A note from The Wisconsin Gardener

July 13, 2011 Erik Ernst Leave a Comment

Watch an all-new episode of The Wisconsin Gardener, “Grow Local, Eat Local,” at 7 p.m. this Thursday, July 14 on Wisconsin Public Television. Watch full video online at the show’s website.

Today, we bring you a note about this week’s brand new episode from Producer and Host of The Wisconsin Gardener Shelley Ryan:

Hello friends-

I’ve probably said this before, but one of the reasons I became a gardener is because I love to eat. There’s nothing better than munching on peas right out of the garden or enjoying tomatoes dripping with juice straight off the vine.

So, in creating a program called “Grow Local, Eat Local,” let’s just say it was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

I met Peter Sandroni, chef and owner of La Merenda Restaurant in Milwaukee at a cooking class at Carr Valley Cheese in Sauk City. During the class I learned that he used 70 to 80 percent of local foods during the height of the growing season. That’s when I knew I just had to get him on The Wisconsin Gardener. Ok, I’ll admit it was also an excuse to taste his cooking again, too.

Peter sets a good example for all gardeners. If a busy Milwaukee restaurant can turn out incredible food every night using local produce, cheese and meats, then as gardeners and consumers, it’s our turn to step up to the plate — the dinner plate that is. As this week’s program illustrates, you can grow the food yourself at community gardens like Eagle Heights in Madison, or in burlap bags in a parking lot in Appleton! Or you can choose to shop or eat at places that serve local food.

Think of the gas that’s saved by food not shipped across country, think of how fresh that food is — oh and don’t forget — think of how good it will taste.

Happy gardening!

Shelley

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