Vancouver Foodshed Items

Apples

The Pacific or swamp crabapple, with its tiny, tart, cherry-like fruit, is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. The earliest apples cultivated by non-natives in British Columbia are recorded on Salt Spring Island in 1860. Every fall, Salt Spring Island celebrates the hundreds of varieties they grow at their annual Apple Festival. Apples ripen in summer and fall, and locally they are available from July to March. Some varieties are best eaten immediately, while others are best after being stored for a while.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.appleluscious.com/

Find local apples:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Artichokes

Artichokes are members of the thistle family—and that’s just what they look like growing in the field. Glen Valley Artichoke Farm specializes in these delicious green globes.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.glenvalleyartichokes.com/

Find local artichokes:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Beets

Both the leaves and the sweet roots of this vegetable can be consumed. Try different varieties like Bullsblood, Golden, Chioggia (candy stripped), Lutz and Cylinder beets. Local beets are available year round.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.forstbauer.com

Find local beets:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Blackberries

The invasive Himalayan Blackberry is found everywhere in this region, even in cities, so get out and pick some when they are ripe in July and August. More elusive is the Trailing Wild Blackberry, native to the Pacific Northwest and found in wilder settings.

Local producer or other resource: http://krauseberryfarms.com/

Find local blackberries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Blueberries

Over the past two decades blueberry production in B.C. has exploded, and almost all are grown in the Lower Mainland. One early adopter, Purewal farm in Pitt Meadows, cultivates 1,400 acres. Blueberries are ripe in July and August and available frozen the rest of the year.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.formosanursery.com/

Find local blueberries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Cabbage

Making sauerkraut from cabbages is easy, requiring only salt, a big knife, and a ceramic container. Fermented foods like sauerkraut add a dose of healthy microbes to your diet, and are excellent seasonal winter fare.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.wildfermentation.com/resources.php?page=sauerkraut

Find local cabbage:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Carrots

While grocery stores usually carry only the standard orange, carrots actually exist in a rainbow of colours. Try some of the white, pink, yellow and purple varieties from the farmers market. If you have a bit of space to plant, why not grow some? Carrots are tastiest straight from the garden and West Coast Seeds has an excellent selection of varieties.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.westcoastseeds.com/

Find local carrots:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Cheese

Our foodshed has some of the best cheeses in the world. Natural Pastures Cheese Company produces the unique water buffalo mozzarella and their Comox Brie won a gold medal at the 2008 world cheese championship. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a regular vendor at the Vancouver farmers markets. Salt Spring Island is home to Moonstruck Organic Cheese and Salt Spring Island Cheese Company with its beautiful goat cheese.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.naturalpastures.com/

Find local cheese:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Cherries

Like plums, peaches and almonds, cherries belong to the rose family. Visit Silverhill Orchard in Mission in July and August—they are only remaining commercial cherry orchard in our foodshed.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.bcfarmfresh.com/farm.asp?id=29

Find local cherries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Chicken

The B.C. Chicken Marketing Board is the oldest in Canada, formed in 1961 so that growers could maintain control over the industry. Over 80 percent of B.C. production occurs in the Fraser Valley, with B.C. forming 16 percent of the Canadian total. Because of the marketing board system, each region in B.C. (such as the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island) produces and consumes its own poultry.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.rabbitriverfarms.com/

Find local chicken:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Clams

A clam is an edible bivalve found buried in coastal mud flats, as well as sandy and cobblestone beaches. Some of our local species include sand, razor, butter, and native and Japanese little-neck. The Pacific Northwest is also home to one of the longest-living animals on earth: the geoduck. Living over 140 years, it is also the largest known burrowing bivalve, digging three or more feet deep. However, there are concerns that the introduction of geoduck farms are severely altering the ecology of beaches in Puget Sound.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise/

Find local clams:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Corn

Sweet corn is the result of a gene mutation in American field corn in the 1800s that prevented sugar in the kernel from being converted to starch. In Latin America, corn is much less sweet and is ground into flour for tortillas and other products. Sweet corn is abundant in our region.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.galeyfarms.net

Find local corn:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Cows

The Lower Mainland, Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley, Whatcom and Skagit are all areas with large cattle operations. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a certification program for farms that comply with their animal welfare standards. Look for producers like Painted River Farm who raise their cattle without using hormones or antibiotics. The traditional harvest time is in the fall, but beef is now available year-round.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.paintedriverfarm.ca/

Find local cows:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Crab

The Dungeness crab lives throughout the Georgia Strait, Puget Sound and Juan de Fuca Strait and is available year-round. Crabs generally live on sandy ocean bottoms up to depths of about fifty metres. They are an important part of healthy ecosystem since throughout their lifespan they are the prey of a number of different organisms. There are some concerns over illegal harvesting, but overall the crab fishery in B.C. is currently considered sustainable.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise/

