4 minute read
Living La Vida Locavore
Words by Story Sheidow
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The Island offers such an amazing abundance of food. Our waters are ripe with nutrient-rich dulse, kelp, and sea mosses, as well as many types of fish, fowl, and crustaceans; sea salt can be harvested, offering healthy doses of minerals from the Atlantic Ocean; our iron-rich soil offers a vast assortment of produce, from potatoes to beans to watermelon; and our forests, fields, and marshlands are home to many berry varieties, such as blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
These bountiful treasures lay the framework for our ample selection of locally-made products; they’re something our Island prides itself on, and with good reason. When it comes to the Island’s fresh produce, seasonal and local eating take some careful planning. With the many resources available, however, it is not only possible, but also pleasurable, to eat seasonally, even in our colder climate.
Winter Produce? It’s a Thing!
Fortunately for us, many of the veggies grown on the Island store well, making them accessible all winter long. Potatoes, winter squash, beets, carrots, and other root vegetables are relatively hearty crops that store easily, making them delicious and nutritious options during the cold winter months. Garlic and onions also keep well, and are quite simple to grow, or purchase locally. Garlic can be stored by hanging it indoors to dry, adding a lovely, decorative touch to your kitchen or pantry.
If it’s leafy greens you’re after, you can choose from offerings such as cabbage, kale, dandelion greens, and collards. These greens can be harvested late in the fall or well into the winter, depending on their growing environment, and are stored and sold throughout the cold season by many local farmers. They are far more nutrient-dense than their leafy lettuce counterparts, iceberg and romaine, so try swapping them into your salads and other dishes.
Don’t forget fruit!
We’re lucky to have many great apple orchards on PEI, such as MacPhee’s in the east and Arlington in the west. I highly recommend visiting one and picking your own apples for winter storage. Not only is it fun (especially for the kiddos), but it’s also far more affordable, and choosing from a huge selection of unique heritage and hybrid varieties is deeply satisfying.
Island Products Beyond the Farm
Eating locally means more than just produce. Many people would be surprised to discover the vast array of locally-processed edibles and beverages made here at home. Preserves are a Maritime specialty, and few off-Island preserve producers offer quintessential classics like chow chow and mustard pickles – East Coast delicacies that have been cherished for generations.
Island meat producers are plentiful, and often sell through market stores and farmers’ markets. Many small local butcher shops also sell ”meat boxes” several times a year, offering significant variety at a great value. By purchasing boxes several times yearly, you can cut down on your annual meat costs without compromising quality.
Where to Shop Locally, All Year Round
From sea salt to skincare, Islanders really do it all, and do it well. Brick-and-mortar market stores, such as The Riverview Country Market, focus primarily on retailing local products, offering everything from produce, preserves, teas, and coffees, to cheeses, chocolates, and even local bath and skincare products; they cover all your bases. Such market storefronts are great for folks who want a “one-stop shop” experience with a local emphasis.
In addition to the Riverview Country Market, visiting the Charlottetown Farmers' Market held each Saturday at their location on Belvedere Ave. gives you access to a variety of local producers and artisans. Our Island is home to some of Canada’s best cheeses, wines, craft beers, and preserves, and the Farmers' Market offers a generous cross-section of vendors to choose from. It's a great place to meet your producers face to face, giving customers a personal experience that makes sourcing food locally much more meaningful. Building relationships with local producers help us to, not only understand growing factors and availability but also forge a deeper appreciation for the food we eat and where it comes from.
Signing up for a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) basket is also a great way to simplify your switch to local foods and produce. Soleil Hutchinson, of Soleil’s Farm, provides winter CSA baskets supplying produce, meat, and fermented foods weekly. “Local farmers are working so hard to create new farming systems and techniques. Supporting farmers as much as possible will ensure that we stick around, learn from our mistakes, grow better food, and create better local food security,” says Hutchinson. Signing up for local CSAs can provide you with better product diversity, as basket contents are often sourced from multiple farms, all with their own unique products and specialties.
