6/24 An Edible Legacy
I have been waiting to post the heirloom blog because I wanted to post it with photos. Big, bold juicy and colorful photos of oddly shaped and brilliantly colored tomatoes. I have been to more stores in the past week searching for heirlooms than in my entire lifetime, to no avail. You would think I was trying to photograph a Ghost Orchid.
As I left the last store today with nary a gorgeous photo, it came to me…. that is part of their decadence, that is part of their mystery and charm. They ARE special and rare and uncommon.
Here is the rub, heirloom vegetables will only continue to exist if they are grown, purchased and consumed with gusto. They are the exact opposite of something that can be overused into extinction. If we ask for them and purchase them and enjoy them, people will continue to grow them and allow their beauty and perfection to live on. So the next time you see an heirloom of any kind, consider paying the extra dough. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Here is what I learned about heirlooms. I found it really fascinating.
I have known the term heirloom my entire life but I must confess, I did not know what it really meant until now. I also did not realize that many vegetables in addition to tomatoes can be heirloom. To be considered heirloom, a plant must be grown from a seed hat has produced the same variety for at least fifty years. In addition, it must be certified organic by a recognized USDA organization. These seeds have been shared and nurtured to create the most amazing, hearty and flavorful varieties of its kind and have been passed on from generation to generation. An heirloom can never be a hybrid. It is a perfect, un-dilluted version of itself that is grown outdoors and is naturally pollinated to create the very best of the best qualities of that specific plant.
I know I sound like Andy Rooney, but in a time when everything feels so disposable, the constant idolization of all things shiny and new, I find the concept of heirloom very comforting and romantic. I love the idea of allowing something to be created naturally for the simple reason that is naturally perfect without our help. Without us trying to make them grow faster, produce more or live longer, they are perfectly perfect the way they are. The heartiest, sweetest most desirable fill- in- the- blank of that variety. In spite of us and for us to enjoy. This is a beautiful thing.
Heirloom varieties have whimsical and story-like names that hint to their past travels such as, Oaxacan Green Dent corn, Hill Country Red okra and Missouri Pink Love Apple tomatoes. Organizations like The Seed Savers Exchange have dedicated themselves to preserving these edible legacies. The Exchange was started by Diane and Kent Whealy when Diane inherited heirloom seeds that her great grandparents had brought here from Bavaria in the 1870’s. The Whealy’s were inspired to create a common place where people could share and exchange heirloom seeds, maintaining their heritage like a living museum or edible eternal flame. The Seed Savers Exchange has grown to over 8,000 members exchanging and growing over 11,000 varieties of heirloom plants that would have otherwise been lost.
I love this entire concept. It feels like the Indiana Jones of food production. One of my first loves is Cultural Anthropology and this is an edible version of that. I am going to continue looking for these feast-able legacies like they are the Holy Grail of summer veggies. If you have found them, grown them or loved them, tell us about it. We would love to hear from you.
Fore more information go to: Seed SaversExchange
There are many places to buy heirloom tomato seeds, here is one to looked bountiful: Tomato Fest
Heirloom info from: ~Animal,Vegetable, Miracle by: Barbara Kingsolver
~Heirloom Tomato article written by Chantal Clabrough and published in Natural Awakenings magazine May 2010.
Have a great day.
Tags: 30 day challenge, compassionate eating, heirloom tomatoes, heirloom vegetables, the seed savers exchange, vegan, vegan experience
