Cuisine

This island is a gastronome's heaven, not only owing to its excellent restaurants, but also the local production of quality food. Because of our temperate climate and abundant sunshine, it is easy to understand the preoccupation with organic farming. In fact, we have gained a reputation for being the 'Organic Gardening Capital of Canada'. One example is APPLELUSCIOUS ORGANIC ORCHARDS, which boasts over 200 varieties of apples, many of which are heritage varieties. The SATURDAY MARKET and roadside stands extend a cornucopia of organic produce practically year around! An indication of the seriousness of food safety and security is seen in the heroic efforts of local farmer, Dan Jason, who created the SEED AND PLANT SANCTUARY FOR CANADA, a gene bank supported by seed custodians across Canada, given the threats of genetic modification and corporate control of seeds.

Several food-related cottage industries thrive on the island, and visits to their shops are engaging experiences. Imagine watching Heather, 'THE BREAD LADY', bake her famous organic breads in the large outdoor wood-fired oven. A visit to David Wood's SALT SPRING ISLAND CHEESE COMPANY offers the delights of viewing the sheep and goats grazing in pasture or watching the interesting process of cheese production. Even better is sampling the famous sun-dried tomato or peppercorn goat cheese!

The SATURDAY MARKET and local stores offer the excellent products of these and many other local food producers, including the interesting mixes and vinegars from 3 Berry Farm, the organic cow's milk cheese of MOONSTRUCK ORGANIC CHEESE and the organic, stone-milled flour and cereals produced by the Salt Spring Flour Mill.

Salt Spring lamb is a delicacy known throughout North America, and is available in grocery stores or directly from the farmers. Several farmers also supply the community with organic beef, pork and chicken. Locals and visitors alike enjoy feasting on freshly caught wild salmon, halibut or crab available at The Fishery. Many local farmers supply their fresh produce, fish and meat to the excellent restaurants in town, including HOUSE PICOLLO, The Treehouse Café, RAVEN STREET MARKET CAFE and HASTINGS HOUSE. Or, if you want a smorgasbord of tasty delights, tour Salt Spring Island with ISLAND GOURMET SAFARIS.

For a taste treat par excellence, try the fudge, toffees and artisan chocolates made by Chocolate Beach Chocolatier, whose locally produced chocolate products are mostly fair trade, organic and always the best quality.

SALT SPRING VINEYARDS and GARY OAK WINERY offer a variety of award-winning wines, many using grapes grown on Salt Spring Island, yet even wild blackberries are used in the production of a delightful, limited edition of Blackberry Port. The vineyards' wine tastings are very popular! Not to be outdone, the GULF ISLAND BREWERY turns out the most delicious ales and porters one could ever want! A favourite occupation is sitting on the patio of the pub, Shipstones, or CALVIN'S BISTRO, quaffing a pint of Salt Spring Golden Ale!  

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