Welcome back to another summer market season. I am so excited to be here once again talking about the local food scene.
Food is my passion and I truly hope this column will reflect that. I want to share all that is good and local with you, treat you to some new recipes and perhaps even generate some discussion.
(And speaking of discussion, I welcome your questions and comments at [email protected].)
Opening day at the Coquitlam Farmers Market is May 12. Expect to find a tremendous variety of vendors, from the tried and true to some new ones as well. Each year the market grows.
And speaking of growth, do you realize just how big the B.C. agriculture industry is? According to a recent Vancouver Sun article, the industry employs more than 300,000 people and contributes $40 billion to the economy, rivalling manufacturing as the largest industry in the province.
In Coquitlam alone, the economic spin-off from just the farmers market is approximately $1.5 million annually (UNBC Economic and Social Assessment Report, 2012). The market directly employs five or six people every year and provides indirect employment for many others through its vendors. How's that for value for your dollar?
Not only does the local economy benefit from the market but so, too, does your health. Whole, natural foods, minimally processed and grown close to home have the highest levels of nutrients. It is common knowledge that the longer after a fruit or vegetable has been picked that it is consumed, the more vitamins and minerals are lost. Market vendors harvest their produce and take it to market often on the same day. Aside from your own backyard garden, it doesn't get any fresher than that. (But if you want to grow your own food, the market has vendors who can help you with that, too.)
For those of you concerned about biodiversity and ethical growing practices, the market fills that need as well. Many of our vendors breed and grow heritage varieties of fruits and vegetables, and practise ethical, green methods of farming.
Part of the awesomeness of the market is that you can speak directly to the people who produce your food - the vendors are always happy to talk about what they do.
So what can you expect to find at market in May?
Asparagus, Swiss chard, garlic scapes, kale and other lovely greens as well as peas, radishes and rhubarb are all starting to show up.
The garden vendors will have a large selection of bedding plants and perennials, grown specifically for our climate. They can give you so much good advice about what to plant and where to plant it.
Prepared food vendors will have a multitude of complementary products and artisans will have the perfect gift for Mom, since it's Mother's Day on Sunday.
Market vendors are also excited about some new food trucks that will be coming every week.
So grab your mom, dad and the rest of the family and hit the market as we celebrate the ultimate mother, Mother Earth.
Karen Curtis is the Lemonade Lady (kics-lemonade.ca and kics-lemonade.blogspot.ca) at the Coquitlam Farmers Market. Her column runs once a month during market season.
