Supporting Alb BY JOEL FOURNIER
The pigs at Bear and the Flower Farm (Rockyview County), are ethically raised to ensure the highest-quality pork. Their feed ingredients are 100 percent locally sourced and free of any additives, so these pasture-raised pigs are as happy and as healthy as can be. The pork they produce is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, so not only is it better tasting, it’s healthier for you too. Whether you’re looking for some bacon or pork chops, or are looking to splurge on a whole pig, you can be sure that you’re getting some of the best pork available in Alberta. bearandtheflower.com.
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lberta has no shortage of high-quality local producers, and supporting them has never been easier. From farms and ranches to breweries and wineries, Albertans have a wide range of excellent options for amazing locally produced food and drinks. No matter your taste or what you’re looking for, there is undoubtedly someone producing your next favourite food somewhere in the province. Supporting local is better for the environment, supports the local economy, and lets you put some of the best food you can get on your plate. Here’s a quick look at some of Alberta’s many excellent local producers: Garlic Goodness (Red Deer County), grows a dozen strains of all-natural garlic with flavours to suit any dish. From the mild Rocambole to the hotter Georgian Fire, you’re bound to find a garlic that perfectly fits your palate. They also raise Scottish Highland beef cattle and grow seasonal vegetables like onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots. garlicgoodness.ca.
18 Culinaire | July/August 2021
Poplar Bluff Organics
In the heart of Red Deer is Troubled Monk Brewery, who, since 2015, have been brewing a wide range of delicious beers. The majority of their ingredients are sourced here in Alberta, and they brew everything from lagers to IPAs to ales. If beer isn't your thing, they also produce a variety of other alcoholic beverages, from hard sodas like their Saskatoon Soda (perfect for a hot summer afternoon) to gin (perfect for a refreshing summer cocktail). troubledmonk.com. Poplar Bluff Organics (Wheatland County), specializes in farming a wide variety of root vegetables. They provide the Calgary area with high-quality beets, parsnips, carrots, and potatoes, including the highly sought-after Kennebec potato, which is perfect for making the crispiest French fries. Their veggies are used in many Alberta restaurants (including NOtaBLE and River Café), so you may have already tried their fantastic produce and not even known it. poplarblufforganics.com.
While you might not initially associate Alberta with wine production, Barr Estate Winery (Strathcona County), produces some terrific wines made from raspberry, rhubarb, strawberry, and sour-cherry. Their wines pair well with all manner of foods, whether you’re looking for something to go with your next roast, something to enjoy with dessert, or just looking for a wine to enjoy on its own during a warm summer evening. barr.ca. If you're looking to try a new cheese to accompany your wine, Dancing Goats Farm (Kneehill County), produces an excellent selection of farm-made goat cheeses. The goats are raised on the farm's large open pastures, which helps to make their milk the best it can be. The cheeses themselves are produced in small batches so that the cheese is as fresh and as tasty as possible. If you've never tried goat cheese before, then this is the perfect place to do so. Alberta is famous for its high-quality beef, and Tall Timber Cattle Co. (Mountain View County), raises first class highgrade beef. Their cows are ethically raised and grass fed to ensure the beef is of the highest quality. They sell a wide array of cuts, from individual steaks and sausages
