Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for our health, right? We've all heard that for years, and it is true. But according to Jo Robinson, author of the forthcoming book Eating on the Wild Side: The Missing Link to Optimum Health, what really matters is choosing the right varieties of those fruits and vegetables.

Why is this toy cow hanging out on a cheese tray? Is it a kid's idea of a playful trick or a clever way to convey a little information about the cheese? Perhaps it is both!

It may come as a surprise to some, but buying foods labeled cage-free or grass-fed does not necessarily mean that those items are what they say they are, or what we assume they mean.  This can be really frustrating if you are trying to do your best to purchase humane and sustainable food, not to mention that foods labeled with these claims are often more expensive.  Do you pay extra for organic, or non-GMO, or hormone-free foods?  Do you know which labels are reliable?  Read on for more information and sources for identifying which labels you can trust. 

A farm to table dinner, when the chef works closely with the farmer to plan the menu, is the most fun way possible to explore local offerings, eat what's truly in season and get to know a few new local people who love food like you do. Normally, I think this treat — not an inexpensive one — should be reserved for appreciative adults. But recently, we had the chance to enjoy such a dinner with our teenaged son — it was a pleasure and I may have changed my tune.

It's that time of year: last call for the CSA programs in your area! Have you ever done a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture lets you pay a membership fee to a farm, and then receive a box of seasonal produce throughout the growing season. It's a great way to participate in the life of a farm, and to get spectacularly good produce. Are you doing one this year? 

At the end of a bumpy, red dirt driveway in a small town in southern Lebanon, you'll find the home of farmer Abu Kassem and his family. For about 13 years, they have been growing za'atar, the once-wild herb that plays a starring role in the increasingly popular spice blend of the same name. The path from field to flatbread is simple on this organic farm, but one fueled by dedication and hard work. Take a peek at how they do it — and you may never look at that bottle of supermarket za'atar in the same way again.

You may already be in the habit of tweeting and Instagramming your visits to the farmers' market, but wouldn't it be great if there were an app to tell you best things to look out for, an app that could compile everyone's market recommendations for that day? Where you could see, in real time, what's happening at your local farmer's market — what people are buying, what they're making, what sales and specials are going on. Now there is. New iphone app Farmstand lets you quickly find your closest farmers' market and check in on everything that's happening. See a video of how it works below:

A night ago at our Design Evening in New York, Maxwell screened this short film for the attendees and we're happy to share it with you now. More

What: Apartment Therapy Design Evenings
Who: Designing with Farmers: Saving Land & Growing Food in the Modern World
When: February 20, 2013
Where: ABC Carpet & Home I 888 Broadway, NYC
RSVP: Sold Out More

Bryant Terry is an energetic and passionate man, self-described as an eco chef, author, and social justice activist. He first came to my attention in 2006 when he co-authored the book Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen with his friend Anna Lappe. He has since gone on to author two more vegan cookbooks, with a third one in the works. What does this spokesman for local, sustainable, and delicious food think are the top essentials for a modern, socially engaged, soulful kitchen? More