The very first local produce to hit the market: asparagus, ramps (wild leeks) and fiddleheads - May 1, 2009
It’s official – there are local vegetables in the markets again! (at least in Toronto). While folks in California, Florida or other southern areas may not quite understand the significance of this, for those of us who are buried under snow five or six months of the year, it’s exciting news. I’ve been busy at work testing some new recipes to share with you. The change of season is reinvigorating and inspiring and I have a lot of fresh ideas for delicious ways to use the fruits and vegetables I’m seeing at the markets. Check back often for ideas and mouth-watering recipes!
Ontario fiddleheads were available for $7.99 a pound at the market last Friday. Fiddleheads are a tasty vegetable and can be found in many markets in Eastern Canada and the Northeast U.S. If you’ve never had them, give them a try if you can find them. This Asian-style salad is easy to prepare and makes a great side dish or starter to a spring meal. Check out my article on Suite 101.com for the recipe and more fiddlehead information:
Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette (the vinaigrette is also delicious with steamed asparagus or sautéed snow peas).
Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette
Visit these pages for more on asparagus and ramps:
Bon Appétit and Enjoy!
The Seasonal Gourmet 
Oh my those fresh veggies look lovely! I am definitely going to have to try that fiddlehead recipe having acquired a bag at the market last weekend. I had forgotten how expensive they are in Ontario. Only $3.50 a pound in New Brunswick.