My grandfathers came to the United States from Sicily and brought with them, Italian gardening traditions and vegetable wisdom. These were times of depression and a garden was essential for the family food supply. The backyard, was not a grass planted lawn, it was food for the family, every inch of it. Cherry trees, plum, pear and apple; egg plant, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs - oregano, basil, mint, lettuce, swiss chard, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini -- I am certain if they had more land they would have grown their own wheat to produce flour for homemade bread; my father's father (all of my family were residents of Melrose Park) also made his own wine barrels and of course red wine (Dago Red) and the red wine vinegar for salads..
There was no shortage of pizza toppings. Canning, to stock up for the winter months was an art in itself. An activity that brought family together at the harvest.
I myself, do a very small part of keeping these traditions alive. I wish I could do more.
What's better, watching Netflix and cutting the grass, or producing healthy chemical free food and family togetherness?

I am happy to see the Cook County Food organization, I think it is essential for our health: physical, mental and spiritual.

Andy Culotta in celebration of traditions that need to be shared.
Phone:(708-435-0678)