You can eat local in Quebec!
Today more than ever, Quebec’s culture and rich heritage should be highlighted. From artisans to local businesses, we’ve got to celebrate the talent of our gorgeous region.
At Arctic Gardens, we’re focused on gastronomy and vegetables from Quebec. Because of Quebec farmers and workers, modern technologies and preservation techniques, we can brag that most of our products come from our belle province.
And yes, our plants buy products from producers in their area so we can give you very local produce.
All this so we can provide you with Quebec products throughout the year.
So what does it mean to eat local?
Eating local means eating products from here – from Quebec and on a larger scale, from Canada.
Eating local also means avoiding imported products that have crossed oceans or air borders to land on our plates.
Choosing a frozen, dried or preserved product from Quebec also means choosing to eat local. But it’s not just fruits and veggies. There are also plant proteins (like legumes) or animal proteins (such as eggs), flour, seeds, oils, algae or drinks (such as kombucha which is really good for gut health) that originate in Quebec.
And know that by choosing to eat local products, you make a difference and have an influence on many levels – one meal at a time, one grocery trip at a time.
Here’s a tip: How to find products from here Look for the logo Aliments du Québec or Aliments préparés au Québec (https://www.alimentsduquebec.com/en/ You can just ask your retailer.
Why eat local and in season?
Consuming local and seasonal products is more than promoting local products and producers. Here are a few benefits to eating local and, if possible, in season.
For your health
Products don’t travel thousands of kilometres, so generally they’re fresher. This ensures a good level of product freshness which keeps their nutritional benefits.
Generally, consuming local products is synonymous with consuming seasonal products.
In fact, through local consumption, local producers (who don’t use greenhouses) have to follow nature’s course and so offer products that grow under certain conditions or are available according to the season (for example, maple syrup or apple cider).
Eating according to the season brings out the true taste of fresh produce, such as the sweetness of sun-drenched tomatoes in the summer or the tenderness of squash in the fall.
For your budget
Buying local products means investing in our fine region. By consuming local green peas, the company or producer will be able to reinvest the money earned back into our land. This will help revitalize the local economy.
In addition, by choosing Quebec food products and buying directly from producers at markets or elsewhere, you can learn more about proper product preservation. For example, producers can teach you how to dry herbs, freeze berries or even share their favourite recipes with you.
As well as focusing on the local economy, you create bonds and discover great tips for enjoying delicious products anytime of year.
So as well as getting value for your money, you consume quality local food.
For the environment
Moving towards local products also means choosing a more environmentally friendly, responsible diet.
Non-local food sometimes travels more than 5,000 km. Therefore, the origins between a vegetable from Quebec and one from Mexico, for example, have a very different impact on the environment.
Not to mention the over-packaging that the product needs so it doesn’t get damaged during transport.
Of course, if you want to eat an avocado or banana, you don’t have to totally ban it from your diet. But you can find a Quebec alternative that gives you the same benefits and nutrients.
Eating in season is also good for the environment. Fruits and veggies that grow at their own pace according to their original season have a natural immunity against certain harmful organisms that normally require pesticides.
So you can think about your health while eating, but also think about the ecosystem that surrounds you like bees, for example, which are essential for plant and crop growth.
Choose local foods. You’ll see, there’s a lot of variety out there.
Finally, eating local and seasonal, if possible, also allows you to vote, so to speak.
Buying local products from local producers who have values similar to yours also means investing in a fairer agri-food system that respects the environment and ecosystems.
PS: It is possible to consume Quebec food all year round. You just need to know how to preserve it. Or go for local vegetables that are already frozen.
Quebec veggies
In Quebec, you can be proud of our products because they’re just as good as those from other regions or countries. You’d be surprised what we can grow here even during our harsh winters.
Of course, everyone knows that the blueberries here are among the best out there and that our strawberries grow at the same time as raspberries. The reputation of Quebec and boreal spices is also well-established.
By the way, did you know that the first veggie that comes out of the ground at the end of winter is asparagus?
However, Quebec fruits and veggies aren’t just fruits and veggies. They’re an incredible variety of exquisite products.
Availability of Quebec fresh vegetable calendar by season
Quebec’s culinary specialties
To showcase Quebec products and vegetables and as a result, eat local products, we’ve prepared our most beautiful recipes that highlight our specialties.
Barley and chickpea bowl with apples and maple
Cream broccoli cauliflower soup
Chicken bacon pot pie goat cheese
Now there are more reasons than ever to eat locally and invest in Quebec.
And what do you like about Quebec gastronomy? Let us know in the comments section below.
