Tidbits

Local flavor

Did you know that the average forkful of food has traveled 1,300 miles before it is served in Maine? According to a 1992 article in The Packer, a newspaper for the produce industry, most of the food we eat comes from far, far away. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, together with the Hancock County Locally Grown Foods Project and the Farm Fresh Connection are working to change that. They recently launched the Maine Foods Network, a Web site that tells people where they can get fresh locally grown or raised food. Funded by a grant from Coastal Enterprises Inc., the project aims to support Maine agriculture and provide a link between the farmer and the consumer. For information, visit www.mainefoods.net. MOFGA has also published a free booklet titled “A Guide to Growing Your Own Food and Buying from Local Farmers,” which features a section on where to buy local foods in Maine and suggestions for eating seasonally. The guide can be found at grocery stores and restaurants around the state, or you can request a copy online at www.mofga.org or www.mainefoods.net.

Aw, shucks

If you have a pearl of an oyster recipe, you could win $1,000 and a silver tray in the National Oyster Cook-Off. Cash prizes of $300, $150, and $100 will be awarded to the top three finalists in each of the following categories: hors d’oeuvres, soups and stews, main dish and outdoor cookery or salads. To enter, send an original recipe by Aug. 1 to: National Oyster Cook-Off, c/o DECD, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Gourmet get-together

Do you relish pickles? Are you sweet on chocolate? Want to get into a jam? Then check out the delectable displays at the second Gourmet Food Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 and 29 on Independence Green in Freeport (in front of Wilbur’s Chocolates on Main Street). More than 30 specialty food producers will be on hand to exhibit and give samples of their wares. Among the products on display will be dairy goods, mustards, mushrooms, candy, seafood, jams, jellies, cheeses and condiments galore.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.