Fresh green and wax beans are coming in strong right now, and they are fat and delicious this year, at least those grown in the farms that were not affected by our recent flooding. For the second year in a row, mid-July brought torrential rains, tornado warnings (unusual in Vermont), and damaging winds that washed out roads and culverts, and destroyed many summer crops and fall plantings. Our farmers can’t seem to catch a break with this turbulent weather, and climate change seema to be sculpting a ‘new normal’ that is unpredictable and destructive.
A deluge, again
I talked to a few of our farmers at the market this week, and they weathered the storms with minimal damage, but reported on many neighboring farms that did not. It all depended on location and where the farms were sited, and which areas got the heaviest downpours. Many areas had six inches of rain one afternoon; most areas in the state average 4 to 6 inches in the entire month.
Support for our local farms
We all know it is important to support local farms during these tough times, and we try to do our part buying whatever we can that is grown locally. Yes, sometimes the local organic produce is a bit more expensive, but on average we spend considerably less of our income on food than we have ever before, because somewhere along the line, we’ve totally changed our priorities.
How much of our income is spent on food
Currently, we spend around 11.26 % of our income on food (these figures are combined groceries and eating out). In 1980, we spent 13.32 % of our income on food. In 1958, 17.88 %; in 1947, 23.02 %; and, in 1933, 25 % of our income was spent on food. Something to ponder for sure. Of course, those in the lower income brackets are hit the hardest, especially with inflation, and most likely spend a much higher portion of their budgets on food. These figures are just averages and are generated by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, but they are telling.
Let’s stop and think
It might be time to pause and think about what we do spend our money on these days. What do we really need, and what makes us happy? The blueberries from another continent and conventionally grown might be 50 cents cheaper than the local berries, but they are bred to ship and are often tasteless and well beyond prime when we get them here. They are cheap, but their carbon footprint also adds an environmental price. I see them in supermarkets right now while our berries are abundant (and inexpensive if you pick your own) and I scratch my head. There’s nothing like a fresh local blueberry, just picked with all its sweetness.
Beans and tomatoes, a good match
What looked good this week, besides the luscious blueberries, was some beautiful local colorful beans and heirloom tomatoes, and how wonderful that these two go so well together. When those local tomatoes come in, every meal can be a feast. I combine these two in a simple side dish that always makes me happy, tomatoes and green (or yellow) beans with anchovies, garlic, and little else. It’s really quick to make, and everyone loves this dish in our family. Often the farmers have boxes of the less perfect tomatoes for less money, and they are a good bargain because all the flavor is there. Give me an ugly tomato any day as long as it tastes good.
Don’t worry about measurements
Don’t worry about exact measurements here, this is an easy dish to cook by instinct. One fat tomato or several small will do, even a few Roma tomatoes, or if you have a glut of cherry tomatoes, they will do beautifully. Grab a bag of beans at the farm stand or market, you don’t really have to weigh them. It’s summer, cooking should be easy, even if the challenges many are facing are not.
Easy to make vegan
If you are vegan, simply leave out the anchovy and add a splash of vegan Worcester or soy sauce instead, or just leave it out.
Fresh Beans with Tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 4 anchovy filets, rinsed and minced, optional
- 1 very large local tomato, diced, or a few smaller, or cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch of beans, about 8 to 10 oz. or so, trimmed and chopped
- Herbs of choice, if desired
- A little Parmesan or vegan Parmesan to garnish, if desired
Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the shallot. Sauté until softened, this happens quickly, then add the garlic and anchovies. Let these cook for a minute or so. Add the tomato and beans, and a little water, salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Cover, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender. Sprinkle in fresh, torn basil, parsley, or thyme, or add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or ground fennel, whatever you like. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, and serve with grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.
Make this a meal:
Add a can of unsalted chickpeas or other beans and you have all you need for a lovely light supper served with a bit of salad and bread.
