Why resent the “Foodie” label?

ShannonBurger

WHO Radio’s Bob Quinn and I give the “Gunder Burger” two thumbs up! We had a lot of fun on our joint planting/burger tour.

Me, a foodie? I almost spewed my coffee as I read that one of my friends had called me a “foodie” on Facebook.  After all, I’m an agriculturist!  I’m pro-GMOs but I’m not anti-organic.  I believe in food choice.  I also support locally grown foods.  I support all types of animal agriculture and believe farmers should choose the practices that best fit their operation. I want to help children understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced.  I want to plant my own veggies and harvest my own pumpkin crop.

Then I looked up the definition online and realized, indeed, I resemble a foodie!

Foodie2

Foodies are a distinct hobbyist group. Typical foodie interests and activities include the food industrywineries and wine tasting, following restaurants, food fadshealth and nutrition, cooking classes, culinary tourism, and restaurant management. A foodie might develop a particular interest in a specific item…

Culinary tourism is something I’d love to pursue, beyond taking a pie making class from the American Gothic Pie Lady and enjoying a cooking demonstration in Branson.  I’ve been known to hike for miles just to savor the popovers at Jordan Creek Pond House in Acadia National Park, and I made my husband circle the same block in Key West until – at last – we found the Blonde Giraffe for Key Lime Pie.  I’ve also been known to reroute while traveling to visit customers just so I can try another one of Iowa’s Best Burgers, and I’m a little obsessed with posting new recipes each Friday on TheFieldPosition.com.

ShannonPie

Admittedly, I really appreciate good food and good drinks. I believe calories are a terrible thing to waste.  Since we all need to eat to live, why shouldn’t we enjoy our food?

Yes, I might just be a foodie!  But I’m not alone.  Consumer surveys shows that Iowans are becoming increasingly interested in the foods they serve – and more and more Iowans are following a trend to produce more home cooked meals.  Interest in cooking, baking and canning classes is on the rise!  Instead of being called “old fashioned,” now me and all of my cooking / farmer friends are trendy!

Agriculture is trendy… And that’s cause for celebration! It’s also just one more reason that Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is hosting a virtual Super Bowl Party from now through Sunday at kickoff.  Have a little fun on another cold Midwest winter’s day… Join us for Felfies, Foodies & FootballClick here for contest details.