We hope you enjoy these unusual varieties. We think you'll find them uncommonly delicious.
Not only is variety the spice of life, heirlooms are important because a diverse food system is a stable food system.
All types of fruits and vegetables have many different variations, but usually only one or two of the most profitable types are chosen for the mass market. Unfortunately, over 75% of the seed diversity passed down to us from our ancestors has already been lost due to industrial agriculture.
Agrichemical/GMO corporations promote large scale mono-cropping, and their pesticides, herbicides and herbicide resistant (roundup ready) GMOs are wiping out many forms of plant and animal life at an alarming rate. Each life form has its own unique role to play in supporting the eco-system. For instance, glysophate herbicide (roundup) has knocked out much of the milkweed. Monarch butterflies are dependent on milkweed. Hence, the once abundant Monarch butterfly may soon be included on the Endangered Species List.
The greater the biodiversity the stronger the eco-system.
It's well known that for financial security you should diversify your investments. That way if one business goes under you're not broke. The same is true with our food system.
Biodiversity is food security.
Each crop variety has it's own unique characteristics which make it suitable to grow in different situations such as heat, cold, drought, and soil conditions. In these times of global climate change farmers need as many seed options to chose from as possible.
Alternative varieties can be hard to find in the supermarket so plant a garden, save heirloom seeds, shop at your local farmers market or health food store, join a CSA, support a small sustainable farm, and go GMO FREE.
Have fun exploring the amazing wide array of fruits and vegetables nature has to offer.