Editor’s Letter: Spring 2021
RELENTLESS. EXHAUSTING. SURREAL. CHAOTIC.
These are some of the most popular words used to describe 2020, according to a Washington Post article from December. I think this is more evidence of a collective sense of breathlessness and angst widely shared over the past year.
Our last spring issue was published two weeks before our first lockdown. How has it already— and only—been a year?! The continued feeling of overwhelm is no joke. Some days, I wake up and think, “Is this really my life?” My cousin-in-law told me recently that she has “retreated and closed up into a bubble. I’m not sure if I’m resting or running away.” I responded that I do both regularly, sometimes at the same time!
RESILIENCE. PERSEVERANCE. ADAPTABILITY. RESTORATION.
These have been the themes of quarantine in nearly every publication, printed or otherwise. We at Edible have practiced and watched these themes playing out by necessity … and by determination. When there is a sense of dread or despair, there also seems to be a cultural shift to seek and share the hope of the human condition.
In a time when the news cycle (though noticeably calmer) is still filled with anxiety-inducing information, I am pleased (and, frankly, relieved) to be encouraging our contributors in pursuit of stories that inspire and delight.
When we planned the theme for this issue last year, it was meant to be something like “Moving Forward,” a natural succession to resilience and restoration. And while now there is finally a sense of that possibility, back when we began planning the content, things in the world were still not looking good.
So, like so many other businesses in the food industry have been forced to do, we pivoted. We’ve increased our recipe content, because folks are eating at home more than ever. There are 13 recipes in this issue, 15 if you count the stand-alone parts of the incredible citrus cake on page 36!
Based on popularity of gardening articles on our website, there seems to be quite a resurgence of horticulture locally, so we found a way to include loads of gardening tips and even asked experts in the field to help bust some myths (page 18). We also included chickens (page 22) and new beginnings (page 38) and business inspirations (page 28).
What I noticed as it all came together is that, yes, each story represents resilience, perseverance, adaptability and restoration. Each story gives us a little bit of hope that there is creativity and joy that can still be found. Each story reminds us of my mom’s favorite saying: “This too shall pass.”
I am excited to share the people of this issue, both contributors and subjects of the stories. I believe they represent the DIYer in us all, but with a nod to the need for community. I hope that they bring inspiration and delight.
And dear reader, my hope for you this season is that you will find resilience in your gardens, perseverance of good character, adaptability in the kitchen and restoration of hope.
Until next time, happy eating!
