#exploreKelowna Blog

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.

Nothing tastes better than fresh, local ingredients so I like to shop at the various local farms, orchards, and markets in Kelowna and area. At this time of year, a great one-stop shop is at the Kelowna Indoor Farmers Market. The Kelowna Outdoor Farmers Market opens April 1st. Several of the below items can be picked up at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters' Market, Quality Greens Farm Market, and Codfathers Seafood Market. 

Nothing is as delicious as eating fresh, local food - so whenever possible I stop at local farms and orchards to grab my ingredients. In the winter, a great one-stop shop is the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters' Market (outdoor market opening April 1, 2017) and Quality Greens (open 7 days / week).  

Whenever it's possible I stop at local farms and orchards to grab my ingredients. Nothing is as delicious as eating fresh, local produce. One of the great places to pick up fresh local produce is the Kelowna Farmers Winter Market where you can usually purchase delicious local root vegetables such as beets. 

I love everything that the Cipes family does. Lead by Stephen Cipes, the proprietors of this destination winery have built a beautiful empire where they feature the very best of what the Okanagan has to offer while maintaining solid grass roots.