Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Food Guy Mtl. It is the second in our series of week-long guest posts from bloggers we like.
The Food Guy is super passionate about eating. He’s been into our shop a number of times and his love of matters culinary is infectious. He worked in the food industry for 8 years and is now an online marketer by day and blogger by night. The Food Guy loves all things Montreal – especially the grub. His blog has great resto reviews, often of spots that get less attention. We are grateful that he’s agreed to grace us with his words during this guest post series. Check him out on Twitter for more goodness.
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Much like fashion, food has its trends. They can come from the available technology, much like the invention of the microwave, or according to the current era, for example Jell-O molds and Tupperware parties. The point is trends constantly evolve into new ones. Some are fads, some last a short while, and some are timeless.
What is the hottest trend happening now? More and more, we are paying closer attention to what we are eating, where it is coming from, and becoming less shy to ask questions at supermarkets, farmers markets, and everything in between about the food. I am of course talking about eating local produce, specifically our fruits and veggies.
Why should we eat local? The simple answer: it’s healthier for us. The food takes a road less travelled to go from farm to plate, therefore it’s fresher and food always tastes best in this state. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about eating a tomato from California. But there is a concern. What did the producers have to do to ensure that it stays fresh after travelling across a country? And will it taste any different than one from within 50km of Montreal?
Eating locally also allows us to realize what’s in season. Do we really see an abundance of squash in March? Probably not. There’s nothing like nibbling on bright red sweet Quebec strawberries, or having a salad with crispy romaine lettuce.
Switching to local produce can be a bit of a stretch when some big block stores pose an issue from two angles: offering food products in a non-food store (Wal-Mart), or offering non-food products in a food store (Loblaws, Metro, IGA, etc.). The idea is to create a one-stop shop for all your needs, which is fine for essentials. From experience, I don’t mind going to multiple places if it means getting a better product. If I have to go to a drugstore to pick up paper towels and soap, then go to the market and pay cash (YES) for ingredients that will contribute to a delicious meal, then that’s fine with me.
Eating locally promotes healthier eating, supports local farmers and businesses, and the food tastes waaaay better. So try the local thing for a little while. See and taste the difference it makes. You won’t be disappointed.
Photos by: Chris Goldberg
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I agree, one of the biggest advantages I enjoy when eating local produce, at least during the summer, is in the freshness and taste. This is especially true of fruits (and fruits masquerading as veggies, like tomatoes), which are actually picked ripe and sold, rather than picked to ripen over the several days (sometimes weeks) it will take to reach to the supermarket shelves.
AMEN!
Taste’s better.
Smells better.
Looks better.
Cooks better!
Thanks so much …. super pictures by the way.