Food and Cooking in Edmonton, AB

Whether you’re an ex-pat feeling homesick, looking for a gift for a British pal or simply a fan of British chocolates and “sweeties,” you’ll find something you like in this roundup of Edmonton and area stores that carry imported goods from the U.K. [Image credit: iStock.com/arinahabich]

An Edmonton summer isn’t complete without a trip or two to a U-pick farm to stock up on fresh, locally-grown berries, apples and veggies. There’s something very satisfying (and delicious) about handpicking your own food while supporting local businesses. Happy picking! [Image credit: iStock.com/Joel Carillet]

All these things call for a nice, cold drink: hot summer days, sitting round with friends, the end of a long work week, showers. If you know all about shower beers, read on for a generous list of Edmonton’s small batch distillers, brewers and wine-makers – tour the factories and perhaps taste a small sample or bring some home for tonight’s barbecue. [Image credit: iStock.com/Ivan Bajic]

Construction can’t stop these spots – they’re still open for business, despite the work on the 102 Avenue bridge downtown. Unfortunately, some of the other shops in the area have felt the strain that comes with a long past overdue construction project and have either closed or moved. Support these places in High Street to show them you want them to stick around for the long haul.

Although gluten-free products are making their way into mainstream grocery stores more often, there are a few markets in St. Albert that carry their own stock, some of which you can't find in the big box stores. From unique munchies to quality gluten-free meats, these specialty shops have you covered for gluten-free goods. [Image credit: iStock.com/Imagesbybarbara]

While Easter is often associated with chocolate and bunnies, there is another seasonal item that makes an appearance in almost everyone’s kitchen: hot cross buns. Whether you’re a purist who shuns chocolate chips or someone who welcomes change, there’s a hot cross bun out there for you.

Does your best buddy love food above all else? Do they know the difference between java made from beans ground by hand and lesser cups of coffee? Do they consider chocolate a food group? If so, these stores offer the tastiest and loveliest gifts for your favourite foodie pal.

More and more, people want to know: Where is my food coming from? Farm-to-fork culture is about making more informed choices about what we’re consuming. In Edmonton, it’s becoming easier to interact with local producers and build something that’s been largely missing on the food scene for some time - an authentic relationship with those who have dedicated themselves to providing our communities with local, quality food.

Whether you’re a gourmet chef or can’t boil water but love to indulge in creative meals and fancy foodstuffs, there are plenty of ways to enhance your relationship with food. Outfit your kitchen with superior gadgets and cookware or stock it with gourmet cheeses and meats, artisanal chocolates, and quality oils and vinegars from these specialty shops.

Kombucha tea, a slightly bubbly fermented drink made with a green or black tea base, is a sweet but healthy alternative to pop. Makers claim it can aid in digestive health, plus it just tastes fantastic. Often made from organic, raw ingredients, kombucha teas have exploded in popularity in the past decade. These Edmonton shops carry a variety of brands, including some Canuck favourites.

Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be an unpleasant task. Many markets are independently owned, family-run businesses, whose owners really care about ensuring the very best ingredients are available for Edmontonians. Next time you shop, you can feel good about buying organic and supporting local farmers and producers. I also mention some ethnic grocery stores for when you want to spice up your meal plan!

Edmonton is home to some great bakeries that produce delicious, fresh loaves that have renewed my love of breakfast. What’s better than a slice of toast with jam, honey or peanut butter? I’ll let you in on my favourite spreads in the city.