Find local crab:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Cranberries

Cranberries are grown in Richmond, Delta, Langley, Pitt Meadows and in the Comox Valley. The bushes require sandy, damp, peaty soil to develop. After three years, they yield berries resembling small cherries. In the fall, fields are flooded and after machines detach the berries they float to the surface to be harvested. You can find local cranberries fresh in September and October, and frozen the rest of the year.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.yellowpointcranberries.com/

Find local cranberries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Eggs

B.C. is the third-largest egg producer in Canada and had the country’s first quota-driven marketing board, founded in 1967. Because of the marketing board system, each region in B.C. (such as the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island) produces and consumes its own eggs. Fresh local eggs are available year-round.

Local producer or other resource: http://rockweldfarm.com

Find local eggs:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Fish Farm

Salmon raised in open net farms are considered a serious threat to wild salmon and marine ecosystems. Diseases and parasites such as sea lice can be passed on to nearby wild fish, especially since the farms are often near natural migration routes. Escaped fish, interbreeding, pollution and the resources required to make salmon feed are also issues. Alternatives to farmed salmon include: sustainably harvested wild salmon or herbivorous farmed fish such as tilapia or carp from closed-containment systems.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.seachoice.org

Goat

Goat milk contains only a fraction of the amount of casein—the protein that causes allergic reactions—of cows’ milk. Goats milk makes some wonderful cheeses, including the well-known chèvres of the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.saltspringcheese.com/

Find local goat:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Grapes

In the past two decades, grape wine production in B.C. has dramatically increased: by over 300 percent in a ten-year period. Almost all grapes grown in B.C. are for wine. In our foodshed, there are vineyards and wineries in the Fraser Valley, on Vancouver Island, on the Gulf Islands, and in parts of Washington State. Grapes ripen in late summer.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.domainedechaberton.com/

Find local grapes:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Green Beans

Green beans are not a particular variety of bean, but rather the edible young pod of many beans. Try some of the different varieties found at farmers markets, or, better yet, grow your own. Pole beans make efficient use of space and Salt Spring Seeds offers an unbelievable number of varieties.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.saltspringseeds.com/

Find local green beans:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Greenhouse

Over 95 percent of B.C.’s greenhouses are located in the lower Fraser Valley – primarily in Langley, Surrey, Delta, Richmond and Pitt Meadows. Greenhouses grow vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce in mediums like sawdust or coconut fibre where plants are fed nutrients through drip irrigation. Greenhouse growers can be very efficient in their use of space; however, there are concerns over the amount of energy used to grow vegetables, and the use of prime agricultural land for greenhouse structures.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.origino.ca

Hazelnuts

There are abundant hazelnut farms in the Fraser Valley. Canadian Hazelnut was a feature farm for the 2008 Slow Food Vancouver Agassiz Cycle Tour and is a part of the Circle Farm Tours. U-pick hazelnuts are available in October and November.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.slowfoodvancouver.com/index.php/AgassizTour/category/canadian_hazelnut/

Find local hazelnuts:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Honey

Support for local apiaries is more important than ever—43 percent of all bees died over the winter of 2007/2008 on Vancouver Island, while in the U.S. death rates have reached 90 percent. “We have a dire situation,” Paul van Westendorp, a B.C. government apiculturist told the Nanaimo Daily News. “We have a shrinking bee industry and the rapid expansion of crops that require pollinators.” Bees produce honey from June to September and it is available throughout the winter as well.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.honeybeecentre.com

Find local honey:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Kale

Using cold frames, farmers can grow cold-hardy crops like kale year-round. In spring try kale tips—they look like mini broccoli heads, and have a wonderful flavour raw, steamed or stir-fried.

Find local kale:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Kelp

Marine plants like kelp add diversity and some salty sea flavour to your diet. The cleaner water off the west coast of Vancouver Island in areas such as Bamfield are known for their kelp forests and seaweed products.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.bckelp.com

Find local kelp:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Kiwi

NNative to southeast Asia, the kiwifruit grows on beautiful vines and was introduced to this region in the mid 1980s. Currently, there are a number of farms, mostly on Vancouver Island, producing delicious kiwi “grapes” and the more familiar fuzzy variety. Local kiwis are available from October to January.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.kiwicovelodge.com/kiwi_vineyard/index.htm

Find local kiwi:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Maple Syrup

Taste local syrup and learn how to tap your own trees at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre’s annual Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival held in February. Just three backyard trees can produce four litres of syrup. Pioneering B.C. “sapsucker” Gary Backlund offers a local cheer: “May your sugar run at three percent!”

