Edible Louisville Issue #64:

FALL 2021 ISSUE
 

photo: Leslie Friesen

Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.” — Unknown

Breathe ...

Oh, boy—I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for a change. Change of temperature, change of recipes to enjoy the fall bounty of my CSA and especially a change in my mind-set.

What better time to take stock of what matters in life than during autumn, a season that brings so much beauty. The next few months will explode with colors as the leaves change, inviting an opportunity for each of us to take a step back, take a deep breath (or two, or three … ) and find contentment and gratitude for what we already have.

With the Delta variant bringing a new wave of fear, we once again find ourselves wary of being in crowded events. Why not take this opportunity to try forest bathing? Forest bathing and forest therapy (known in Japanese as shinrin-yoku) broadly means taking in, with all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

Forest bathing takes place at a slow, almost meditative pace. Take your time and look around as you stroll along a forest path. Engage your senses and observe your surroundings. Stop every once in a while to simply sit or to look up and all around.

Our region offers a multitude of outside options to soak in the season and center our minds on all that is good in our lives. Looking for options? Try a park near you at parks.ky.gov. Enjoy the experience!

FOURTH ANNUAL BEVERAGE ISSUE
 

The notion that we are products of our environment is our greatest sin; we are products of our choices.” — Margaret Mead

Before the pandemic, consumers were adopting more holistic lifestyles, seeking healthier products and foods. As we continue to struggle with the pandemic, people are seeking even more balance and moderation in everything—from their work/home life to their workouts to what’s in their kitchen and their at-home bars.

As drinking habits are changing, consumers are reducing their alcohol intake and paying increasing attention to the quality of ingredients, flavor, alcohol content and origin. According to market research company Mintel, 44% of U.S. alcohol drinkers say they try to “select the healthiest alcohol option” and 44% also like to review the nutritional information before drinking, jumping to a sizable 57% among 22- to 54-year-olds.

Consumers seek beverages with no artificial sweeteners, no sugar and no preservatives. Artificial flavors and colors also are a no-no, and bonus points are given for non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free.

Additionally, the growing focus on health and overall wellness has made abstention from alcohol even more popular, especially among young adults. The choice is extending well beyond “Dry January,” with alcohol-free venues popping up more and more. Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults aged 22–24 claim they are not drinking alcohol, compared with 12% of all adults, leaving a lot of room to grow in the mocktail trend.

The beverage industry is taking notice. Hard seltzer, a blend of sparkling water and alcohol, has grown in popularity over the past two years as a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative. Kombucha brands are also joining the trend by adding a low amount of alcohol to their beneficial ingredients: probiotics, prebiotics and adaptogens.

Are you happy with your food, drink, life choices? If not, what might you do differently?

Ann Curtis, Managing Editor