I’ve heard the jokes and war stories from Icelanders about finding the ingredients to that special recipe. It is hit or miss whether or not you’ll find an item and if you do it might be past due and it will still be many times the price you want to pay for it.
There is a wonderful tradition of cooking talent on the rock. But ex pats and fussy eaters can have a frustrating time. But all can be had if one is willing to pay a small fortune. Or just give in to the traditions and eat like a Viking.
The growing season is very short and unpredictable, green house is the best way but is expensive. But after all that the Icelander is proud of their culinary skills and boasts a high proportion of organics and natural foods. Many things have always been done the tried and true organic way and continue to be that way. Even the freakin hot dogs are organic compared to the mystery rat we call hot dogs. But things are changing.
The pressure is on to emulate the North American expectation of any item at any time at a price that doesn’t fluctuate as much as it might even a few years ago. And we expect the food to look like the marketing photos and be a shiny pretty colour. And we want it sweet it would seem. Dammit, I can’t even find an ear of corn that isn’t sweet now.
I’ll assume that the likes of Monsanto and other evil doers are already on the island giving out promises of a bountiful supermarket. And cheaper too to be sure. Pest resistant, high yields, and a million other promises. But I say Whoa! Listen to the countries to your east before going the way of the west. Don’t let them patent your food. At least make labeling laws that identify genetically modified food. We didn’t insist loudly enough here and now most of the food is GM. People don’t even know it, or don’t care, or I don’t know what it is but there are so many reasons to not like this shit that no amount of corporate spin can change my mind. Mega dam projects are easy targets of criticism but to me the food I directly ingest every day is a much more important consideration. Don’t let them do it, I beg you. You’ll regret it someday. But maybe I’m just crazy that way since it doesn’t seem to bother most people. At least wait until I’ve made a few visits and tasted real food in the land of dreams.
[...] Further GM rantings on this blog are here. [...]