Who would have thought that our Outaouais region could contain so many taste riches? From green fields to artisan farms, the region is full of fresh and varied products. By opting for a lunch box filled with these local treasures, we are making a conscious choice for our health and our environment. Because yes, eating local means enjoying food picked when ripe, knowing the origin of what we eat and reducing our ecological footprint. But above all, it is much simpler than you think to obtain these products from here, in particular, thanks to initiatives such as the Marché de l’Outaouais which is a non-profit solidarity cooperative which offers more than 3,000 local products prepared by more than 100 Outaouais producers. It is possible to go to the numerous drop-off points or even have your products delivered to your home.
Local supply
The Outaouais public markets are also an essential destination to go directly to meet local producers and learn a little more about their profession. Many grocery stores in the region have also made room for local products on their shelves. Pay attention and you will be surprised to find so many products from here at your retailer. Ready to explore new flavors and create healthy, balanced meals? Let’s find out together how to put the Outaouais in our lunch box!
Combination ideas
Classics revisited:
- Sandwich: Slices of country bread, an egg spread from Ferme Éco des Champs garnished with micro sprouts from the Racines Rurales cooperative.
- Accompaniment: A few apple chips from Verger Double Attitude and a small portion of watermelon purchased at a public market.
- Dessert box: A Délices Sublimes energy ball and yogurt with Kîsisam Pâtisserie granola.
- Variation: Add a few maple nuts from Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien for a crunchy and sweet touch.
The health combo:
- Salad: Mix carrots, cherry tomatoes and celery from Ferme HLF with a drizzle of maple syrup-based vinaigrette from Érablière Bo-Sirop.
- Accompaniment: A small pot of plain Greek yogurt with chia seeds and red fruits.
The gourmet option:
- Charcuterie platter: Cheeses purchased at La Trappe à Fromage, beef jerky from Ferme Brylee, crackers, a rillette from Ferme Pure Conscience and a foie gras mousse from l’Orée du Bois.
- Accompaniment: Marinated zucchini from Courges & cie for a tangy touch.
- Gourmet dishes: The Les Fougères restaurant also offers a host of gourmet cooked dishes and even vegetarian options.
Additional Suggestions
- Beverages: Brew a tea from Herboristerie La Fée des Bois or a delicious raspberry jus from Fruits du Sommet.
- Smoothies: Blend a banana, Greek yogurt, milk and some wild berries for an energizing breakfast or snack.
- Wraps: Use a whole wheat tortilla to prepare wraps topped with vegetables, goat cheese and chicken from Ferme Aux Saveurs des Monts.
- Fruit salads: Mix seasonal fruits (apples, pears, autumn strawberries) with nuts and seeds for a light and refreshing dessert.
Practical advice
- Prepare your lunch boxes in advance: This will save you time in the morning and allow you to choose fresh and varied foods.
- Use reusable containers: It’s a simple way to reduce your waste and protect the environment.
- Vary the pleasures: Don’t hesitate to change the combinations of products to avoid monotony and discover new flavors. Seasonal foods are also a way to change the contents of our snack box.
Create a theme for each day
- Monday: Vegetable Day
- Tuesday: Protein Day
- Wednesday: Soup or salad day
- Thursday: Sandwich Day
- Friday: Treat Day
By following these tips, you will be able to create original, delicious lunch boxes that will highlight local Outaouais products.