Walk into any supermarket these days and the word organic is used extensively on signs. No longer regulated to the back of the store, the organic section in most grocery stores have become an integral part of their store layout. Whether you choose to buy organic or not, in my opinion the word is definitely over-used by many people these days when talking about food in general.

Although I don’t make it a habit to purchase only organic food, I am a big supporter of buying locally. And by that I don’t mean just at your corner store! Here in Southern Ontario we are surrounded by wonderful farming areas that produce an array of top notch quality food. Our choices are not limited to just the well known beefsteak tomato. We have an unlimited selection to choose from when it comes to buying locally. From lamb to tomatoes, to wine to berries you can do almost all your shopping while supporting local farmers.

Purchasing local products has a huge impact on our environment, economy and our lifestyle. According to several current studies, what we eat is responsible for 20%-25% of Canada's greenhouse gases. Only 10% of the fossil fuel used is actually used on the farm, the other 90% goes into packaging, transportation and marketing. In addition every $1 spent on local food generates more than $2 in other local business. And if that wasn’t enough you’ll meet your neighbours and get to really know what you are eating.

So if eating organically is important to you then you’ll start to build relationships with those farmers whom you trust and understand what goes into producing their products.
Eating locally doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Southern Ontario and the GTA now offer great farmer’s markets where you can check out multiple local crops and the people who grow them. You could also make your shopping a family outing by visiting farms who provide pick-your-own or pre-picked seasonal fare. Or you could also go to your local grocery store and read what produce comes from where and choose accordingly. The local produce is often highlighted for consumers during the summer months. In either case you’ll know you’re eating the ripest, freshest and fullest flavoured foods you can buy when you shop locally and seasonally.

Here’s a list of some great sites to get you started on your local food journey.
http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/
http://www.harvestontario.com/
http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/
http://www.ourgreenbelt.ca/

Now that you have all that great local food on hand, you’ll want to keep the flavours as fresh and true as possible. Vegetable Salad Martini is a simple but spectacular recipe that highlights July’s great bounty!




Vegetable Salad Martini
Serves 8-10
Preparation Time 15 minutes
Notes: To kick it up a notch in style, add 2 cups of diced lobster meat, smoked chicken or canned crab pieces to the vegetable mixture.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup locally grown diced cucumber


• 1 cup locally grown diced yellow pepper


• 1 cup locally grown diced green pepper


• 1 cup locally grown diced red pepper


• 1 cup locally grown diced tomato


• 1 cup light mayonnaise


• 3 tbsp Olive Oil


• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar


• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard


• Dash of hot sauce


• Salt and pepper to taste


• 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice


• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  
  1. Gently toss the diced vegetables together in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, mustard, hot sauce and lemon juice together. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the dressing to the vegetable mixture, ½ cup at a time ensuring you don’t overdress the salad.
  4. Serve the salad in individual martini glasses with the chopped basil as garnish.