It’s amazing the back story on the banana and its commercialisation. I never knew the term “banana republic” was coined for countries whose governments were overthrown by the banana producers in order to ensure their crops would be grown and protects, as would their profit margins. It’s also a little bit sad to think that bananas might soon be in short supply, or might even disappear altogether.

Anyway, whilst on American TV a contestant cut off his thumb whilst preparing a meal and it got served to Mr Ramsay who promptly ate it anyway. I’d eat it too -  it would be interesting to get a chance to sample “long-pig” legally. Unsurprisingly though, outrage ensued. Read more about this and other Ramsay “atrocities” here.

I’m sure there are dieticians having heart attacks after reading the label of this wonder of modern cuisine, in addition to those who keel over after eating such a monstrosity. You can read more here, and follow the link to a page with pictures of what this meal actually looks like. This article also links to a page detailing a milk shake with 2,310 calories – and it’s called a “health bar” shake!

I see adverts on TV for John West salmon, showing that these are wild fish, caught in the ocean (although probably by a river mouth) and so cashing in on the “free range”/organic ethos so popular today. I’d much prefer to eat farmed salmon, and leave the wild stock to replenish itself and continue to lead a wild lifestyle. Farmed salmon may not be quite as muscular, as they don’t get the exercise, but this just means more omega-3 fats – which are good for you. I’d recommend eating more farmed fish, and even writing/emailing to large fish suppliers to let them know that you would like to eat from sustainable fish supplies, rather than depleting the already heavily hit wild stock that’s left in our oceans. This is an area where your choice can make a difference. There is very little difference between farmed and wild fish in taste or texture (despite what the adverts may say), but there is a huge difference in the impact on the world’s fish supplies in how they are brought to your table. If we all bought farmed fish only, then the mega-trawlers currently roaming (some might say raping) our seas would no longer be viable, and there might be a chance for the ocean’s biomass to recover. If we continue to fall for advertising, and buy wild stock (whether it’s caught on dolphin friendly long lines, or not). then we might reach a point where we have to rely on talapias and salmon for all our fish protein.

Food production has taken a hit where farmers have started growing for bio-fuels instead, but more importantly is the changing status of the most populated nations on Earth: China and India are currently undergoing a huge social shift which is have a huge impact on food production. Population density has shifted in developing countries, with many farmers moving into the cities – this has caused a demand for meat and “speciality” vegetables, and so staple crops, such as wheat, soy and rice, have suffered. Cities in developing countries are sprawling across good farm land, restricting growing to less suitable areas and polluting the land surrounding them. The ex-farmers who have moved to the cities are no longer growing their own food, and so need to buy this from the remaining farmers – which cuts down on surplus food and is starting to cause countries like China to begin importing food. And, to top it all off, the cost of fuel oil is higher than ever, which means any food needing to be transported is going to cost more.

Be prepared for a serious rise in food prices this year and next. If you’re a survivalist, with plenty of storage, then it might well be worth stocking up on tinned food now.