These days, it can be difficult to find processed foods that aren’t made by mega-corporations; foods that aren’t full of added sugars, genetically modified corn, and chemicals we would rather not put in our bodies; foods that weren’t made in factories that harm the environment and take advantage of workers.
This week, we’re going to share a few films that introduce us to people who have made it their livelihood to process and sell food on a sustainable, human scale.
Alp Cheese Making at Eigeralp – A look into the lives of two Alpine farmers and cheesemakers, still making cheese as they have for generations, in the high meadows above Grindelwald, Switzerland. (4.58 min)
The Beekeeper – Tim Brod, a beekeeper in Boulder, Colorado, discusses the value of high quality honey and the importance of maintaining our relationship with the honeybee. (7.22 min)
Tartine Organic Bakery – A baker in Dublin, Ireland waxes poetic on topics such as yeast fermentation, traditional bread making techniques, and starting work while the world is still asleep. (6.30 min)
Northland Sheep Dairy – This series of films tells the story of MaryRose Livingston of Northland Sheep Dairy, in Marathon, New York. Together with her husband Donn Hewes, MaryRose raises a flock of dairy sheep and produces cheeses, wool, and meat that she sells at the Ithaca Farmers Market. The series starts with an introduction to the farm, and continues with a more in depth look at various stages of the cheese making and marketing process.
The Ovens of Cappoqui and On the Shores of This Bay – Baking bread with a commitment to tradition; harvesting oysters with a deep respect for the sea, and for life. These two films are part of an award winning online series — The Perennial Plate — dedicated to socially responsible and adventurous eating. (3.52 min and 6.38 min)
Plan Bee Farm Brewery – Plan Bee Farm Brewery, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, is taking the local beer movement a step further than most by sourcing all of its ingredients from within 30 miles of the farm. While Plan Bee continues to grow, owners Evan and Emily Watson are aiming to decrease the radius of ingredient sourcing even further — until they’re able to use only ingredients they’ve grown themselves. (15.56 min)
