Seeds are symbols of both beginnings and endings—a newly planted pod germinates, grows fully mature, then goes to seed starting the cycle once again. It’s fitting then that the theme of this winter’s issue, and my last issue as managing editor, is seeds.

This issue represents an end as well as a beginning. After three and a half years at the helm of
Edible Madison I’m stepping aside in order to dive more fully into some new and exciting ventures happening on our organic vegetable farm, Vitruvian Farms. It has been the greatest honor to help bring to life the stories of southern Wisconsin, share recipes that celebrate the seasons and connect with the hardworking folks deeply
passionate about our local food system. This industry is filled with character and quality and I am beyond grateful for having had the opportunity to shine a light on this work.

As I prepare to depart this role, I’m excited for the seeds of possibility in store for Edible Madison as Emily Tucker joins as the new managing editor. I know I’ll stay a fan of Edible Madison because I have been a fan of Emily’s work in our local food system for quite a while. Emily is creator and host of Stuff Yer Face, a food-focused feature on WORT 89.9FM and also a member of the REAP Food Group team. It’s clear from her past Edible Madison articles that she has passion not only for storytelling but for truly connecting with the people who make
our food system great.

I’m looking forward to my next adventure and the blossoming future of this publication that has given me so much. My only hope is that I—like the late-season milkweed pods cracking open ready to catch the wind—have sent out seeds of inspiration and wonder with every issue I helped bring to bloom.

Cheers,

Marissa DeGroot, Managing Editor

While a seed is a singular thing, it contains multitudes: cycles that mirror the seasons and life itself. When we pay attention to our own seasons and cycles, we can sharpen our focus and energy; we can slow down in order to move more deliberately, more swiftly. This is what the last year has been for me, both by choice and by accident.

With every big fall (yes, I fell down a ladder at my family’s cottage and broke my back this past summer) comes a climb back to confidence. And with every surrender to the present comes opportunities we might have otherwise missed. Sometimes, slowing down allows us to move towards our dreams, only to realize that seeds we planted ages ago have sprouted, bloomed and are beginning to bear fruit.

To Marissa and the Edible Madison team, thank you for your confidence in me. I’ve devoured every Edible Madison issue cover-to-cover for years and looked up to this mighty team of women. When I was a wayward Midwestern transplant in New York City, Edible Brooklyn made me feel rooted in a city swirling faster than I could digest. Now permanently back in the Midwest, it is a full-circle dream to help shape a publication I’ve so long admired.

The soil here at Edible Madison is rich and well-nourished, tended by many hands over the years. Thank you for inviting me to plant my seed here—one I know will grow deep roots and send up many storied stems and branches, making new connections along the way. And to our readers and contributors, I invite you to add to our
soil. Bring us your ideas, your stories and your questions. Share these articles and recipes with your friends and neighbors, spreading small seeds of inspiration and knowledge farther than we know. This winter and into the new year: Be the sunshine. Help us nurture those seeds so we can begin the cycle again.

Warmly,

Emily Tucker, Managing Editor