My husband and I spent the past week taking in some clean, crisp ocean air in Nova Scotia, a place with more water than land and breathtaking coastal views at every turn.
As with most of the trips we take, we always start at the farmers’ market. The Saturday morning Seaport Farmers Market in Halifax was a bustle of activity and discovery. As one would expect in a coastal area, the local foodscape of Nova Scotia includes seafood in addition to the typical fruits and vegetables. Fishermen and lobstermen are as much a part of the local food system as farmers, cheese-makers and ranchers. And while the local seafood is indeed delicious, we were excited to discover sea vegetables (yes, sea vegetables). We returned home with several bags of dulse, an edible, tasty and nutritious red algae gathered in the tidal waters off Nova Scotia’s coast. The market itself was also impressive. Housed in a newly constructed, state of the art, LEED certified building, the market boasts a living roof, wind turbines, permanent stalls for market vendors, and rooftop picnic area with a view! Think West Side Market, only green and all local.
Heading north from Halifax toward Cape Breton Island, we were also impressed to see that, along with gas stations and fast food establishments, produce stands and farmers’ markets get top billing on Nova Scotia’s freeway signage. This is definitely a move that would help grow awareness about the availability of locally grown foods in our own country. (I’ll be penning a few notes to ODOT soon.)
Of course, I’ve returned to the FarmShare Kitchen with a smattering of new recipe ideas as well... chowders, Hodge Podge and fishcakes and poutine. Look for some of these in upcoming editions of the FarmShare Kitchen newsletter and blog.
And this is why we travel. To taste and experience the food of a new place is to understand its culture and its people. The discovery of new ideas that enrich our lives and adventurous new flavors that enliven our meals. Next to the vacation itself, the best part of any trip is what you bring home.
What local flavors, recipes, and food memories did you bring home from your summer travels? Let us know and we’ll include in an upcoming series of blog posts about locavores at home and away.
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| Green rooftop & wind turbines @ Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. |
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| Lobster flavored potato chips -- a local delicacy. |
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| White Point, Cape Breton Island. |
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| The offerings at the local gas station, Advocate Harbor, NS. |
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| Cape d'Or, NS. |
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| Fishcakes and mustard pickles. |
My husband and I spent the past week taking in some clean, crisp ocean air in Nova Scotia, a place with more water than land and breathtaking coastal views at every turn. 