A note from our farmer friends at Bread and Butter Farm:
“As most of you probably already know, this past week was a challenging time for farmers and many towns across the state with massive flooding happening nearly exactly one year after last year’s devastating floods. Many farms’ fields were under water leading to near entire losses of summer crops and early fall plantings. We are blessed that our farm’s location has helped us weather these record floods, but many people haven’t been so fortunate including many of our partner farms.
Ways that we’re hoping to help in the recovery effort, beyond reaching out to lend a helping hand/check in with our fellow farmers, is to buy in produce from them to help them a) make more room in their storage areas for the crops they needed to rush in quickly from their fields and b) to help them financially weather this time.
Being a farmer and keeping a farm afloat during non-flooding seasons is already a gargantuan undertaking, one that shouldn’t be so hard. But in the climate of our time, the ecological climate, and climate of many people’s minds, it’s a constant task to be working to teach and reach people about why supporting local food systems, local economies, and farming practices that build soil to help mitigate many of the climate issues we’re facing today matters. We thank you for being people who are already championing this cause and already see the importance of why this work is so desperately needed for us now and for the future generations.
We thank you in advance for being a part of this community and team of people who uplift us and thus, many of the area’s local farming community.
Ways you can help!
Click this link to support NOFA-VT’s Farmer Emergency Fund and/or become a NOFA member! NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is a HUGE resource and beacon of support to farms at all times of year, but especially right now.
Check in with your local farmers/farming community and see if they are needing any extra volunteer help to repair damages due to flooding. Particularly, some of our partner farms: Burnt Rock Farm, Pitchfork Farm, Intervale Community Farm, and Jericho Settlers Farm.”
Copyright 2024– or current year, The New Vintage Kitchen. Dorothy Grover-Read. Unattributed use of this material and photographs is strictly prohibited. Reposting and links may be used, provided that credit is given to The New Vintage Kitchen, with active link and direction to this original post.
The New Vintage Kitchen does not accept ads or payment for mention of products or businesses.
Supporter of: Slow Food Fair Trade USA Northeast Organic Farmers Association EcoWatch Let’s Save Our Planet No Kid Hungry Hunger Free Vermont Environmental Working Group World Central Kitchen Sustainable America Seed Savers Exchange Save the Children Vermont Farm to Plate
Thank you for posting this important message, Dorothy. I always am inspired by your local food support.
Thank you Suz! If we don’t support them, they disappear, and that’s a tragedy for all.
The modern day challenges faced by farmers are significant, and they deserve all our support. The situation isn’t helped by having to compete with supermarkets where the price often doesn’t reflect the true lifetime cost of an imported, heavily packaged and/or sugary, processed item, once its environmental and health impacts are factored in. Eat local, think global!
Very beautifully said Kevin! Thank you for this heartfelt comment. 💕
This dish makes me think about my maternal granny so much. This was a go to side dish when the green beans were really good and snapped perfectly when bent. looks tasty
Thank you! The beans and tomatoes come of age at the same time, so it is natural we put them all together. Love the snap in a snap bean!
That’s a great looking dish! Beautiful beans.
Thank you Mimi! I can just live on fresh veggies this time of year, and mostly do. That is, when I’m not eating berries!
Ohmygosh. Garden-fresh veggies! 💛💚💛
The best!
So sorry about the torrential rains and flooding you’ve been getting, D; you’re right about this crazy, unpredictable weather. Last night was the first rain we’ve had in weeks; I wish I could take some away from you and solve two problems at once.
This summer veggie dish looks incredible!
Thank you N.! The problem with all these torrential rains is that they flood fields and cause damaging runoff but with the ground saturated, they are not adding much to the groundwater. It always seems to be feast or famine.
It’s always something, D! I hope the weather shifts for your area.
It seems to be settling down, sunshine forecast for the next few days.
Yay!! ☀️
I am so sorry to hear about the flooding and lost crops. You are lucky to have good farmers markets nearby. I get so frustrated with my local grocery because they import produce from who knows where instead of providing us with fresh local produce. I am always going out of my way to find the fresh local produce that is so good!
Jena
That’s too bad about your local grocery. Spread the word, perhaps have all your friends lobby the store manager to get more local produce in. They do listen to more voices, and they’ll probably sell more while being good support of the farmer as well. Worth a try.
