6 splurge-worthy artisanal food to try in Toronto

Toronto foodies can feast on a cornucopia of artisanal products found at local farmers markets, independent retailers and corporately-owned grocery stores. While these items may induce some serious sticker shock, sometimes you just have to treat yourself.

Here are 6 splurge-worthy artisanal food items you can find in Toronto.

Ghee
Clarified butter is a staple in Indian cuisine thanks to its high smoke point. Toronto-based company Lee's Ghee created an entire line of ghee ($20.99 to $22.49), which includes maple sugar, za'atar and vanilla-flavoured varieties.

Jam
Kitten and The Bear in Parkdale whips up small batches of jam and preserves in a variety of seasonal flavours. These beautifully-packaged jars cost around $12, but they'll definitely jazz up a plain slice of toast or, better yet, a freshly-baked scone.

Tea
Sloane Tea offers its proprietary blends and flavours, like Heavenly Cream ($18 for 100 grams), in ornate yet well-designed tins. You can order tea online or find it in Toronto stores such as Pusateri's and Maisonette, among many others.

Cured Meat
Table Mountain Curing Company sells its elevated meat snacks at high-end grocery stores around the city. You can also order these beefy treats online. Six 60-gram packages of cured beef steak will cost you $39.99, cured slabs start at $29.95 and 400-grams of beer sticks go for $29.95.

Honey
For all your honey-related needs you can always head to The Bee Shop in Bloordale. Alternatively, go online and order a 250-gram jar of Nude Bee Honey Co.'s small-batch product for $14.99.

Smoked Salmon
Up your bagel-and-lox game with freshly-smoked salmon from The Smoke Bloke. You can order online and pick it up from the smokery's east end location.

Photo via Lee's Ghee.

by Amy Grief via blogTO