If you’ve ever taken a summer drive through the winding roads of any of the small towns of Chatham-Kent, you know the view: endless rows of roadside stands, sun-drenched orchards, and farm markets overflowing with tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn, and peppers. If you head out toward Cedar Springs, you’re greeted by an incredible variety of fresh fruit that looks like it belongs in a magazine.

Growing up as a “farm kid,” I honestly thought this bounty was the norm everywhere. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how lucky we are. This level of freshness isn’t something you find in larger cities. But there is more to our region than just produce; something not as obvious from the road is our access to high-quality, locally-raised meat.

Navigating the Bounty

Whether you are new to the area or just looking to switch up your grocery routine, the municipality has made it easy to support local farmers. They have curated a comprehensive Chatham-Kent Farm Market Map  that highlights roadside stands and markets across every town in our municipality. Essentially, it’s the ultimate “treasure map” for local foodies.

Cultivating Your Own Backyard

Naturally, living in an area so rich in agriculture naturally inspires a “green thumb.” The good news is that you don’t need a massive plot of land to start, either; growing plants in containers or tiered gardens is a perfect way to experiment without a large footprint.

I particularly love keeping an herb garden because there is nothing like stepping outside to snip fresh flavor for a meal. If you’re looking to start your own garden this year, here is a “pro-tip”: The Chatham-Kent Public Library has a Seed Library.

• Cost: Free (all you need is a library card!)

• Selection: A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

• My Favorites: Dill, chives, cilantro, and basil.

You can find more details on how to access the seed library right here.

A Family Affair: From Seed to Table with Chatham-Kent Farm Markets

Gardening is a wonderful way to get the whole family involved. From planting the seeds and watching them sprout to the daily care of the plants, it’s a rewarding process for all ages.

Once the harvest is ready, the fun moves into the kitchen. If you have an aspiring chef in the house, the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres offers free cooking classes for youth. A perfect way to turn those homegrown ingredients into a masterpiece. Check out their schedule here.

The Ultimate Local Challenge

There is something deeply satisfying about enjoying a meal made with ingredients you grew yourself. This summer, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone: Prepare a meal using only local ingredients.

If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favourite ways to use our local harvest:

• The Showstopper: Local steak topped with a fresh Chimichurri sauce.

• Summer Classics: Chicken with basil pesto or fresh-caught fish with a lemon-dill sauce.

• Fresh & Zesty: Tacos topped with homemade tomato or peach salsa.

• The Grand Finale: Chatham-Kent strawberries. I might be biased, but I truly believe they are the sweetest you can find.

To make it a truly “CK” experience, why not pair your dinner with a beer or a glass of wine from one of our local producers?

I’d love to see what you’re cooking! Simply, tag me in your photos with your favourite local find.

Author: Laura Tourangeau, REALTOR®