Eat This Newsletter 267: More Diversity
Hello
Today’s grab bag is offered without much comment because I am preoccupied with an imminent road trip that will, I hope, result in some future episodes and despatches.
A Guide to the Peppers of the World
Just what it says. Interesting to me for the selectivity. Lots of what I would call true peppers, a few things called pepper, but not, thankfully, the elephant in the room, about which several books have been written. As the author says, “If it’s an edible plant that burns your tongue, somebody has probably called it ‘pepper.’”
Llafur Ni - Our Grains
A lovely film about the long search for black oats, once common in Wales. Spoiler: they found it. The film was released in 2021 and I am not sure why it re-emerged now but, like the black oats, I am glad it did.
Retired hens revitalise Cyprus olive groves
Another feel-good story, for which no apologies. A little film and text tell the story of an olive grove where spent laying hens retire to live their lives out eating donated food waste and pooping to enrich the soil. I’m sure there are problems — no mention of predators or living quarters — but this does seem like a good thing.
Hot Potatoes
An interesting story from Ambrook Research about how plant breeders in Florida are working to develop varieties more suited to that state’s climate. The first fruits, or tubers, might be ready for release in 7–10 years. I hope they’re aiming ahead of the current climate's trajectory, which isn’t changing, No Sirree, not one bit.
Food Policy Tracker
Those potato breeders want to “screen more diversity”. I hope that doesn’t jeopardise funding at the University of Florida. They — and you — can attempt to keep up with the flying changes with the help of the Food Policy Tracker launched by Civil Eats.
Take care
