June Food Swap

I attended a food swap this week.

A food swap. Ever heard of such a thing? I hadn't... until I stumbled upon this blog through the summer issue of Rhythm of the Home. The article on How to Host Your Own Food Swap intrigued me, so I did a little digging and found the Food Swap Network... and guess what? There was not one, but two local food swaps in my area! I couldn't believe it!

So I impulsively signed myself up... and my mom. Then, later, my mother-in-law joined in, and so did one of her pals. None of us had any idea what to expect, being FS virgins, the four of us. We quite frankly winged it as far as what to bring, how to dress, how punctual to be, etc., and can I tell ya- it was great!

Parts of my 'Herb Medley' swap coming together- parsley seeds, coriander (aka cilantro seed) and later, fresh rosemary

We all put together something we had grown, made, or foraged ourselves (per the rules)- something that was an individual specialty of sorts- and an appetizer for the mingling (and promoting of what we were trying to swap). We packaged it up all perty, carpooled it to the venue, and plunged in to a new foodie community I can't believe I've gone so long not knowing existed!

The food swap, nestled in the heart of a local winery

The swappers tasting the amazing, homemade goodies

One of two tables of swaps (and my herb medley!)

The swapping portion of the evening- the last 30 mins or so- went by in a flash, and before we knew it, we were packing up organic homegrown & canned tomatoes, whole-food granola, peach-habanero pepper jelly, homegrown & canned pickles, candied jalapenos, salsa, and many other goodies!

My take-home goodies

These food swaps apparently happen monthly, and after such a great experience with the first one, I will be sure to attend them as frequently as possible... what an amazing foodie resource, hiding right up the road!