Traditionally the preserve of 'underground' music fans 'zines, those Xeroxed journals often found lingering around the flier rack of independent bookshops and underground record purveyors, are making a significant comeback. Whether this is partly driven by nostalgia, the rise of DIY culture or an innate desire for tactile sources of information and inspiration, I'm not sure. But whatever the drivers behind this resurgence there, seems to be an endless stream of new and very well thought out 'zines available, and most have little to do with music!

This recent emergence is very much in line with 'Pastoral Life', our recent Future Sign that tracks the growing number of people in urban environment who are finding ways to reconnect with their pastoral roots. From urban gardens to city bee keeping we are witnessing an explosion of people advocating a return to a more gentle and civilized age, where people were more closely connected to their natural environment.

This is now reflected in the growth of independent food oriented 'zines. Whilst mainstream food publications are going under, these independent publishers are filling the void with locally focused and more personal titles.

Diner Journal launched in 2007 by the owners of Diner, Brooklyn's most talked about seasonal restaurant. A collection of interview/profiles with artisan producers and seasonal recipes Diner Journal is now joined by a list of foodie titles. UK food writer Tim Hayward brings us Fire and Knives, whilst the quarterly Remedy seems to specialize on hangover remedies, with food features on the side.

As food culture continues to evolve thru localization and redefinition, it’s only natural that any associated media would affably react. Put simply, the power structure has shifted. Decreasingly are food authoritarians the over-educated adopters of foreign culinary culture, but instead local artisans who toil away over preserving food traditions.

Be it your mothers raspberry jam recipe from Lancaster, PA or your best friends Roast Butternut Squash recipe, the D.I.Y. spirit of punk and ‘zine culture is finding an unlikely new home in food.