Or perhaps alternatively something much simpler. Having the occasional potato, lettuce, pumpkin, etc. node spawn on the farmlands during the harvest seasons.
Pretty much exactly like how the current herb system works, but instead you get a consumeable. Pretty much all the items, objects and mechanics for it already exist.
The original post is an interesting suggestion as well, but I highly doubt it will be something the development team wants to prioritise.
I'd rather see another craft implemented instead. That said, if a cooking craft is ever implemented this would make a great addition to it.
(But on its own it is sort of like a mini-game hardly anyone will bother with. Or a mostly passive activity to double your herbs, etc.)