November is here, along with St Martin's Day. It is that time of the year when we pin a red-and-white ribbon to our chests, light red-and-white candles on specific dates, and decorate our food in red and white. Is that enough?
Yes, of course, that is a lot too.
However, we invite you to take a step further. In that courageous and deeper direction.
In the direction that requires a little more effort.
We invite you to give this one month to Latvia for real. To Latvian land, Latvian products, and Latvian farmers. Is it in your power to eat Latvian products for one month? To replace lemons with quinces, bananas with apples. Chia seeds with hemp. Foreign sweet potatoes with our own butternut squashes. Rice with pearl barley.
On your festive table, decorate with red and white not burrata and ciabatta, but roast with cabbage, grey peas with bacon, perhaps pancakes with cranberry jam...
We invite you to give November to Latvian farmers. To those who weed, plough, harrow, plant, and mill right here. Those who also love this land very, very much – living in step with it from spring to autumn. Those who stay here, enjoying the mist, rain, and snow instead of packing a suitcase and heading to warmer lands for the winter.
We invite every one of our compatriots to do this.
Especially chefs and opinion leaders. Think about it. Is pinning a red-and-white ribbon to your chest, but preparing chia pudding with almond milk for the festive table... is that true love for your country?
Give Latvia at least this one month – its birthday month, harsh November, when the wind howls outside the window but the cellars of Latvian farmers are full of juicy vegetables, roots, apples, pickles, and preserves. We have plenty of goodness of our own. If only we know how and, most importantly, want to appreciate them! Everything starts with good intentions. Sprīdītis would say it takes courage.
Would you have the courage to gift your kitchen to Latvia in November?
Perhaps we can try together. Who knows how many new, wonderful things we might discover. Share your findings by adding the hashtag #UzdāviniNovembriLatvijai, so we can learn, grow, and discover the pearls of our land on our plates together.
Where are those Latvian farmers hiding?
In shops, markets, direct deliveries. In small farm e-shops. Farmers are “hiding” on their farms, which can also be visited. We are here, if only you wish to see and seek us out!
If only you would find the courage to swap the convenience of a supermarket for value!
Are we asking for a handout or support?
No! We are seasoned against harsh winds, as well as injustice and blame.
We only ask – perhaps for one month out of twelve.
Perhaps for one month – this month of your country's birthday – you could give to Latvia and Latvian farmers by reaching out first and foremost for Latvian products.
With a heartfelt invitation,
The Zutiņi family. Farmers