Local Flavour
St.Norbert Farmers’ Market
S
ummers in Winnipeg mean long weekends at the cabin, sunny afternoons on Corydon and a bountiful of goods at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market. For the past 23 years, the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market has been Manitoba’s one-stop-shop for everything hand-crafted, freshly baked and locally produced from ‘Peg-city and surrounding areas. Here you can find everything from handmade gifts and crafty creations to fresh-out-of-the-oven bread and sweet pies to seasonal veggies and everything in between.
Manitoba’s largest farmers’ market, St. Norbert is a non-profit cooperative with 130 full-time vendors and an average of 50 seasonal vendors where the motto is “Where we make it, bake it, and grow it for you.” In this issue we’d like to introduce you to some of St.Norbert Farmers’ Market vendors.
The Maker
Donna Shultz, Donna’s Soaps Handmade and chemical free, Donna’s Soaps are perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies or those looking to get back to the basics. “I try to get everything back to as real ingredients as possible,” explains soap maker Donna Shultz. “I try to use very good products, raw ingredients and some fragrant natural oils if the customer wants them, really it’s about making as pure a product as possible for someone who is hyper-sensitive.” The need to create a natural soap came from Shultz’s personal experience trying to find a soap that wouldn’t irritate her skin–one that was paraffin, petroleum-, sulphur- and fragrance-free. “It is so enjoyable and rewarding, really humbling for me because I was doing something that started off for me, but if someone else can get some enjoyment and use out of it and it helps them then I feel really good,” says Shultz. Visitors to Donna’s Soaps will find 28 varieties of handmade soaps. Each bar weighs about four ounces and costs $4 or five for $18.
The Baker
Natalie Dueck, The Bread Lady Nothing beats the aroma of fresh baked bread, hot out of the oven–even better when you know that bread is made from grains grown and ground right here in Manitoba.
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Summer 2011
Since 2003, Natalie Dueck–otherwise known as The Bread Lady–has been baking goods using locally grown wheat, spelt, buckwheat, flax and oats that she personally grinds into flour. “I make breads using flour I make on my own,” says Dueck. “I am so excited about whole grains and the difference it made to me and I wanted to introduce that to other people.” In addition to breads, Dueck also makes a line of natural snacks including her award winning ChocoHemp Snackers which are made with no butter, flour or sugar–perfect for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. “I feel happy that I am providing a benefit and at the end of the day it’s something I can be happy with because I am making other people happy,” says Dueck. And with more than 50 fresh baked items available at The Bread Lady’s stand–there’s a little something for everyone.
The Grower
Jean-Guy Cote, John Boy Farms Whether it’s the 100 mile diet–eating foods only produced within a 100 mile radius from where you live–or living a healthy lifestyle, grower Jean-Guy Cote says he’s noticed a definite shift in customer food preferences. “The trend is really two pronged,” says Cote “First, people are trying to be more active and eat healthier. Second, people want more of a connection with their food and where it comes from.” A former government worker and now fifth generation family farmer, Cote says the connection between the producer and the customer has never been greater. “For me, I love dealing and engaging with the customers. There is nothing more rewarding than growing something, having someone enjoy it and coming back to say they love it,” says Cote, adding that his market farm produces everything from carrots and beets to kale and Swiss chard. John Boy Farms can also be found online on Twitter, Facebook or by visiting www.johnboyfarms.com. The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m and Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. For more information, visit stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca. dishmagazine.ca