At The Purple Gem, we’re all about supporting local producers as much as possible. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also a great way to directly support farmers and food makers in your community.
This week, we’re spotlighting some of our favourite artisanal foods from the Eastern Townships. These hand-crafted fridge and pantry items truly deliver, both in terms of taste and health benefits. Each of these delicious products is made with natural, whole-food ingredients, making these must-have staples in our kitchen.
So grab your grocery list or head out for a day trip to visit the producers IRL – these delectable artisanal delights, crafted using traditional methods, are the real deal.
Discover The Purple Gem’s favourite artisanal foods from the Eastern Townships:
Nos Cabanes Organic Pure Maple Butter / Beurre d’érable Pur Biologique
Produced in collaboration with a maple farm in Bury, Quebec, Nos Cabanes’ Organic Pure Maple Butter is made by hand using just one ingredient: pure maple syrup. Add it to tea, coffee, oatmeal, or enjoy a spoonful on its own. With its rich and creamy texture, maple butter is a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence you can enjoy daily – it’s lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar and it contains essential minerals such as manganese and zinc.
$8 per 75 g, noscabanes.com
Missiska Artisanal Wild Berries Yogurt / Yogourt Artisanal aux Fruits des Bois
Made in Bedford from the milk of grass-fed Jersey cows, this preservative-free, creamy yogurt offers a burst of fresh berry flavour with just a hint of sugar. As a bonus, it’s produced from A2 protein milk, which is free of the A1 protein (found in most milks) that’s been linked to digestive discomfort in those with milk sensitivities. While this wild berry yogurt tastes delicious topped with fruit and nuts, it also makes a luscious base for smoothies, parfaits or granola.
$5.22 per 430 g, missiska.com
C Granola
Homemade in Sutton, this nourishing granola is made from mostly organic ingredients. Sweetened with just a touch of local pure maple syrup, C Granola’s Original flavour contains a crunchy, energizing mix of oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to fuel your day. It’s also available to savour in chocolate and raisin varieties.
$10 per 500 g, cgranola.company.site
Fromagerie Saint-Benoît-Du-Lac Smoked Fontina / Fontina Fumé
Made with 100% whole milk from local dairy farms, this firm, pasteurized Gouda cheese is produced at a fromagerie run by the monks of Abbaye De Saint-Benoît-Du-Lac, located on the west shore of Lake Memphrémagog. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next wine and cheese thanks to its creamy texture and light smoky aroma.
$6.54 per 160 g, abbaye.ca
Three Acres Summer Honey / Les Trois Acres Miel d’été
We’re big fans of this sweet unpasteurized wildflower honey, comprised of a medley of nectars including clover, centaurea, basswood and loosestrife. Add some to tea, yogurt or overnight oats, or drizzle it over top of sourdough bread, waffles or pancakes. On weekend afternoons, the honey and beeswax boutique is open at Three Acres’ farm in Dunham, run by a family with a passion for nature, beekeeping and environmental preservation.
$8 per 340 g, 3acres.ca
Townships Style Miso / Miso des Cantons
A certified organic, unpasteurized miso made right here in the Townships? Yes, it exists! Aged for three years, the aptly named Townships Style Miso is our top pick from North Hatley–based Les Aliments Massawippi, which crafts several types of flavoured miso pastes. Produced using an ancient artisanal process, the Townships Style miso contains an addictive umami blend of garlic, chives, spices and herbs. For a boost of gut-friendly probiotics, use it in marinades and dressings or add it to broths and stir-fries.
$7.25 per 200 g, alimentsmassawippi.com
