserves.
What can’t you bring to the food swap?
– Dairy, meat, meals, perishable items, store bought food, alcohol.
Before the food swaps, 100 mile foodie will also be performing a cooking demonstration using in season produce. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn something new and go home with some new produce. Your job now is to get growing or to get preserving! Grow or cook a little bit extra and put it away for 100 mile foodie’s first food swap on March the 3rd 2018!
PS. Need some ideas about what to plant now to be ready by the food swap?
– Radish seeds sown now and kept moist will mature and be ready for harvest in 25 – 30 days. Maybe grow a variety to increase their value.
– Greens like rocket, lettuces and kale: (plant seedlings now but protect them from very hot days with shade cloth and lots of water. Plant seedlings now)
Need some ideas of what to preserve for the food swap?
-Strawberries, cherries and stone fruit are coming to the end of their season. These could be made into an array of things.
-Zucchinis, capsicums, tomatoes and cucumbers can be made into an array of chutneys and pickles.
