Not so quiet mode

I have often been told that people prefer me when I’m being quiet. So, I hope you’ve enjoyed the past week or so of serenity on this blog; no ranting, complaining or even a hint (I really wanted to say “whiff” here) of bum crack. Time I changed all that then...

I spent last weekend in what I like to pretentiously call my second home, Madrid. In actual fact, having lived there for 3 years in total, means that it actually is pretty much a second home. Given it’s size, I know it better than London. Anyway, there is a point to all this. Unlike our renewed relationship with farmers markets and specialist suppliers of everything from courgette flowers to venison, asparagus, cheese and chocolate, the “Spaniels” have been at it for years.

In brief, Franco’s long reign of fascism ended with his death in 1975 and can be blamed for having somewhat stifled Spain’s economical, cultural and political development during his 39 years or so of office. At the time Spanish people were aware of this and may have felt that they were poorer as a result. In fact, I think it has made them richer in some respects despite the rather dire current economic climate and a plethora of other socio-political aspects we could touch upon.  I am referring to the institution of food, or to use a broader Spanish term “alimentacion”. Franco encouraged Spain to grow and produce and to essentially be self-sufficient in a kind of “Spain is great, so we don’t need anybody else” way. As a result there is still a thriving market industry throughout the entire country.

In Madrid, I know of about 8 or so markets which make Borough Market seem not only the poncy hang-out that it is but also put it to shame on selection and quality. Remember, these Spanish markets are often run down and old fashioned concrete shells, but the colour, variety and ambience contained within is positively buzzing. The selection extends beyond just veg to meat products where there will be at least two or three butcher stalls in every market in addition to those that sell just chicken and eggs as well as a handful of separate stalls selling only hams, chorizo and cheeses – let’s not forget at least three or four fishmongers to boot! They are all essentially specialists who know their produce. So, markets are awash with both choice and competition and this is possibly why it works. Moreover, markets tend to be cheaper than supermarkets and you can always buy just what you need for that day or a specific meal, therefore generating less waste. All produce is grown or reared in Spain and comes direct from farmers, growers and cooperatives and so there is a direct life-line from consumer through to the person who planted the seed or reared the pig. There is also the logistics and storage network which employs thousands of additional people. Widely, the Spanish see Supermarkets as places for staples like flour, sugar, biscuits and booze. Decent fresh produce comes from the markets – that’s just the way it is and its also true to a point in France and Italy too.

So, why are we so Supermarket focussed in this country? Its because we have all bought in to the American-driven convenience philosophy which was cultivated by those wishing to profit from their products...not for our benefit or wellbeing. I know you all know this, I know you all have jobs and kids and whatever, and you haven’t got time. Make time, or see the supermarkets get stronger and farmers and growers get weaker.  Don’t just think about price either, this really is so bleeding elementary, but I’ll spell it out anyway. The amount you save on a two for one bargain, the petrol you save on doing one shop a week, the overall reduction in spending by buying a leg of lamb in a supermarket rather than from your butcher is nothing in comparison to even a packet of fags or a pint or choosing to take the more acceptable Easyjet flight for your holiday (which will cost hundreds or thousands!) at 11:30 as opposed to 05:00 for 28 quid more. When it comes to everything else in life; houses, watches, cars, golf clubs, hookers etc, we basically spend as much as we can, so why do we try to spend as little as possible on food and then feel smug when we get two packs of butter for the price of one when we only actually need one? This is a big subject and I’m just scratching the surface here. More another day. I’ll shut up for now, although all comments welcomed both for and against.

Tune in tomorrow and watch some ginger bird I picked up name the pigs!