Pemberton for Locavores
What is a locavore? A locavore is "a person who makes an effort to eat food that is grown, raised, or produced locally, usually within 100 miles of home..." Pemberton is fast becoming a top Canadian destination for locavores and foodies.
The Pemberton Valley has rich soil, a great growing climate and clean air making it some of the best farmland in British Columbia. Pemberton is of course famous for its seed potatoes hence the nickname "Spud Valley". The relative isolation and surrounding mountains make it the perfect location to produce seed potatoes. In 1967 Pemberton was the first commercial seed potato area in the world to grow virus-free seed potatoes.
Whilst the Pemberton Valley is famous for its potatoes, the soil and great climate offer great growing conditions for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, salad greens and root vegetables to name a few. McEwan's farm located about 6km from the Village of Pemberton is a favourite spot in the summer to pick your own strawberries.
A better known farm in the Pemberton Valley is North Arm Farm. North Arm Farm grows an amazing selection of organic produce from asparagus to berries to pumpkins. The farm is located about 5km north of Pemberton just off Highway 99 and is open to visitors. It is open from April to the end of October and you can purchase produce in the farm store, as well as enjoy lunch, feed the animals and have fun in the play area. North Arm Farm is a great place to visit in October. Enjoy a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and pick out your Halloween pumpkin!
In addition to the amazing produce, Pemberton produces some of the best beef in BC. Pemberton Meadows Beef is one of the more well known suppliers. The cattle are raised as natured intended, grazing on pasture during the summer and eating hay and grain when snow covers the ground in the winter. The beef is absolutely delicious and you can find it in a number of local restaurants and retailers. Stop at the Mile One Eating House as you come in to Pemberton for one of the best Pemberton Meadows Beef burgers around!
Pemberton is also home to the Pemberton Distillery. Early in 2009 the Schramm brothers hand-distilled the first crop of locally-grown organic potatoes and then hand-bottled the first run of Schramm Vodka. Schramm Vodka is known for its clarity, smooth mouth-feel and rich character. Schramm Vodka is currently available in liquor stores, bars and restaurants in BC and Alberta.
Pemberton is a true delight for foodies and "locavores". If you planning a visit to Pemberton make sure you take the time to visit some of these local food producers and sample the delights in the Pemberton area restaurants.
Are you looking for Pemberton Accommodation?
We offer Pemberton Hotel Suites and great amenities. Please contact our friendly staff if you have any questions or would like to make a reservation.
Posted: Tuesday, September 20, 2011
