I’m a happy camper this morning – in spite of the cold temperatures, blowing winds and driving rain we’re experiencing in southern Ontario today.

The reason? I picked up my first batch of Ontario asparagus of the season today at one of my favourite local food haunts, Fraberts Fresh Food in Fergus.

It arrived in store just in time for the weekend, fresh from a farm in Norfolk County, about an hour and a half south of the Guelph area.

I love asparagus and although I do admit that I eat Peruvian and Mexican product during the winter months, there’s nothing quite like the fresh-from-the-field “stuff” from local, Ontario farms. Note: Last year I wrote a blog post about Fraberts’ local asparagus supplier, Birkbank Farms, which you can check out here if you want to learn more about them and find a link to asparagus farmers in your part of the province.

But back to Fraberts. It’s a terrific little spot – always one of the first in our region to have Ontario produce when it comes in season. In fact, owners Jackie Fraser and her husband, Chef Derek Roberts, go to great lengths to make “local” the main focus of their store.

They’re located in the historic Fergus market and have a great assortment of local food products, including a yummy flat bread (home-made by Chef Derek) and what in my opinion is simply the best salad dressing in the world.

Jackie and Derek were recently recognized by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce as Small Business of the Year. Here they are in the store with their award – congratulations you two!!