Island Made
Foods crafted at home hit the spot
Jana Roerick grinds grain at the Salt Spring
Flour Mill, next to Jana's Bake Shop in Ganges
The number of food-related cottage industries seems to climb higher each year, as islanders become more conscious of how consuming local products benefits the economy, their health and the planet.
Island-made cheeses, chocolates, coffee, fish products, tofu, flour, gelato, pasta, spices and seasonings, jams, gourmet condiments, teas, breads and a "back 40's worth" of farm products can be picked up here.
All of the islands' weekly farmers' markets offer a chance to buy some home-grown, home-baked or prepared-on-the-spot delicacies. And Gulf Islands restaurateurs pride themselves on using locally grown foods whenever possible, fostering a true "farm-to-plate" culture. They will often note which local products are used in specific menu items, including the name of the farm, when applicable.
Fish and seafood is also plentiful on the islands, of course. Visitors can stroll down to the docks to see if a daily catch is available - most likely in the form of live crab - or again, enjoy fruits of the sea prepared by local chefs.
Salt Spring mussels, grown in aquaculture operations, are developing quite the reputation, and can often be found on restaurant menus throughout the region.
A number of island-based companies now offer packaged seafood products available at the grocery stores, specialty stores and even the markets, in some cases.
Salt Spring lamb has long been famous and presented in fancy eateries near and far, but many other island products are now being "exported" and find themselves in high demand in off-island restaurants and stores, and through internet sales.
The Chamber of Commerce even promotes a "Simply Salt Spring" label for prepared foods and other items such as made-on-island soaps, scintillating body-pleasing products and "mass-produced" crafts - of which there are many to celebrate.