In Our Summer 2017 Issue

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

As Edible Columbus celebrates its eighth year in print, I’d like to welcome Franklin County Farm Bureau to our team. Their stewardship of our magazine and mission makes our continued publication possible.

And now I’m going to get philosophical  on you for a moment. I know—it’s summer and the beaches are calling. Yet the main source of pleasure at the beach—the Mother Ocean—is what I want to speak to. It’s no secret our waters are in jeopardy, and our drinking water is not exempt from these risks. Before Aristotle, there was the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus, who developed a whole cosmology around water as the root of all matter, the source of all life. The indigenous people of our time, therefore, are not the only ones—our history shows water was revered and respected as the seeds of Western civilization were being planted.

In a recent study by The Nature Conservancy, “80% of large cities could meaningfully improve their drinking-water quality and reliability by boosting land conservation and changing agricultural practices in the watersheds that supply them.” Water and earth are intimately linked. Our summer issue looks at this relationship by exploring water in Central Ohio, from our watersheds to a growing market known as aquaculture that is dedicated to raising fish on farms. We also take a look at our soil and community garden efforts in Columbus. The story of the gardens at Big Lots’ corporate headquarters and the fruit parks created in Weinland Park and the South Side of Columbus by Los Angeles artists David Young
and Austin Burns in collaboration with the Wexner Center are beacons of inspiration for what is possible when communities build trust and come together to make beauty we can all eat.

And then there is the eating. And for that we’ve dished up recipes from Mi Ae Lipe’s handsome cookbook, Bounty from The Box: The CSA Farm Cookbook, including Watermelon Chicken Salad and Stuffed Squash with Basil and Honey. We also share stories about trailblazers in our community, from the artist Sarah Fairchild to hiker Danielle Vilaplana, who shares her original recipes for dehydrated Spicy Avocado Hummus  and Mushroom Miso Ramen for those looking to take in some long-distance hiking this summer. And then there is a day-trip, and for that we highlight some new eateries and food destinations down south through Hocking Hills and Lancaster.

And back to history for one more breath. You must read about and visit the historic Rock Mill in Fairfield County. This amazing structure has been restored for mill production, an amazing accomplishment for our region and Ohio’s food traditions.

Stay cool, eat some watermelon and enjoy the summertime sun!