What was once a costly luxury -- eating local organic food such as fruits, vegetables, and bio meat -- is now affordable, synonymous with the slow food movement and widely viewed as more than just adding Quebec-grown veggies to the grocery bill.
A political statement, an environmental choice, a thumb's up to the local economy, a health-conscious decision and thanks to the increasing popularity of organic food baskets and public markets, eating local in Montreal, when done right, can be cheaper than buying from traditional grocery stores.
Browse through the guide to find out how to be a money-saving locavore!
1. Fruits and Vegetables in Season
Photo © Evelyn Reid
The first step to eating local in Montreal is finding out what grows when in the area. Montreal -- and most of the province of Quebec -- is lucky to have access to fresh homegrown produce year round! Print out this list of Quebec grown fruits and vegetables categorized by seasonal availability and bring it with you as you shop for groceries. And remember, when produce is in season, not only does it taste better than out-of-season, it's cheaper too!
2. Montreal Public Markets
Photo © Evelyn Reid
So those mangoes you spotted weren't exactly local. But rest assured, these public markets in Montreal have a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables from Quebec, maple products from around the corner and you will melt at the sight (and taste) of raw milk cheeses -- many of international acclaim in culinary circles -- available at select markets. And while the selection, especially at Jean-Talon Market, is exceptional, the prices can really vary. The trick to saving money when shopping at these markets is to buy in bulk as much as possible and to buy fruits and vegetables in season.
3. Organic Food Baskets
Photo courtesy of Les Artisans de la Terre
One of the most affordable ways to eat top-grade, locally grown organic fruits, vegetables, free range meat, eggs and more, fresh from the farm. Find out everything you need to know about getting your own organic food baskets in Montreal.
4. Food Cooperatives
Photo © Evelyn Reid
Run by the community for the community, Montreal food cooperatives or co-ops -- better known as "groupes d'achat" or "achat collectif" in Quebec -- allow members to save money on quality food items by purchasing a large amount of groceries at bulk prices directly from local farmers, wholesalers and/or producers. Savings range from significant to dramatic and the produce, depending on the cooperative, is often organic.
5. Kitchen Collectives
Photo © Evelyn Reid
One potential way to get more slow food in your diet is by forming or joining a kitchen collective. Generally consisting of four to five people and centering around the values of respect, dignity, solidarity and social justice, a collective kitchen groups their resources together to plan, buy and cook a wider variety of meals than they could with the same budget on their own. By pooling their time, money and skills, meals end up costing, on average, $1 per portion.
6. Resources for the Budding Locavore
Photo © Evelyn Reid
Whether you're new to eating locally or are an already seasoned locavore, this list of links and resources specific to eating locally in Montreal as well as across the province of Quebec are bound to come in handy.
