BC produce: These are a few of our favorite things

Here in BC, we like to eat seasonal and we like to consume local produce, as much as possible. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know how lucky we are to have some of the freshest fish in the world, stellar dairy products, fresh fruit and veggies and meat products that can tempt some vegetarians to take a nibble (you know who you are).

Photo by: FotoosVanRobin

1. Oyama Sausage – This family run company prides themselves in using the freshest ingredients (of total quality), to create a variety of meat products for you to drool over. They sell everything (at Granville Island‘s Public Market) from sandwich meats, dozens of Prosciutto style goodies, 14 kinds of chorizo, bacon, sausages, pates and the list goes on. Bring Oyama sausages to any barbecue and you will be fighting off hungry friends that are itching to get a bite of your prized possessions. You can’t go wrong with any of their products, but make sure you try (at least) one of these sausages: apple chicken, date lamb, Texas hot link or the elk sausage.
2. Smoked Salmon – Salmon play in our water-filled backyard, making it a tasty staple to our diet. We adore our fish in BC and it doesn’t matter if it’s raw, poached, grilled or steamed, we will devour it like candy and smoked salmon is no exception; it’s one of the most common appetizers in a BC home or restaurant. As much as we love our fish, we also encourage sustainable fishing; these little swimmers can’t keep up otherwise.

Photo by: GlennFleishman

3. Fiddleheads – Really, that’s what they’re called! It’s a baby fern that has yet to “unfurl”, which is to your delight because that means you are left with a tender, green, edible treat. Fiddleheads come into season in early Spring, so you better go get them now! It’s difficult to place the exact flavor, because it’s unlike anything you have had before, but think of a green bean that has mingled with an artichoke. Yum, no? These curious looking things must be washed and cooked properly, or you may end up with an upset tummy.
4. Salt Spring Island Goat Cheese – This island based company has been making cheese since 1994, and in my opinion, have mastered the craft. They focus on handmade goat and sheep’s cheeses and the products range from hard cheeses, feta and chèvres. Their chèvres are the most beautiful cheeses that you may ever see and are flavored with ingredients like, roasted garlic, basil, edible flowers, lemon and hot chili. If you’re visiting Salt Spring Island, why not go and see how it’s done at their farm?

Photo From: www.saltspringcheese.com

5. Spot Prawns -Sweet, succulent and deliciously fresh, Spot Prawns are one of the most sought after items when their season starts in May and lasts for about 80 days after that. Each year, the Chefs Table Society hosts the annual Spot Prawn Festival, over at Fisherman’s Wharf by Granville Island. It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste some of Vancouver’s finest chefs creations, for a very reasonable price and served in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. After you have gained some inspiration from the talented chefs, make sure to grab some to take home and devour until you are drunk off of prawns and left licking your fingers.