Moving to the Yukon, I knew we would be starting from scratch. Finding new farmers, learning new skills (hunting, fishing, gathering) and learning how to garden all over again. We also moved at, perhaps the worst time, getting to bring almost none of the fabulous food I had stored for winter and spring.
Two months in, we are only just starting to get started on the local thing. Fish is pretty easy, even Loblaws carries local arctic charr, haddock, rainbow trout and now salmon. Some meat is also pretty easy - but absolutely the best way to get local protein is to hunt or fish it yourself!
Veggies and fruit are just starting to become available too, which is exciting. We have a pick-your-own membership at a farm near the Preserve. Even with the farmers doing most of the work (we just have to do 10 hours of labour and, well, pick our stuff), it is weird learning all over again what will be ready when - and how things are a bit different than at home.
My staff have given us bag loads of unbelievable spinach. Strawberries started last week, and it felt really good being out in the field (although my butt thought otherwise the next day) - and the strawberry shortcake ice cream I made over the weekend is fabulous! This week, I hear, there are more strawberries (they will be ready for picking through to September), as well as radishes, herbs, spinach, arugula and who knows what else! VERY exciting!
In the woods we walk in, soapberries are ripening, and there is no end to sage, wild chives and roses. I have a lot to learn before mushroom and true berry season, but we've started, and that makes me happy!
I am not sorry (well, for you, I guess) that your food stayed in Ottawa. It's still local in my freezer, but wouldn't have been in yours.
ReplyDelete(Kelly bought bison at the farmer's market. I'm so proud!)
AC