"To see things in the seed, that is genius." ~Lao-tzu
W elcome to Local Table!
Celebrating The People Who Bring Us Homegrown
Food From Tennessee Farms
Local Table is dedicated to
celebrating the small farmers and other folks who bring us homegrown food from
Tennessee farms. Our goal is to support a community that
celebrates every meal and is thoughtful about where we live and
how we eat. When we eat locally raised food, we can literally
ensure the continuation of the family farm, protect our rural
green spaces and support a food system that brings a steady
supply of fresh, healthy foods to our towns and
cities.
WE WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER TO FIND HEALTHIER, AND TASTIER FOOD FOR YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY. We offer easy and varied choices. You can choose
catagories like farmers markets, wineries, retailers, or products, or
select counties, or search the whole database. You can even combine a
leisure day trip in our beautiful countryside with a gourmet
destination. We hope you can use the guide, along with the magazine,
as a resource to the agricultural bounties of Middle Tennessee. |More|
We are looking for farmers growing crops, or anyone we
may have missed. If you are not included in this guide and
would like to make sure your farm, farmers market or retail
operation is listed in the future, please get in touch. You
can call Lisa at 1-615-677-6645 or lisa@localtable.net or
use our online form.
It's been an unusually mild winter - more like living in Seattle than in
Tennessee. No matter the rain, fluctuating temperatures and early hints of
spring, I know you can't really get excited about the arrival of spring
until the calendar flips to March. In our area it means a profusion of
spring flowers, countless shades of green, warm soil and the first
plantings in the garden! |More...|
Where Can I Find Local Table In My Area? Here's a list of establishments that distribute Local Table
Magazine. We try to keep all locations supplied all the time
but we're only human - if you don't find Local Table at a
particular location ask for it by name - if they are out email us and we'll do
our best to re-supply them. If you can't find a location near
you we also offer subscriptions.
Have you heard of the great new way to estimate your nutritional needs?
No, it's not a crazy diet plan or magic pill. All it involves is using a
simple dinner plate. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
recently released the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which includes
using your plate to estimate serving sizes.
This January Nashville joined dozens of other cities across the nation in
legalizing backyard laying hens in most of the metro area. Eight council
members opted to exempt their districts from the new ordinance (districts
12, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33.) For those lucky enough to reside in a
hen-friendly district, it is a great time to begin planning your flock.
Though at first the idea of chickens in the city may seem odd, hens are
ideally suited to life in a backyard. They are quiet, fun to watch and
provide nutritious fresh eggs. Additional benefits from chickens include
making organic fertilizer for a garden and ridding the yard of pests.
Backyard hen owners help preserve heritage breeds, since they desire the
beautiful feathers and colorful eggs unique to these old-fashioned birds.
|More|
Farmers Daughters Take The Reins
Bob Dylan said, "I was born far away from where I was supposed to
be." His words reflect the history of women and farm work until
not so long ago. In 1913 the US Department of Agriculture
acknowledged the frustrations of American farm housewives with a
nationwide survey. They asked: "How madam, can we better meet
your needs?" The response was as prophetic as it was specific.
In Tennessee a woman responded: "We do not claim all wisdom in
doing things, yet our knowledge surpasses our strength to do the many
tasks incumbent upon us in farm life." |More|
Edible Spring: What's in the Basket?
magine life without grocery superstores, 24-hour drive-thru windows and
food delivery apps. Imagine that instead; you had to eat what you or your
neighbors could produce. Now imagine; it's February and you haven't had
any fresh fruits or vegetables all winter long. You've been eating eggs,
dairy and meats and the last of the potatoes and other root vegetables
stored in the cellar. All that you canned the growing season before is
dwindling. Then March comes along. The days get a little longer, the air
loses its chill and those first shoots of green poke their heads from the
ground. |More|
Ms Cook is enthusiastically committed to the discovery and enjoyment
of locally grown and crafted foods. As a child, she would take on an
alter ego and pretend to be 'ms cook,' appreciating farm to
table meals in her Grandparents' kitchen or chatting with her
parents over a bowl of homemade ice cream. |More|
Lizzy is a Nashville newcomer by way
of Pennsylvania and Texas, but it hasn’t taken her long to find some
good, local eats and drinks in the Music City. She loves food more
than most things, probably even more than bike rides, reading and
music. Lizzy enjoys exploring and discovering new hang-out spots and
she can’t wait to share them with you. |More|
Live Green Tennessee recently visited Bountiful Blessings Farm in
Williamsport, Tennessee. Not only have the Dysinger brothers families
found success in Community Supported Agriculture, but they've
specialized in a time of year when most people wouldn't dream of
receiving fresh local vegetables... In the middle of winter! |View Larger|
Brought to you by the fine folks at wcte tv LiveGreenTN
We hope you can use this website, along with the magazine, as a
resource to the agricultural bounties of Middle Tennessee. We'll keep
our event section up to date with any festivals, fairs, conferences
and other gatherings we feel may be of interest to those interested in
food and farming. We'll also be adding blogs from our editors where
they'll be speaking to you about issues of interest, talk food or
gardening. Please feel free to keep in touch with us to pass along
news you feel may be of interest to others, recipes, or comments to
make Local Table a better place to meet.
Thanks for joining us at Local Table.
We make no guarantee as to the quality of any produce or product from
a farm or to anybodies growing practices. We're only providing a guide
to local farms and invite you to find your favorite.
Local Table is solely owned and operated by Local
Table LLC and is not affiliated with any group,
organization or government agency. Federal trademark is
pending.