Grow your own
A great way to enjoy food is to eat food that is local, in season and
perhaps even organic. And you can’t get more local than your own garden,
patio, doorstep or window box.
If you don't have a garden or a even spare patch in your garden why not
get friends or family together to share a garden? Or you could get
together to apply for an allotment.For more information about local
council allotments including availability and charges call 0113 395 7400
or have a look at the council’s website.
There are a whole host of websites out there offering advice and help to
start you off. Have a look at the BBC’s Dig In campaign or advice from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Food miles
Currently it’s very difficult to find out which foods have the lowest
carbon footprint. For example, English tomatoes may use less fuel for
transport than Spanish ones but the energy used to ripen the tomatoes
may result in a higher carbon footprint. As a general rule of thumb try
and stick to produce that is in season locally.
Farmers markets can be a
good source of local seasonal food.
The Leeds farmers market is on the
first and third Sunday of the month at the Kirkgate open market.
Pudsey's farmers market is on the last Thursday of every month, except
December, in Market Square. Or head to Otley farmers market on the last
Sunday of each month, except December in Market Square.
You can have a look at the West Yorkshire Food website for an up-to-date list of
all farmers markets in the area.
Seasonal food
Choosing food that is in season has many advantages. It will be fresher
and at its tastiest. Buying food in season could contribute to lower
food miles in your shopping basket and support local producers.If you’re
not sure what’s in season, eatseasonably or eattheseasons will keep you up to date. And the BBC’s
food website is a great source of recipes for seasonal foods on a month by month
basis.