The regularity of farmers’ protests in France are a strong reminder of how important it is to buy locally-produced food. Since living in the Dordogne, I have gradually moved over to buying meat and fruit/vegatables that are grown locally and that follow the seasons.

In the summer I love pulling into the local farmer’s stand to buy melons, tomatoes and peaches grown in the field behind. And then at the market, I buy fresh lettuces, green beans and strawberries…all grown locally.

In the winter I buy a panier of locally-grown organic vegetables at another local farm situated a few kilometres away from where I live. I ring in the morning and go and collect it from them late on a Friday afternoon just in time to enjoy my weekend cooking.

I talk alot about this subject in my book, My Dordogne Life, available on Amazon. I have also published a little cookery book, The Little Dordogne Kitchen, all about food that is specific to the Dordogne, also available on Amazon.