Who knew that food could be so much fun? The current craving for locally grown food has taken hold in Durham with some delightful results, bringing out the hidden forager in many of us as we browse newly opened farmers' markets in search of early summer delights including strawberries, spinach, asparagus and peas.

Pickering's 100-Mile Farmers' Market opened its second season June 25 with specialty produce seldom seen in grocery stores, most notably, scapes, the green tops of young garlic that are picked so the bulb can mature fully.

"Chefs love these," said Marlene McKay, who grows them (along with many other crops) on her 80-acre Willowtree Farm near Port Perry.

Two farmers were selling local strawberries. At the River Road Gardens' stand, remarkably fresh-looking spring-mixed greens, spinach, bok choi and cilantro looked tempting.

Heirloom tomatoes, squashes and pumpkins are promised later in the summer when the number of market vendors is expected to swell from seven to 14. Everything was local, including the fragrant bunches of sweet William blooms that John Fraser was selling for just $5.50. Hosted by the Durham West Arts Centre Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. to Oct. 8, the 100-Mile Farmers' Market is held in the parking lot behind the Pickering Recreation Complex on Valley Farm Rd. 905-492-2522, www.dwac.ca.

Set amidst farmland, the charming town of Port Perry seems a natural venue for a farm market. Taste of Scugog, a new Saturday morning mini-market, is expected to bring a dozen vendors each week to the parking lot overlooking Lake Scugog at the end of Mary Street.

Participating vendors must produce 70 per cent of their goods on Durham farms and the remainder must be raised within Ontario. Look for baked goods, jams and pickles, herbs and honey in addition to the regular fruit and veggies. Durham is spoiled for choice when it comes to farmers' markets. You'll find them in: Beaverton, Brooklin, Clarington, Oshawa Centre, Oshawa Zellers Plaza, Uxbridge and Whitby. For details, visit www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/durham.

Farm-fresh food is also making it into some great regional cuisine. At Parkwood National Historic Site, chef Sarah Groen has created a local menu as charming as the Parkwood teahouse in which it is served. Especially noteworthy for locovores are the farm-themed Thursday night dinners, each featuring a product from a local farm. To reserve, call 905-433-4312.

Visit www.durhamtourism.ca for more information on these and other attractions.

Betty Zyvatkauskas is a Durham Tourism writer. Look for her columns each month in This Week and her blog at www.newsdurhamregion.com.