Comments by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary this week disturbed many of us who support smaller farms and fisheries. USDA Secretary Purdue seemed to signal that the federal government does not recognize the inherent value of a wide independent network of food producers. I fear that small innovative farm operations, greenhouses, and […]
The gluten-free food trend has certainly been one of the most significant forces to affect the food industry in a long time. The trend has extended to adult drinks as reported this weekend in Wall Street Journal. There is considerable debate and uncertainty as to the underlying science behind it. I’ve had some training in food […]
I am reposting these comments arising from a Facebook conversation about Mexican and South American workers at our New Jersey shore communities that I think deserves more exposure. I have used the term “Mexican workers” without knowing for sure the origin of most of my neighbors. The language barrier and good reasons to hide the […]
Caffeine remains the world’s most widely used but least understood psychoactive drug with regard to its overall impact on public health. We know that caffeine has both desirable and undesirable effects. These effects are well documented in the medical research and widely accepted by consumers. Yet most, if not all, of the often-cited research dating […]
I had this interesting and useful email exchange with Bruce Ruppel, an Environmental Specialist 4 with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Office of Science in late February 2014 with regard to chemical contamination of fish in the Delaware Bay. It is reproduced here just for reference. For a more general discussion of seafood […]
The future of aquaculture in New Jersey New Jersey Department of Agriculture is headed down a dangerous course by promoting a soy-based aquaculture industry. We should be clear that the program’s sponsor, the United Soybean Board, is the marketing arm of the notorious Monsanto corporation with the help of pesticide maker DuPont. Together they champion […]
This list is compiled from various sources and was revised May 2011 for updated environmental and health concerns. 1) Wild Alaska salmon – all wild-caught varieties OK (avoid farmed salmon) 2) Atlantic mackerel (avoid Spanish and King mackerel due to mercury) 3) Arctic char (aka iwana as sushi) 4) Sablefish from Alaska or British fisheries (aka black cod) 5) Atlantic […]
I have probably enjoyed smoked herring fillets for the past forty years but today was the first time I made them myself from fresh fish. As a kid, my father introduced us to King Oscar "kipper snacks" – smoked herring fillets in a can. This was the only canned fish (other than tuna) that we […]
I came across this fascinating new term in a press release for a coffee shop (emphasis added). Mt. Airy First Friday, Jan 2nd When: Friday, Jan 2nd, 7-9p Where: 7133 Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy InFusion Coffee and Tea hosts a gallery opening and artists reception for our own Ninja Barista, painter & illustrator, […]