In this special “Best of edible New Mexico” digital edition, we look back on a few of our favorite articles that we have published over the years, each of us choosing five articles that demonstrate the diverse approaches to food writing. This was a deceptively difficult task; over the past five years alone, we have published well over one hundred feature articles alongside even more smaller department pieces. These stories have ranged from profiles of local farmers, chefs, and artisans to articles on contemporary food and land policy, regional travel, and how various social movements affect our local food community. Looking back on the diversity of topics, we are reminded of how rich our local food system truly is. Through the evocative and empathetic storytelling, our writers have been able to bring out a rich sense of place in our local food, highlight the many levels of community such food relies on, and provide an informed and urgent call to protect the invaluable resources our food system depends on.

In this special “Best of edible New Mexico” digital edition,  we look back on a few of our favorite articles that we have published over the years, each of us choosing five articles that demonstrate the diverse approaches to food writing. This was a deceptively difficult task; over the past five years alone, we have published well over one hundred feature articles alongside even more smaller department pieces. These stories have ranged from profiles of local farmers, chefs, and artisans to articles on contemporary food and land policy, regional travel, and how various social movements affect our local food community. Looking back on the diversity of topics, we are reminded of how rich our local food system truly is. Through the evocative and empathetic storytelling, our writers have been able to bring out a rich sense of place in our local food, highlight the many levels of community such food relies on, and provide an informed and urgent call to protect the invaluable resources our food system depends on. There is little doubt that such writing will only continue to be critical going forward, and we look forward to continuing to bring you such stories in the years ahead. 

A note from Stephanie Cameron, publisher: I am lucky enough to get to meet the majority of folks we tell stories about in each issue because I do the majority of the photography. The opportunity to meet the faces of our food system is unquestionably the reason why Walt and I do what we do. The people who make up this community are truly inspiring. The stories I selected for this issue include some of the most fun photoshoots I’ve had.

A note from Candolin Cook, editor: If you are reading this, I am willing to wager we have at least two things in common: we both love food and we both love New Mexico. The five stories I selected for this special edition of edible celebrate that commonality between you, me, and the talented, diverse individuals covered throughout these pages. Perhaps it is a cliche, but I truly believe connecting over food has the capacity to bridge divides, make us more empathetic, and foster understanding. I am proud to have worked on these stories, and am inspired by the writers who brought them to life.

A note from Willy Carleton, editor: Learning about the many ways food connects us to our landscape and to each other never gets old to me. Each of these five writers helps deepen our understanding of this connection through creative, compassionate, and careful storytelling. From a variety of angles, they remind us that our food, and our collective commitment to it, is our future.

+ other stories

Edible celebrates New Mexico's food culture, season by season. We believe that knowing where our food comes from is a powerful thing. With our high-quality, aesthetically pleasing and informative publication, we inspire readers to support and celebrate the growers, producers, chefs, beverage and food artisans, and other food professionals in our community.