Massachusetts Local Food Report

Nothing beats autumn for outdoor sports, an invigorating run or bike ride, or a hike in the hills—as long as you dress for the chillier temps that arrive with the spectacular fall color. The holidays are coming: who can afford illness when there are plans to be made and shopping to do? When you head outdoors to your kids’ games, the local craft fair, or simply to enjoy the weather before the snow flies, be sure to wear a scarf or other neck cover to help fend off those pesky chill-causing breezes.

‘Tis the Warming Season
The wind isn’t the only sneaky visitor these days. Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s time to be conscientious about keeping your family healthy. In addition to insisting they dress for the weather and wash their hands often, you can support your family’s health with warming foods like winter squash, cooked carrots, potatoes, cooked onions, whole grains, and small amounts of meat and poultry. (Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little molasses and honey are also good warming choices for cold weather.) Check out our producers’ listings, where you will find many warming foods.

Also steer yourself and loved ones toward warm liquids (including water at room temperature) instead of the cold drinks you enjoyed during the summer. Hot mulled cider is a natural this time of year, as is hot herbal tea. Herbs like elderberries and Echinacea, found in many teas, are well known for their immunity boosting properties.

According to our tea producer, Jess Morgan of Good 4 You, some roots strengthen the body’s immune system. Indian ginseng, which she acquires from Whatley, Massachusetts, also helps fight stress. Consider adding her Roots Honey Tonic and Elderberry Syrup to your regimen this cold and flu season.

If a scratchy throat or cold does get you down, try tea blends that include thyme and hyssop—herbs that contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. Jess’s Natural Mystic tea is handy for coughs and building up lung immunity. It contains the medicinal herb Elecampane (closely related to Echinacea), which she refers to as Echinacea for the lungs.

Chat Us Up!
We’re in the process of launching the forum portion of our website’s new Community section. If you’re a member of the co-op you’ll receive account information that will allow you to join the fun! Be sure to check out the discussions and to start your own, if you feel so moved. Nonmembers may be able to participate in the forum too. See the “Attention nonmembers” note on the Community main page to find out what to do.

Members At Your Service
In keeping with the theme of relocalization, we’re in the beginning stages of developing a page for the Community section on which co-op members can list their own service businesses. For example, if you’re self-employed and offer services like graphic design, landscaping, acupuncture, tax preparation—whatever—send your name, the name of your business, a brief description of the service you provide, contact info (including location), and a link to your website to editor@masslocalfood.org. Feel free to send along a logo or other illustration (JPG format is best) to embellish your listing.

We will evaluate the submissions and let you know if we have questions. To reiterate, this will be a service listing, not an additional page or area in which to list food or other goods for sale. Look for the page to launch soon!

Many thanks for your continued support!

The Board of Directors