Goji berries, native to China and Tibet, are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Yes, they have a subtle and mild flavor with a smooth, lingering aftertaste.

But, hey and here’s pet peeve of mine,

they are grown in China.

Do you live in China?

If so, you probably have access to fresh goji berries

at a fair price.

Excellent.

Mangosteen, a fruit with wonderful

medicinal properties, is from India.

So is the Amla berry, an East Indian

Goosberry which is another excellent source of Vitamin C.

Why are we health foodists paying for fuel costs

to ship the Tibetan goji berry

and

mangosteen all over the world when

nature has done an incredible thing?

Nature

has created healthy berries in every region of the world.

Ever explore the concept of bioregionalism?

Bioregionalism is a fancy name for living a rooted life. Sometimes called “living in place,” bioregionalism means you are aware of the ecology, economy and culture of the place where you live, and are committed to making choices that enhance them.

If we are what we eat

and we are where we live,

why aren’t we focused

on eating the berries of our bioregion?

Berries have enormous nutritional components

and disease preventing properties

with all the antioxidants and phyto nutrients present in them.

They are extremely potent and bioavailable to humans.

In other words, berries are a fantastic food to be eating.

Here in Minnesota the native berry of our region is the elderberry.

The elderberry is loaded with Vitamin C

and antioxidants perhaps equal or more to the

goji berry.

Like the goji, the elderberry has a unique

flavor all its own that is intriguing

and enjoyable.

Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are also native to this region.

A cup of any of these berries has so much more Vitamin C content than

orange juice.

Cranberries as many of us know are fabulous for bladder issues and kidney

infections.

Why, I ask myself, would we be shipping in Tibetin Goji berries and mangosteen–

yes, I love their flavor, don’t get me wrong–

when we have plenty of berries around us in

our bioregion

that are equally if not more

potent and powerful not only because of their nutrient content

but also their close proximity and therefore their amazing freshness

and great flavor?

I really think we need to take a look at where our food comes from

and ask ourselves, do we need a the latest ‘fad’ berry that is supposed to

be the cure all to end all cure-alls or

is something similar in nutritional content

available locally?

Can I buy a local berry that has similar health benefits without

the fuel costs to ship the product across the world?

I am reminding and suggesting that we scrutinize where our food comes from.

As health food junkies who care where our food comes from and how it is

prepared or produced, we can participate in reducing the environmental impact

caused by shipping fancy far away product all over the place.

Whenever possible, try to buy local first,

you will be supporting the local economy,

the local farmers and therefore reducing

fuel costs and environmental consequences.

Berries are a favorite.

Berries are political.

Find a local berry and make it your friend.

You and the Earth will be happier and healthier because of your choices.