One of the buzz words in today’s restaurant industry is “sustainable.” As a local, small town restaurant, we try to utilize local ingredients whenever possible, but the concept of sustainable had me intrigued. What does it really mean? According to www.sustainabletable.org, a sustainable farm is one that raises food that is healthy to customers and animals. No harm is done to the environment, and the practices are humane to workers and animals. Fair wages are offered to the farmer, and the overall business supports and enhances the community. There are also advantages to using these products.

Local growers tend to use fewer pesticides. Therefore, their products tend to have more vitamin C, iron and magnesium. Many local farms have adapted organic practices, only growing what the land can support. They produce antibiotic and hormone free products, travel a shorter distance to your table and conserve more water.

So if you apply that to your home, there are multiple things you can do. Attempt to use as many local ingredients as possible, so products travel less. Use all biodegradable products whenever possible. Take leftover cooking oil to companies that convert it into biofuels. Use natural cleaning products instead of harmful chemicals. Work toward a greener home with solar panels. Donate excess goods to organizations helping the less fortunate.

This time of year, blueberries are a crop grown in many regions of North Carolina. Blueberries are fresh, healthy and packed with antioxidants. You can purchase some at your local farmers market for this fresh, simple recipe:

Blueberry Sorbet

2 Cups Blueberries

2 Tablespoons water

1 Tablespoon sugar

Combine blueberries, two tablespoons of the water and sugar into the blender. Blend to a smooth consistency. You can add an additional one tablespoon of water if needed to create the texture you want. Place into an electric ice cream maker, or simply freeze in an airtight container. Scoop and serve frozen.

Cooking Simple Tip: For a great martini, use a small scoop of your sorbet with two shots of vodka and two shots of fresh orange (or other fruit) juice. Place sorbet in martini glass and poor liquids over the top. Garnish with fresh berries or herbs.

Morris, owner of Rhett’s Restaurant, Personal Chef & Catering in Southern Pines, can be reached at (910) 695-3663 or rhett@rhettsinc.com.