Local producer or other resource: http://www.bcforestmuseum.com/?maple-syrup,142

Melons

There’s nothing like a sweet cool melon on a hot summer day. While it’s possible to buy imported melons any day of the year, often these heavy fruits are imported from far away places. Watermelons, honeydew, cantaloupes, galia and other lesser-known varieties are grown locally, so why not wait for a fresh-picked local melon?

Find local melons:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Milk

Abbotsford, Chilliwack, the Comox Valley and Washington’s Whatcom County have high dairy production in this region. Barnston Island near Surrey is known for its organic dairy.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.avalondairy.com/

Find local Milk:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Mushrooms

It’s not a challenge to find locally grown white button or brown cremini mushrooms – they are available in every grocery store. Wild mushrooms offer a bit more adventure. The Wild Product Network can often be found at Granville Island Market and Vancouver farmers markets. They offer fresh and dried mushrooms, seaweeds, herbs and berries.

Local producer or other resource: http://buybcwild.com

Find local mushrooms:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Ostrich

There are not many ostrich farms in this region, but their uniqueness warrants mention. Ostriches are raised for their feathers, eggs, skin and meat—the latter is available from May to October.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.ostrichfarm.ca/

Find local ostrich:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Oyster

Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island has a reputation for cultivating oysters, but oysters are cultivated in many locations in the Georgia and Juan de Fuca Straits, as well as Puget Sound. Oysters are a sustainable seafood choice, although certain aspects of their cultivation, such as collecting oysters with dredges, can have some damaging effect on surrounding habitat. They are available year round but are best fall through spring.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.fannybayoysters.com

Find local oyster:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Pig

Ninety-six percent of B.C. pigs are raised in the Fraser Valley – mostly in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Most pigs are raised in confined, interior spaces making it impossible for them to behave as the intelligent social animals they are. Look for pigs raised in a more humane manner without the use of hormones and antibiotics. Pork is available year-round.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.hopcottmeats.ca

Find local pork:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Potatoes

Put together, Delta, Whatcom and Skagit have almost 7,000 hectares of farmland devoted to potatoes. Fraserland Farms in Delta grow organic potatoes, and Helmer’s of Pemberton grows organic and heirloom varieties. Potatoes are available year-round.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.pembertonfarmers.com/

Find local potatoes:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Prawn

The spot prawn is this region’s largest shrimp species. The Chef’s Table Society holds an annual Spot Prawn Festival at the Granville Island Fisherman’s Wharf to celebrate the opening of the season in spring. Prawn and smaller shrimp are trapped in many areas of the Georgia Straight and the fishery is considered sustainable in British Columbia. Jumbo prawns, side stripe shrimp and west coast shrimp are available year round. The spot prawn season goes from May to July, and they can be found frozen for months afterwards.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.organicocean.com/

Find local prawns:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Raspberries

Nearly all of 20 million kilograms of raspberries harvested annually in British Columbia are produced around Abbotsford. Most producers are conventional, although there are a few organic farms, which you can find on the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) website. Raspberries are available fresh in July and August and frozen the rest of the year

Local producer or other resource: http://www.driedigerfarms.com/fruitstand

Find local raspberries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Rockfish

Also known as rockcod, snapper, Pacific red snapper and channel rockfish. The population of rockfish species in this region is not well understood and they are considered vulnerable to over-exploitation. Both the David Suzuki Foundation and Seachoice recommend avoiding rockfish.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.seachoice.org/profile/57/view

Salmon

Pink, chum, chinook, coho, and sockeye are the wild salmon species of this region. Of these, the pink salmon population is considered healthiest and therefore the most sustainable seafood choice. Coho and sockeye populations are down and should be consumed in moderation. Salmon is available fresh from June to October (depending on the species) and frozen the rest of the year.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise

Find local salmon:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Salt Spring Seeds and Full Circle Seeds are some of our local producers. West Coast has an incredible selection and specializes in varieties for coastal growing conditions. Salt Spring specializes in heritage and heirloom organics – their list of tomato varieties is worth reading even if you are not a gardener!

