Written by Palmetto Bluff
Jun 22, 2022
When deciding where to eat, there are many factors to consider. You may be debating whether you’re in the mood for southern comfort food or a scrumptious Italian meal. Or, you may consider whether you want to indulge in fine dining or enjoy a casual meal. However, do you ever stop to consider where restaurants source their ingredients from?
Farm to table dining involves sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen in the area. When restaurants procure their ingredients locally, they are supporting the livelihoods of members of their community. Plus, the food is fresh and flavorful, making for especially delicious dishes.
The Lowcountry is home to some of the best farm to table dining in the country. With over four million acres of farmland throughout the state, South Carolina is driven by agriculture. Not to mention, the nearby Atlantic Ocean and winding rivers are home to an abundance of fresh fish, oysters, and other seafood.
Continue reading to discover the many benefits of farm to table dining. Plus, take an inside look at The Farm here at Palmetto Bluff.
Farm fresh food is like no other in terms of taste. When compared to other establishments that use frozen or packaged ingredients, you will definitely be able to notice the difference. Farm fresh food is practically bursting with flavor, whereas processed food can taste bland. Whether it’s the sweetness of a locally grown peach or an oyster that tastes like the salty sea, farm to table dining provides an experience like no other.
Farm to table dining incorporates fresh, natural ingredients. That way, you always know what you are eating and don’t have to worry about harmful preservatives and chemicals that may be present in processed food. Knowing exactly what is in a dish is also helpful if you have a food allergy or intolerance. Simply speak to the chef and they will be able to tell you exactly what ingredients are present in each meal.
Farm fresh foods are rich in nutritional value. When foods are frozen and preserved, they can lose their vitamin C and moisture content as well as other vital nutrients. However, when you eat farm fresh meals, you can rest assured that you are receiving the full amount of nutrients present in the meal.
Whether you are simply visiting the area or you call the Lowcountry home, supporting the local economy can help an entire town or city thrive. In the United States, many local farms struggle to compete with industrial farming and importing. However, when you choose farm to table dining, not only are you supporting a locally-owned business, but you’re also supporting the farmers and fishermen responsible for providing the ingredients.
Not only is local farming better for the economy, it is also better for the environment. Since local food doesn’t have to be transported from long distances, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local farms also help to protect the natural landscape by preserving acres of farmland and natural ecosystems.
Most farm to table restaurants have seasonally changing menus because they only use ingredients grown locally. Since not all produce is grown year-round, the dishes must adapt to what is currently in season. For example, the dessert menu may switch from peach cobbler in the summer to apple pie in the fall. This allows the chef to use ingredients that are in season and will provide the most flavor.
Seasonally changing menus also offer plenty of variety to regular diners. You will never get tired of visiting your favorite farm to table restaurant as there will always be something new to try. It’s a win-win!
At Palmetto Bluff, we have a working farm on the property that we use to source ingredients for many of our restaurants. Our farm manager, Shane Rahn, monitors the day-to-day operations of the Palmetto Bluff Farm, developing the seasonal plantings and harvests that will be used in our signature dishes created by Executive Chef Rhy.
With membership into the Palmetto Bluff Club, residents are granted exclusive access to this diverse selection of eateries that offer dining sourced from The Farm. Our casual offerings include the Canteen, which serves a variety of fresh breakfast sandwiches, homemade panini, wraps, and colorful salads. Meanwhile, the May River Grille at the clubhouse is an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat after a round of golf.
For members looking to indulge in fresh seafood, our “coastal kitchen” at the Canoe Club celebrates local seafood, partnering with local fishermen and harvesters. Here, Executive Chef Rhy and Farmer Shane are truly dedicated to working together to source and grow ingredients that can be used in the kitchen. In addition to The Farm, we also source oysters, shrimp, and fish directly from the May River and the Atlantic Ocean. That way, we are able to create fresh farm to table dishes that honor the bounty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Culinary excellence is just one of the many benefits of the exclusive Palmetto Bluff Club. In addition to access to the finest restaurants, members also enjoy an array of unique amenities. From sporting camaraderie and outdoor adventure to wellness pursuits and waterway excursions, members are truly living a life of luxury.
Interested in learning more about the Palmetto Bluff Club? Click the button below to connect with us! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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