By Laura Hardie
Which is better, whole milk or skim?
An increasing number of people are choosing full-fat dairy, both nationally and in Vermont, according to retail data from IRi, a market research firm. The trend is related to the growing desire for simple, natural, and whole foods—plus recent research that indicates full-fat dairy may have a solid place in a healthy diet.
Flickr/Creative Commons
Chemistry starts in the kitchen.
Gil Tansman remembers those words spoken by his mother when he was a young boy. Now the UVM doctoral student repeats that exact phrase as he talks about pursuing his passion for science and food.
Tansman, who is working toward his PhD in food science, recently helped identify the presence of ikaite and struvite crystals in artisanal cheese, giving cheesemakers new and valuable information on how to refine their product, understand which conditions will cause crystals to form, and help consumers appreciate the scientific elements of cheese.
Gil Tansman
By Edward Damon
Ever since Lisa MacDougall founded Mighty Food Farm in Pownal a decade ago, she dreamed she’d someday own her own land.
After a mighty move, that dream is now a reality: MacDougall, through help from the Vermont Land Trust, now owns 155 acres on Rod and Gun Club Road, prime agricultural land that will be permanently conserved.
Photo by Edward Damon/Bennington Banner
By Rachel Carter
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
When choosing to purchase food, cost is often a deciding factor for consumers. Why buy a 12-ounce package of local bacon for $7.99 when you can get it for $4.98?
Purchasing local food means you know where your food comes from, you’re buying food that is generally healthier, and you’re helping drive the local economy to keep more jobs and dollars circulating in the state. Still, price can be a sticking point for many Vermonters. While it’s true that the cost of local food at the grocery store is often higher than mass-produced commodity food, the reasons why might surprise you.
By Cheryl Herrick
As a relative newcomer to Vermont, Karen Freudenberger touched the lives of many in the region. The Ohio native moved to Burlington with her family in 2009 and almost immediately got involved in community projects that continued until her peaceful but sudden death in December.
