#exploreKelowna Blog

One huge benefit of the Kelowna lifestyle is the availability of fresh produce and fruit at countryside markets and fruit stands. The Okanagan climate provides a long, hot growing season well suited to tree fruits, vegetable gardens and vineyards.

Okanagan Feast of Fields takes place this year on Sunday, August 13th and truly is one of the foodie events of the year. Each year at this movable feast, the Okanagan’s best chefs, farmers, artisans and wine and drink makers gather together on a beautiful farm.

Our local chefs are thrilled to welcome the bounty that summertime brings to the Okanagan and can’t wait to integrate the newest seasonal ingredients into their menus.

There are endless beautiful locations to picnic around the Kelowna area. Wineries, parks, farms, hikes… so why not add to that local experience by tasting the terroir of where you are? Make it fun by planning your shop like a scavenger hunt, start with an empty picnic basket or cooler then plan your route. It’s so easy to do in Kelowna; here are some ideas on where to go:

A haze of purple, waves of intoxicating aromas…oh the rapture of standing in a field of lavender!

In Kelowna, Andrea McFadden of the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm has created a work of art worthy of Provence through her garden.

This time of year is exciting for foragers, farmers, gardeners, and all enthusiasts of locally grown products as the Okanagan growing season kicks in for another delicious year.

Asparagus season is here! And I plan to eat it each and every day while it is in season. My favourite way to prepare asparagus is lightly brushed with olive oil, grilled on the barbeque and then topped with Maldon sea salt and lemon zest or balsamic vinegar. Love it in pasta, perfect in a panini with goat cheese, excellent as a pesto or starring in a frittata or omelette. I am just mad about asparagus!

We have a love affair with food. More than just a means of feeding our bodies, food is an experience. It brings us together as families, friends and communities. That love affair begins long before a first bite. It begins with anticipation.

This Saturday, April 1st is when the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market returns to their outdoor location at the corner of Springfield Rd and Dilworth Dr. Officially marking the undeniable signal that spring has arrived in Kelowna. 

Even though we are anxiously anticipating the burst of colourful blossoms to fill our orchards and kick off a new growing season, we are actually extremely fortunate to have local fruits available to us year round.