You’ll have a chance Saturday to watch a 10-minute cooking demonstration, then walk a few paces to buy the products you need to make it yourself at home—a unique way of encouraging people to buy local and eat local.

The opportunity is being provided by UBC Okanagan’s continuing studies division at the Kelowna Farmers’ Market’s 14th birthday on Saturday.

Continuing studies program leader Elaine Crebo MacLeod says the partnership is an opportunity to honour healthy living, sustainability and the eclectic local growers’ industry.

There’ll be discussion about the 100-mile diet concept, as well as the environmental and physical benefits of buying and eating locally.

The cooking demonstrations will be by guest chef Morazain from Classic Fare Catering, using produce from farmers selling at the market.

The demonstrations will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include such recipes as grilled Armstrong asparagus with cilantro vinaigrette, spot prawns with arugula and watercress salad and cherry clafoutis.

Recipe cards will be provided so people can shop for the ingredients before they leave the market and try the recipes at home.

“We wanted to partner with the Kelowna Farmers’ Market because it’s an unusual but inspiring pairing. We’ve got so much in common,” said Crebo MacLeod.

“We are both passionate about engaging with the community. Our focus is to educate and we believe in supporting our local economy.”

Market manager Bob Callioux said cooking demonstrations at the market are very popular as some customers don’t know how to prepare some of the vegetables.

Callioux said talking about the 100-mile diet and educating the public about food security is long overdue.

jsteeves@kelownacapnews.com