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Market Fresh: Farmers' market gone to the dogs

Do you ever wonder where the expression “dog days of summer” comes from?
DOG

Do you ever wonder where the expression “dog days of summer” comes from?

According to National Geographic, the phrase originally referred to the position of Sirius, the dog star, in the heavens.

The ancient Greeks and Romans saw the star rising just before the sun during the end of July.

When the phrase was translated from Latin to English, some of the meaning was lost and we started applying a plausible explanation to the phrase.

Apparently, that is a human thing to explain something we don’t understand.

So, in the spirit of dog days, let’s have a look at the dog days of market. Did you know we have five vendors who support our furry friends

Boneheads Kitchen is a group of pals from New Westminster whose dog hiking business was the impetus behind the treats they make.

Nate wanted healthy treats to take along with them when they were out walking and hiking, something the dogs would enjoy and they could use for training, too. Their treats were tested over time, on all their customers, so they know that even the finickiest pups will enjoy them.

Boneheads uses only human-grade ingredients that provide great taste and health benefits.

All the treats have spices and herbs in them that help with digestion and inflammation.

Earth Paws is another local company dedicated to your pet’s wellbeing. Kevin makes sodium-extracted dried anchovy treats for cats and dogs as well as dehydrated sweet potato dental chews.

My pups love the dental chews and I appreciate that they come in different sizes as my dogs do, too.

The treats are also human grade and contain no preservatives or grains. Kevin is a strong supporter of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind too, donating a portion of his proceeds back to this worthy organization.

Redl’s Beef carries raw dog food. If you buy Barry’s beef for yourself, then you already know how amazing it is. Barry puts the same care into his dog food that he does his people food.

The raw food is typically from one cow and includes not only the organ meats, but bits of bone as well. That makes a balanced diet for your pet as calcium and phosphorous are important for bone health. The dog food is also human grade. In fact, Barry has had more than one customer cook it, mistaking it for ground beef — although he did tell me that the customers thought it was a bit too coarsely ground!

The Jerk Store has dog jerky. Kal has turned all his trim and off cuts into a chewy treat for our four-legged friends. He doesn’t add any seasoning, so all your pet is getting is pure beef — a great waste-free initiative!

Lastly, Gabi and Jules makes dog cookies. Using the same principles used in their human baking, the peanut butter apple cookies are baked fresh before market with only the finest ingredients. They are super popular, so go early to be sure you get some.

Overall, the market is a great, pet friendly place. And after all, don’t they need a place to socialize too?

Karen Curtis is the Lemonade Lady (www.kicslemonade.ca) at the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam farmers markets. Her column runs monthly.

 

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FRUIT SOUP RECIPE


The author of this recipe is one of my favourites. Chilled Cantaloupe Soup is super easy and so refreshing! Serve it as a starter for an elegant lunch, light summer supper or as a healthful late afternoon pick-me-up.

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup
(fromachefskitchen.com)

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 very large cantaloupe
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey, or to taste
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Salt, to taste
Orange wedges, for serving
Basil or mint sprigs, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the melon in half and remove all the seeds and fibres. Slice into 8 slices and peel. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add the orange juice, yogurt, honey and white wine vinegar. Puree with an immersion blender or in a food processor or blender in batches until smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey and add a pinch of salt to taste. Serve garnished with orange slices and basil or mint sprigs.