A Mediterranean Diet, Grown Right Here in Fingal: Is It a Possibility?

Okay, hands up—we can’t ignore the devastating downsides of climate change, but honestly, there is enough misery in the world right now, so let’s embrace the fact that here in Fingal, these changes are sowing the seeds of something different. And it’s not all bad.

Imagine a diet of homegrown fruits and vegetables that’s less starchy, less carb-loaded, and without the “boiled-to-death-by-your-Mammy” types of veg we’re used to. Instead, could we have a diet closer to the one enjoyed in the Mediterranean, and could it all be grown right here in Fingal?

That’s just a pipe dream, right?

Well, actually, it’s closer to reality than you might think. The foundations of the Mediterranean diet are sun-ripened fruits and vegetables—and importantly, the tasty sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, the ones we’d be happy to eat every day and, indeed, the ones we pay bucket loads of money for in our local supermarkets. But wouldn’t it be great if we could buy these same items from a local grower?

Here’s the thing: with climate change, that possibility is more feasible than ever before.

A New Climate, A New Menu

Fingal has always been considered a prime location for cultivating fruits and vegetables. Now, as the climate evolves, so too do the possibilities of what we can grow. Warmer summers and milder winters are opening the door to crops that were once out of reach. Along with these changes comes a new world of flavours, allowing us to move away from the carb-loaded diet of the past toward a healthier, tastier one.

The Gardeners Saw It Coming First

The basis for this article isn’t scientific research—though there’s plenty of science to back up what I’m saying. In fact, the proof that we can grow Mediterranean crops is found in local allotments and gardens. For years, Fingal’s gardeners—those unsung heroes of experimentation—have been nurturing exotic plants and growing weird crops like fennel and artichokes, but they have also been growing grapes, melons, figs, and even lemons. Though some of these are a long way from being commercially viable crops for our farmers, others are right on the cusp. The fact is, what once seemed like a quirky hobby is now ever more likely to become a commercial reality.

What Crops Will We See on Fingal Farms in the Near Future?

Here are some crops that could soon be regulars on the Fingal dinner table:

• Outdoor Tomatoes: Absolutely tastier and better for us than those grown indoors. Thanks to warmer summers, outdoor-grown tomatoes could thrive in Fingal, delivering juicier, more flavourful harvests.

• Peppers: Just about every grower who attempted to produce peppers commercially in Ireland in the past failed. Yes, they produced nice crops, but the short growing season meant yields weren’t high enough to pay back the investment in greenhouse space, effort, and cost. As winters become milder and springs and autumns warmer, the season can be extended, making both sweet and spicy varieties of peppers commercially viable.

• Aubergines: This Mediterranean staple suffered the same drawbacks as peppers. The season was too short to produce commercially viable crops. But like peppers, this is set to change.

• Pumpkins and Squash: Already grown by many gardeners and a few farmers, pumpkins are perfect for autumn harvests. These crops will thrive in the extra heat of our extended growing seasons, and Irish-grown squash will soon become a reality.

• Berries: Raspberries and blackberries, currently just garden crops or grown by a few specialist growers, will become more mainstream as longer summers create ideal production conditions for outdoor soft fruit.

• Cherries: Already gaining ground in polytunnels, these juicy gems will benefit from fewer frosts and better ripening conditions. As the season expands, cherries could replace tomatoes as a viable and profitable indoor crop in Ireland.

• Sweetcorn: We already have a few growers in Fingal, but as summers heat up, expect to see even more of this golden treat grown locally.

• Grapes: Yes, we’re talking vineyards! Fingal already has at least one commercial grower, and with warmer summers, more could be on the horizon. Imagine a selection of local wines to accompany your fresher, zestier, and healthier food.

And There’s More

Some other crops that adventurous gardeners have been quietly nurturing might soon see interest from commercial growers here. Imagine these delights hitting your dinner table:

• Figs: Traditionally a Mediterranean delight, figs might start popping up in greenhouses and polytunnels here in Ireland.

• Melons and Peaches: These sweet, summery fruits are already cultivated here by a few adventurous gardeners and a handful of growers. As our changing climate benefits these crops, they may soon rub shoulders with cherries in our greenhouses and polytunnels, making the transition from curiosities to commercial successes.

• Sweet Potatoes: With the warmth sticking around longer, sweet potatoes, already grown by many gardeners, are primed to go mainstream.

• Chillies: Yes, we have a fantastic grower of chillies in Fingal, but as temperatures heat up, conditions will become perfect for this fiery crop. It may even become a staple, adding spice to Fingal’s future cuisine.

Other crops you might see more of include fennel, asparagus, and globe artichokes—and these are just a few of the possibilities.

The Crops That Could Struggle

While a host of new crops are set to flourish in our changing climate, some old favourites will face challenges.

(And let’s be honest, many of them aren’t as popular as they once were!)

• Potatoes: A symbol of Irish farming for years, but already waning, potatoes may struggle with heat stress and the increased risk of blight from more frequent rain.

• Brassicas: Cool-weather vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli like cool conditions and are liable to bolt too soon or suffer reduced yields as temperatures rise.

• Parsnips, Swedes, and Leeks: These crops need frost to reach peak flavour, and without it, they could lose their characteristic taste.

• Carrots: Warmer, drier summers will make it more difficult for growers to produce quality carrots. As the changes set in, this crop will likely move indoors and become a premium crop rather than a staple.

A Fresh and Exciting Future for Fingal’s Food

As Fingal’s climate continues to evolve, so too does our food culture. It’s not a pipe dream—it’s a certainty. Farsighted local farmers will soon embrace these new crops. And for Fingal’s residents, that means a more diverse, colourful diet filled with fresh, locally grown produce that will be both healthier and tastier. Did I mention wine?

Anyone for an aperitif?