Buy Local... what is local to each of you?
Is it within your town, within your county? For us at Holland Marsh Food it is anything that is "Make, Bake or Grow" in Ontario. We have so much to offer in our province.
Some fun facts.
-One of the most nutritious quinoa grows in Northern Ontario.
- Holland Marsh produces at least 8 different crops that are available all year long.
-We have certified organic farming operations less then 60 km away, that offer a large variety of produce, some available all thru the year as well.
- Besides all our hard working Ontairo farmers; we have Bakers, Coffee Roasters, Dairy, Cheese, Meat, Honey, Maple Syrup, Preserves... some traditional, some with their own recipes and flare, all local and available all year long.
I created "Ontario-Eats" to be able to bring some of these treasures to you through our market (soon) and in our weekly "Extras Offering". Hoping you'll find some new favourites/must haves or perhaps sampling and learning it was never for you.
Over the past couple of decades our Muck Research Station and Vineland (Niagara) Research Station have been working with growers to see how well we can grow ethno-cultural vegetables in our different growing regions. An example of their success is the Okra that was offered in last week's box. The studies showed that Okra did not grow well in the Holland Marsh, but flourishes in parts of Norfolk county. Long fingerling eggplants are much the same. The information that comes out of these programs and Guelph University Agriculture programs are an important part of the sustainability of our farms. It allows us to be more versatile in what is grown here. For example Ontario farmers now produce hazelnuts used by the local Ferrero Roche plant in Brantford and North York.
Last week we introduced you to Bison Salami and Meat Sticks, along with the Ironwood Coffee Company.
This week I bring you a sample of Kiki - Maple Water. This is the water/sap that comes from our maple trees, it is not boiled down to make syrup, but turned into a nutritious refreshing drink. Hope you enjoy it. If you want to read more here is the founding story link. https://www.kikimaplesweet.ca/founding-story
Enjoy your week!
Liz
