[Preliminary Thoughts: XII]
When immigrants came to this land, they brought with them thousands of varieties of seeds. The Irish alone brought hundreds of different heirloom seed potatoes. And now there are only a few grown by massive agricultural conglomerates. Let’s be honest, we basically have one potato left: the two-pound, flavorless Russet. (I’m not denying that half a Russet potato, oven-baked, doused with butter, and topped with all manner of toppings is a good meal!)
But was it worth it?
We lost flavor for size and ease of shipment. We lost biodiversity and plant resilience and gained petrochemicals and monocrops.We lost heritage and culture but got bigger bags for $4.99.
If certain foods are historical prohibited by religion, then clearly food has always been on the religious conscience. Is not my potato scenario a religious issue? What might we learn if we hold religious convictions and our food system together, make them talk to each other, and feast on them at the same time?
This year of reflecting on farming, food, and spirituality is going to be a blast.
