Homegrown in Israel

Unlike the U.S., most vegetables and fruits don’t travel long distances to get to our tables here in Israel. (There are exceptions, of course. I’ve see off-season New Zealand kiwi, Washington State pears, and other produce brought in during a drought or Shmittah year.)

That’s because we’re fortunate to grow most of what we eat right here.

And we have quite a choice as to where we purchase our home-grown produce:

Large supermarkets
Smaller neighborhood markets (makolet)
Neighborhood green-grocers (yarkan)
Outdoor markets (shuk)
Subscription farms, such as community supported agriculture (CSA)

Farmer’s markets “U.S. and European-style” are just starting to catch on here. Israel’s first farmer’s market was recently launched in Tel Aviv. It takes place on Friday mornings during the summer months by the new pier. I’m sure that once the idea takes off, more cities will follow with markets of their own.

Organic produce has moved quickly into the mainstream here. Although there are growing pains – regulatory issues that will no doubt be resolved with time, organic vegetables are available in many supermarkets. This week, our neighborhood supermarket had organic tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, potatoes and onions.

Most of the vegetables and fruits our family eats come from Teva Habsor, an organic “subscription” farm that delivers throughout Israel. http://http//www.teva-habsor.co.il/ (Hebrew only website)

Every Sunday I get their order form via email. I choose what I want (minimum order 100 shekels, delivery 15 shekels) and email my order back to them later that week. On Thursday afternoon, a box or two of seasonal vegetables and fruit is delivered to our front door.

How much easier could it get!

I’m used to planning meals around what’s in season. I’ve also learned to be flexible.

Earlier this summer we had weeks of wonderfully tender Swiss chard. And then, with no warning, it was off the list. Those savory chard tarts, salads and pasta dishes will just have to wait until next year. But not to worry – deliciously sweet butternut squash came into season just when chard went out. After a month of luscious melons, mangoes are now in.

With the end of summer and beginning of fall, we'll soon be enjoying a new round of crops. Apple pie anyone?