I grew up on a farm and I know that farmers are at the mercy of the weather. Supporting the local farmers and local farmers markets are key to them surviving. They pick everything fresh so it is as close to “farm to table” unless you picked it yourself. Paying a few dollars more is so worth it, not only to the farmers, but to your own family as well. I love your post Dorothy and your bean dish reminds me of something my mom would have made from her garden.
Thank you so much Jan! You are so right on all counts. We need to support them, or lose them.
These simple dishes when produce is at its best are what makes me the happiest – tons of flavor and nutrition, and we are supporting our neighbors which makes it a win all around.
“Support for our local farms” Amen! We’ve been shopping weekly at the Farmer’s Market for over 20 years now. Only occasionally do we supplement with fresh produce at the grocery store – and always organic.
That’s the best way to shop. We hit the farmers market, and one or two other farm stands over the weekend, I think of the grocery store as last resort.
Couldn’t agree more – supporting local farms is so important!
The dish looks delicious. The combination of fresh beans and tomatoes is such a tasty one. Love the addition of anchovies. 🙂
Thanks Ronit! The anchovies just add that extra little something and is a great secret ingredient.
This will be a perfect side for a barbecued steak tomorrow. Might squeeze half a lemon instead of adding water; I have a bag of lemons I need to use.
That lemon would work beautifully! And you are using up the lemons before they go bad, good job!
Awesome recipe. Thank you for sharing it.
And very interesting facts about how much of our income is spent on food. Lots to ponder!
Thank you! We love this dish. So much to ponder, I find those stats quite interesting.
A topic close to our heart. Enjoy local and organic food, it’s better for everyone. The salad looks wonderful.
Thank you! It’s better for all of us and the planet as well.
A farmer’s life would certainly not be an easy one, Dorothy; they have so much to contend with! I always look for the ‘home’ grown veggies first and foremost; it’s the least I can do to support our Aussie farmers.
As for the recipe – it’s a keeper and will probably be cooking real soon. 🙂
Thank you Carolyn! It’s so important to support the farmers who are so desperately struggling to feed us all. 💕
You always make everything look so enviting and delicious, Dorothy. I agree and do myself either grow it or buy from local farmers we have to both support them and look after our health 🙂 x
Thank you Carol. Your cooking is always an inspiration to me. I don’t know how many people I’ve handed your ‘count chemicals not calories’ advice. Not only good for us, but the planet too!
You are always an inspiration!
What a yummy fresh side dish for summer.
Sorry to hear about all your flooding!
Thank you Nancy! Things are drying up now, we’ve had a few nice days of sunshine, but lots of damage.
I agree with you about an ugly tomato, especially one just picked out of the garden. Green beans and tomatoes are a great flavor combo.
Thank you Karen, I really love the combo too. A wonderful flavor of the season.
I am combining asparagus. ❤️
Another amazing green vegetable!
This is a recipe I’ll try. Did you add olives too? I love the olives, tomatoes, garlic and anchovies in pasta. I can see how it’d be good with beans too.
We have farm fields on 3 sides of our house. We see all the work it takes for the farmer to grow his crops. I know how devastated we are when our few plants are destroyed by frost or too much rain. It is a lot of work and money lost. Nothing tastes better than locally fresh grown produce.
We have something else in common! Our house is nestled between three working hayfields!
What a fabulous post Dorothy! It was so interesting to see how the percentage of money spend on food has changed over the decades. It is so true about priorities!
I found it fascinating. I hear people complain all the time about food costs, but seldom about all the electronics expenses – multiple family cell phones, wireless and cable, premium cable and channels, internet, music programs, etc., etc., all a very large portion of the budget.
I’m a bif fan of green beans and tomatoes, so this is my kind of dish! 🙂
I am too, so simple and always so very delicious.
I love the combination of flavors and is one of my go to dishes too when I have green beans! Now that I’m in Thailand I can support a bit too the local producers and the products are so much better tasting!
You’ll have a ball cooking! So many exotic fruits too!