Is there a place for processed foods?

There's a fine line between distraction and relief, and the Royal Wedding straddled it against the stark contrast of the horrific destruction caused by tornadoes in the Southeastern US at the end of this week.  I live on the Left Coast, near a few faults (no, I'm not talking about the legislature in Sacramento), and am ever-conscious that we could, at any time, have a pretty good-size earthquake.  That is the sort of occasion for which processed food was developed.  Canned foods were developed in 1795 for Napoleon's Army - far from home and familiar supply lines, they needed a preserved food source.  Strangely, the can opener didn't come around until almost 100 years later.  But I digress.  The point is, that in a crisis, processed (read:  canned) foods can be a godsend.  Proteins, fruits and vegetables are all readily available in a processed form.  If you're not up for preserving your own food, this is not a bad option.

And, if the only way you're going to get some fiber from beans is by opening a can -- well, then, do so!  I'm advocating mindful eating, not all of us are starting a farm like Joel Salatin -- I'd like to be self-sustaining, but it's not realistic for me.  Mindful eating means thinking about what you're buying and ingesting and making informed decisions, rather than just reaching out for the same old/same old without thinking:  Where did this come from?  How was it treated?  Has anything been added?  That's the sort of thinking I'm advocating.

In the meantime, I'm having some small lamb loin chops and asparagus on the grill with a side of couscous.  Asparagus from Rio De Parra coated with olive oil cooks really, really quickly on the grill, as do the chops.  I marinated them with red wine, fresh rosemary (grow a plant - they're next to impossible to kill), chopped garlic, smoked salt and freshly-ground pepper.  For the couscous, I'm adding turmeric, cumin, coriander and fenugreek - so it's basically curried.  Just wanted to give you some food for thought.  Until next time, I'll see you at the market!