Reality check at the grocery store!

[HotPepperQueen]

Since I live in MN, I can't grow herbs outside in the winter (obviously). I have tried keeping them in pots in the house but it doesn't work so well. Well I had to buy herbs at the grocery store yesterday- $3.00 A CONTAINER!!! I had to get 4 different herbs too! It was ridiculous. I only pay $2.50 for each plant and I get quadruple the amount if not more (probably WAY more). Just goes to show how rewarding it is to grow your own food! :weight

 

[vfem]

It sure is a scam ain't it! Total punishment for it being out of season for you with herbs. However, I'll tell you right now... my parsley is still going strong, my chives are still good for me as well. I also have some hardy rosemary and sage to pick from through winter in my zone. Yet... all the fresh herbs at the grocer here ae $3.99 a pack anyways. Still $2-$3 for the good lettuce and more for fresh brussel sprouts. I am growing both right now, and with a layer of hay they're surviving our mild winter wonderfully.

This is why I take such a stand on eating local and get what is available and in season. I don't HAVE to have strawberries from now, or $6 pints of blackberries that taste like nothing from Mexico because I WANT them. Instant gratification in the US is out of control and the prices at the grocer prove it!

*Off soap box*

 

[curly_kate]

I've never understood why they have some stuff in the grocery store when it's out of season. Why would you even buy strawberries in January when they are completely flavorless anyway?

 

[vfem]

I've never understood why they have some stuff in the grocery store when it's out of season. Why would you even buy strawberries in January when they are completely flavorless anyway?

And just think of what you pay for some of the worst fruit you've ever had this time of year?! YUCK

 

[ninnymary]

Curlykate, I'm guilty of buying things when out of season. Last week, I bought 2 tomatoes and they were of course awful! When I read vfem's post, I said to myself, I need to be more firm and start doing this. I am getting better. I don't buy berries anymore and I think I won't be buying tomatoes either.

Mary

 

[Ridgerunner]

Something I'll mention along these lines. Just how "organic" do you consider something flown in from South America so you can have it out of season. Think of the amount of jet fuel!!! For the second time in just a few minutes, I agree with Vfem. Look local.

 

[vfem]

What comes to mind now, in case no one saw it. Food flow in from South America are trickier to follow. Recently, on world news, it was noted that an orange juice producer tested their product and found pesticides in the juice from oranges that came from Brazil. The pesticide is band in the US from use, but we bring products into our country using these same pesticides we've deemed unsafe. In this household, we do not eat any fruits/veggies from South America. Grapes are the worst offender with the highest amount of pesticides found on them... and again, a pesticide banned in the US.

As you can see, this is my biggest reason for not eating out of season produce.

There are plenty of frozen fruits and veggies to chose from this time of year, and they have really good flavor... plus a lot were done in season from the US. So its a good swap to make.

 

[HotPepperQueen]

I agree with all of this! It really stinks living in a state like MN where NOTHING grows during the winter and first part of spring. There is a grower here that grows tomatoes and lettuce hydroponically but it costs a fortune. During Christmas, my grandma wanted me to bring a fruit salad to her house. I told her absolutely not because it would probably taste awful and it would cost a fortune. I did make Snicker salad because I found locally grown Granny Smith apples. But during the summer and first part of fall, I eat an overload of fruit and vegetables and try to can everything possible just so I can have that fresh homegrown taste all year long. All this talk of fruits and veggies is making me want a salad really bad!