LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

INSIDE SCOOP

SHOULD I BUY? Acid redux

Since acidity is finally being recognized for its pivotal role in seasoning food, it’s time to upgrade your vinegar selection. The raw, unfiltered Living Vinegars by Toronto-based Acid League are vibrant, balanced and a total revelation. Our favourites among the one-of- a-kind flavours include spicy, vegetal Garden Heat, made from carrot, celery and jalapeño juices, and Strawberry Rosé, a floral pink elixir that will add pop to everything from salads to smoothies. Acid League Living Vinegar, 375 mL, $18, acidleague.com

ASK AN EXPERT Market watch

To find out what “new” and interesting vegetables to look for at farmers’ markets this summer, we talked to Linda Crago of treeandtwig.squarespace.com in Niagara.

Poona Kheera Cucumber “An Indian heirloom variety that turns from yellow to a russet brown. Sweet, mild flesh that’s seldom bitter, despite how large it might get. My favourite.”

Disposable, yet biodegradable

Rat’s Tail Radish “The root of this radish is inedible; it’s the seed pod you eat, which tastes like a radish. Great to snack on raw or wonderful in stir-fries.”

Jacob’s Cattle Bean “Indigenous heirloom bean, hugely productive, and it retains its beautiful colouring when cooked. Superb for soups, stews and refried beans, plus it’s easy to grow.”

Fork in the road SUSTAINABLE solution

If single-use dinnerware is your only option, it’s worth splurging on some- thing with a soft eco footprint. Here are a few plant-based products to take on your next picnic. (All items are available at greenmunch.ca.)

Made from sugar cane, these plates and bowls are cut-resistant and microwave- safe. Sugarcane Compostable 10-inch Round Plates, 50, $15.99; 24-oz Bowls, 100, $29.00

Sturdy and styl- ish, this wooden cutlery set will break down in a backyard composter. Birch Wood Cutlery Bundle, 100 sets, $31.99

Ingeo, a plant-based plastic, is the material behind these crystal- clear cups. Greenware 12-oz Cold Cups, 50, $11.50

Biquinho Pepper “From Brazil; its name means ‘little beak.’ Mildly hot, sweet and smoky. Prolific producer in the garden. Exceptional when pickled.”

PORTRAIT BY MOLLIE CRAGO; CUCUMBER AND BEAN IMAGES COURTESY OF TREE AND TWIG HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE FARM; RADISHES BY ©ISTOCK.COM/BONCHAN; PEPPERS BY MAXSOL7/ADOBE STOCK

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SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK