We are starting to hear that there might be some disruption to Malaysia’s vegetable supply chain due to the COVID-related movement restrictions. This has sparked discussion about how at times like these, it might actually be good to have the space to grow our own food. Well, we have neither the space nor the skills so thank goodness the home SG Urban Farmer That Millennial Brother (TMB) does!
TMB has been growing edibles in our parents’ garden for more than two years now. Watching this SG Urban Farmer tend to his small farm has made me a little more aware and appreciative of my own actions and its impact on the world around me.
What Goes Around
Really comes around.
To watch something grow from close to nothing to… something one is going to ingest does inspire thoughts about all the relationships which exist around us that keeps everything going.
The vegetables which feed us grow in soil which in turn feed them. The soil has to contain the right mix of nutrients (compounds?). Some of this comes from what previously grew on the plot, some of it from the compost. The compost comes from worms and other bugs breaking down other plant or plant products. Some of these are from scraps we might usually throw out, which not only reduced waste but turns something that is “useless” into something that contributes to another cycle of food. I find that all pretty amazing.
Poisoning something anywhere in the web will probably see the poison return to me for ingestion at some point. That has inspired me to see if I can live a life that is less damaging to my environment. I am far from perfect in that domain but we are all on our journeys right?
Food: a Labour of Love
Watching the effort farming takes also got me thinking about how much people and mother nature put into grow food which nourishes and sustains us. The least we could do is to be grateful and not wasteful. It has also inspired me to learn to cook better so that I do ingredients (and all the work it took to get them to my kitchen) justice.
I am happy that I now contribute to the process by:
- Contributing kitchen scraps.
- Harvesting (and documenting the harvest!), and
- Transforming the produce into meals.
Currently all I know how to do with daikon radish is cook up a super simple yet badass Chinese soup（萝卜排骨汤）:
I am thinking that the next time the SG Urban Farmer wants me to clear up some daikon, I might try pickling it?
Well, I will keep everybody posted if I do decide to try pickling it!
Stay safe wherever you all are, till next time!