Visit your local market for exceptional produce and artisanal treats

Is there a better way to enjoy summer than by indulging in eats and treats that have been produced locally? Whether noshing on in-season and fresh succulent local strawberries or ogling a basket of ripe organically grown tomatoes, or by dipping a spoon into a jar of locally produced honey, local markets are the place to be this summer.

A trip to your local market not only makes for a great outing, it contributes to our local economy and allows for the continued availability of exceptional products and items that rival anything produced elsewhere. Want farmfresh produce? Head out to your local market and banish fruits and vegetables from afar from your summer diet. After all, while handy, most behemoth supermarket produce sections deliver and display produce that comes from thousands of kilometres away.

I’m not knocking efforts by local grocery store owners to provide more shelf space and an increased availability of local products, whatsoever. I’m simply making the case that by visiting your local markets you contrib- ute to community while accessing seasonal, ripe, and potentially more nutritional products. There are often local varieties of fruits and veggies on offer that just can’t be had elsewhere, as well. As a bonus, a market visit usually results in pleasant discussions with local vendors.

Getting to know these folks often results in a better knowledge and understanding of the many challenges that local producers face in their efforts to bring you local products. Learning about a local family farm and how they grow and produce items for sale is an excellent way to socialize and makes for a fantastic activity for the whole family. Munching on baked goods made by locals that morning is even better. For the carnivores among us, sampling and buying organically raised meats is always a treat and is ohso-worthwhile.

Most local markets offer items made by local artisans, as well. If you want to support our local community and local economy, then a visit to your local market this summer is a must.

If you live in the Île-Perrot area, perhaps you already know of the Marché des Saveurs de l’Île Perrot and its vendors and their wonderful offerings each Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. If not, then you will want to pay a visit for delicious items ranging from empanadas and cheeses to melons and strawberries and all points in between. Got a craving for local duck, sausage, beef or chicken? It’s all there, as is the vast array of fresh local produce along with freshly made doughnuts, pies and pastries. One local vendor offers up Asian dumplings while another offers locally produced wines. Ready-to-go vegetarian meals are made and offered by a chef from Ste-Clet. Even artisanal soaps are offered for sale and these provide a good opportunity for healthy and natural cleanups.

Make a point to stop in to sample and purchase wonderful local offerings this summer. Check the list of vendors at marchedessaveurs.com/producteurs.html.