Local producer or other resource: http://www.saltspringseeds.com/

Find local Seeds:
http://localfooddirectory.ca

Sheep

SSheep are commonly raised in many parts of this region, including south Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Sheep are raised for their wool, milk and meat of young lambs. Lamb is available year round

Find local sheep:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Sole

Sole are a type of flatfish found on the ocean floor. They swim horizontally, feeding on invertebrates. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, sole numbers are low and it is best not to eat them. Most sole are caught by trawl, which, depending on the location, can have severe effects on oceanic ecosystems.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.seachoice.org

Squash

Winter squash commonly available include acorn, buttercup, delicata, hubbard, kabocha, kuri, spaghetti and turban. They are available in late summer, fall and winter.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.forstbauer.com

Find local squash:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Strawberries

Most strawberries in this region are grown in the Lower Mainland and in Whatcom and Skagit counties in Washington State. Strawberries are a member of the “dirty dozen” for pesticide use. Try to buy fruit grown organically or not using pesticides. Strawberries are usually available in June and July with some varieties extending the season to August and September.

Local producer or other resource: http://northarmfarm.com

Find local Strawberries:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Sunchokes

Sunchokes, or Jerusalem artichokes, have a crisp, nutty taste and a shape similar to ginger root. They can be roasted and are commonly used in soups. Find them at farmers markets and some grocery stores year-round.

Tomato

The Vancouver Farmers’ Market tomato festival is held annually in August to celebrate the amazing varieties of tomatoes grown by local farmers. Field tomatoes are available from July to October and are at their peak during August.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.vistadoro.com/

Find local tomatoes:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Turkey

Turkeys are available year-round although local ones can be in high demand during the holidays. There are a few farms in our foodshed raising free-range turkeys without using antibiotics, hormones or other medication.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.organafarms.com/

Find local Turkey:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Trout

While many trout are found in freshwater lakes and streams, steelhead spend part of their adult life in the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn. Trout found at markets, stores and restaurants are usually farmed, but farming trout does not have nearly as negative an impact on ecosystems as salmon farming does.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise/

Find local Trout:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Water buffalo

The Cowichan Water Buffalo Dairy was the first farm in Canada to raise this originally Asian animal. The uniqueness of this operation make it an important part of our foodshed.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.fairburnfarm.bc.ca

Find local water buffalo:
http://localfooddirectory.ca

Wheat

Wheat is returning to our foodshed. Farmers on Vancouver Island have been experimenting with different varieties for several years and Vancouver’s first Grain CSA (community supported agriculture) started in 2008.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.urbangrains.ca/

Find local wheat:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Wine

The number of wineries in B.C. shot up from 17 in 1990 to 138 in 2008, with most still in the Okanagan. However, we will need to manage growth carefully: the European Union pays almost $1 billion a year to compensate for wine over-production, while California bulldozed over 100,000 vine acres in the 2000s.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.winebc.com/wineregions.php

Find local Wine:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Yogurt

There are several dairies that make local yogurt, including Avalon, Olympic, and Goat’s Pride. Why not make your own? It’s easy, cheap, and you can avoid all those plastic yogurt containers.

Local producer or other resource: http://www.goatspride.com

Find local yogurt:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Zucchini

Zucchini is delicious raw or grilled. Other summer squash varieties include crook neck, patty pan, and sunburst, as well as green, gold and Italian zucchini. It is available throughout the summer.

Find local Zucchini:
http://localfooddirectory.ca
http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/

Agricultural Land Reserve

About half of the land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is farmed. Of that, the vast majority of crops are forage grown as feed for livestock. These include grasses, cereals, corn and legumes such as alfalfa. Renewed urban pressures are threatening the reserve, with the best quality farmland (mild climate and rich soils) near Vancouver and Victoria being removed and “replaced” with more marginal northern land. The number of farms in B.C. decreased by two percent between 2001 and 2006, StatsCan reported. “The loss to future food production is far greater than the numbers would imply,” says Harold Steves, a farmer, Richmond city councilor and an architect of the original ALR.

Deeper Waters

From the deeps come upwellings of nutrients that, along with river waters, feed plankton, the vital food of small fish such as herring. They in turn are consumed by salmon, seabirds, whales and dolphins.

Rocky Shores

Rocky shores are home to a great diversity and number of species. All have special strategies for clinging to rocks in the waves and with the ebb and flow of the tide.

Coastal Douglas Fir

Douglas firs, which can live for more than 750 years, are adapted to the summer droughts and wet winters created by the rainshadow of the mountains of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Other trees in this ecosystem include the western redcedar, grand fir, and, more rarely, the Garry oak and arbutus that grow on drier sites. Other edible plants are salmonberry, Indian plum and red elderberry (the latter must be cooked before eating). Along with logging, urban development, and fire suppression, these forests are threatened by invasive plants such as English ivy, Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry and European spurge-laurel.

Estuarine Gardens

People of the pre-colonial Northwest Coast cultivated root vegetables such as Pacific silverweed, clover, sea milkwort, wild carrot, Nootka lupine and rice-root lily in estuarine gardens.