Feast on Thompson-Okanagan fare at the Christmas dinner table

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Our region is a food producing mecca, and with Christmas on the way, what better time to take a look at what we can buy locally to put on the table?

We took a look at the region and came up with five opportunities to make that big Christmas meal tasty, healthy, and locally-sourced.

Starting in the south, there is Similkameen Turkey Farm, located just west of Keremeos. Similkameen Turkey Farm sells fresh and frozen turkeys at the farm gate. They also sell through Tony’s Meats in Penticton, though it may be a bit late to grab a bird this year.

“It’s best to call and reserve a month before,” Friesen said, “we always have frozen birds on hand.”

It’s best to call the farm at 250-499-5890 or check with Tony’s Meats in Penticton.

For a great selection of local preserves, including dried fruits, cereals, preserves, jams, jellies and fruit cordials, try Lake Country Harvest products. They sell through several outlets in the Thompson-Okanagan, including local grocers and specialty stores.

For carrots, potatoes and squash, give Pilgrim’s Produce a call. Located at 1568 Eagle Rock Rd. near Armstrong, organic farmer Kathryn Hettler and her husband sell to the public during the Christmas season. 

One can even go local when assembling a cheese plate. At Upper Bench Winery and Creamery, Shana and Gavin Miller offer a variety of cheeses and wines from their facility. Shana, the cheese maker in the family, offers seven different cheese varieties, including U&Brie, Gold, Gold French, Gold Italian, Okanagan Sun2, Grey Baby and King Cole.

Last but not least, why not a bottle of regionally produced wine or cider to go with Christmas feasts? Take your pick from the products of the 120 wineries distributed throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region. Visit a winery, or find your favourite bottle at a local liquor store.

Did we miss something? Please add a comment below to share some love with your favourite local producer.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.