June 28, 2017
It's known as Canada's left coast and if you've spent any time out there you'll know B.C. has a whole different vibe. Life is slower, people seem more in tune with nature, and they definitely know how to relax.
This month we've been looking at the regional cuisines and local libations from coast to coast in honour of Canada's 150th Anniversary, and we've now reached the other side of the country.
B.C. is known for its fresh local seafood, like wild salmon, spot prawns and fresh oysters. Naturally they pair well with sips like light B.C. white wines and crisp cold glacier beer.
Vernon, B.C.'s Okanagan Spring Brewery brews beer that goes perfectly with seafood Okanagan Springs Honey Kolsch or their Hefeweizen would go great with salmon or prawns, according to Co-op's Beer Expert Melissa Rizzuto. She says many lightly cooked fish dishes would pair well, so you can grill, or consider forgoing the fire altogether and mixing up a chilled seafood salad.
B.C. is also known for its apples. Crisp, tart and juicy, they're a perfect seasonal dessert. A gooey caramel apple tart is just the thing to serve with another popular B.C. beer, Red Truck Ale. With its orange, coriander and honey notes, it's a great match to delicate roasted, carmelized apple flavours and the crispy, buttery, salty crust.
B.C.'s climate is among the most diverse in Canada. From humid costal rainforests, to arid deserts, there's a variety of landscapes on the country's west flank.
That climate diversity has created an amazing wine region in the B.C. interior. Co-op's Wine specialist, Lana Turner has several great B.C. wine picks that will pair nicely with B.C.'s regional cuisines.
Sandhill Viognier is a natural match to many of B.C.'s seafood dishes, says Turner. Culmina Vineyards in Oliver B.C., the heart of B.C.'s wine country, also makes a wine that's distinctive and also pairs well with fish and shellfish. Culmina's Unicus is the Okanagan Valley's first Grüner Veltliner. It's a varietal that's grown and harvested at one of the highest vineyards in the Okanagan. Expect white pepper and grapefruit flavours that provide a nice contrast to the delicate fishes.
Wines by B.C. wineries Mission Hill and Nk'Mip Cellars are also made for many seafood dishes; think sautéed spot prawns or be adventurous and try some acclaimed B.C. geoduck clams.
The Okanagan is renowned for its sweet and juicy summer peaches. Any place that has a town named after a fruit (Peachland, anyone?) must be doing their farming right. Peaches are abundant in B.C., and the crop peaks in July and August.
Lana Turner recommends a Late Harvest wine or an Ice Wine alongside sweet peachy desserts like a peach crumble with fresh vanilla ice cream.
To make peach prep easy, cut the peach lengthwise and gently twist the two halves apart to expose the pit, then pop it free and slice the fruit.
You won't find many peaches in Canada's North. Instead, when it comes to Canada’s northern reaches, we think cold, snowy, wild and distant.
It may be remote, but our North has a plethora of breweries, and its own local ingredients that they put to good use. Yukon Brewing Co’s Discovery Fireweed Honey Ale is made with local honey and brewed in the style of an Extra Special Bitter (which is not quite bitter at all, according to Yukon Brewing). With its distinctive tangy sweetness and a dry finish it contrasts well with any sharp or pungent cheeses, according to the taste experts at Yukon Brewing. They also add that steak and other meats like game are well complemented by the maltiness of the beer. Of course the sweet bitterness is a great balance to spicy cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Mexican too, according to the Yukon brew crew.
There are also stronger options being made up in Canada's north, and in this case, by two guys who started out in the beer business. Two Brewers Single Malt whisky is distilled in Whitehorse, Yukon in small batches, using a variety of malted roasted grains and a mix of barrels. Two Brewers says they want each batch to be just a bit different on purpose to keep things interesting.
If you think about it, small differences are what keep Canada interesting too. Celebrate our unique people, regions, cuisines and beverages this Canada Day on the 150th birthday of our great country.
- Erin
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