Pollan: The Omnivore's Dilemma

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Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma : A Natural History of Four Meals. New York : Penguin Press, 2006. 450 pages.

"Nature never plants crops or raises animals in a vast monoculture, practicing diversity instead."

You may be astounded at the practices of the food industry and their effect on our eating habits, health, obesity, their strain on our earth's soil, and the conditions the animals endure.

The production and consumption of corn has drastically changed how most of us eat whether we are aware of this or not. Gradually over the years the local farmer produces less and less of what goes into our tummies.

The author takes us into an experimental journey with one cow, following most of the process that occurs before that slab of beef ends up on our plate. When this journey is over we go to an organic farm in Virginia where cows are also bred for our dining pleasure. The processes here are totally different from those in the previous scenario.

Choosing between these two meal deals is never suggested. The facts are clearly laid out before us and we can decide for ourselves.

This is a large book, clearly written, for our education and awareness. "What you eat is inseparable from how it grows, and how it reaches your table."

-- Notes by EB