Earth Candy isn't just pretty flowers and bins overflowing with peaches, we also raise animals in our effort towards Full Circle Farming. To create some of your favourite artisan foods we begin with traditional artisan farming.
One of our most popular products at the Earth Candy Market is our custom charcuterie. These items are made with three simple ingredients: pork, spices, and bacterial culture. Ellis has been working directly with our butcher in Vancouver to recreate some of the classic Czech salamis from his childhood, which feature spices such as caraway, juniper berries, and paprika. Our family favourite is the Landjäger, which is traditionally eaten by hikers and hunters on long journeys, as it does not require refrigeration and comes in single serving portions. Come check out our salami selection at the market this Saturday!
Salami: Wine, Cervelat, German, Garlic, Paprika
Other: Dry Cured Pepperoni, Landjager, Schinkenspeck, Liverwurst
We began raising pigs at Earth Candy Farm in 2013 and in 2016 we purchased a boar to begin a breeding program. Our pigs are a mix of Berkshire, Large Black, Mule Foot, and Tamworth. Raised outdoors, we keep them moving onto fresh pasture, and besides a small amount of organic grain, they mostly consume a vast amount of fruit and vegetable compost that we acquire from our organic wholesaler in Vancouver. For us, full circle farming refers to a continuous cycling of nutrients on the farm, with as little loss and as little inputs as possible. Pigs provide a huge contribution by their manure and ability to turn the soil, this in turn helps us grow vegetables and flowers more successfully, and any waste from the garden is fed back to the pigs.
As we enter the holiday season, we want to tell you about two local businesses who are featuring our products in their holiday offerings. Deb and Miranda of Salt Spring Goods have a wonderful fresh crate full of locally made products, including our landjager salami! Austen Brown of The Salty Whisk is also featuring our salami (as well as many of our other specialty items such as olives, fruit, and cheese) on her party boards - she also offers vegetarian and gluten free options! Email her directly to order one today.