Puslinch Today

The Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market celebrates its last market day of 2015 with a book signing by Peter McClusky, author of Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival (History Press 2015). McClusky will sign copies of his book at the market while sharing samples of his favourite garlic snack, Garlic Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

The taste of Ontario garlic is as rich and varied as its history. Used mainly for medicinal purposes in the nineteenth century, people turned up their noses at the aromatic bulb as it became associated with new immigrants. The once acceptable ingredient became undesirable in church and school–kids who smelled of garlic were sent home. Pioneering chefs, farmers and a wave of cultural diversity have brought the zesty allium into the mainstream, making it a gourmands go-to spice, celebrated at nine festivals across the province. To research the book McClusky dug deep into archives and interviewed 150 farmers, gardeners, chefs, food scientists, historians and New Canadians, and has traced garlic’s long journey from central Asia to its now-revered place in the hearts and dishes of Ontarians. “It’s a source of great pride to visit the Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market,” says McClusky, who is also the founder of the popular Toronto Garlic Festival. “This market truly understands the value of bringing consumers together with growers”, and their farmers grow some of the best garlic in the province.”

McClusky will be at the market on Saturday, October 24. Visitors are welcome to learn the secret of his garlic grilled cheese sandwich. Signed copies of his book are available for sale while supplies last. The Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market is located in the Optimist Recreation Centre at 23 Brock Rd South in Aberfoyle and is open from 8am to 1pm every Saturday from the end of May to the end of October. This is a seasonal market that features fresh Ontario products. The market is run by a dedicated group of volunteers that contribute their time to help promote family farms and local small business start-ups while providing a place for the community to gather.

For more information on the market visit: aberfoylemarket.ca