The only thing better than fresh berries, or asparagus, or peas… or anything really, is the fact that you can find them in your back yard. Seasonality is something that forces us to get a little creative in Ontario. While we can’t enjoy a freshly picked Ontario strawberry in the middle of winter, there are lots of ways to enjoy local food year round. That being said, let that be a reminder of the sweetness that awaits us come summer time. Thus we present your ultimate guide to buying in season and buying locally.
Fall (September-October)
As summer comes to an end, holiday season creeps up on everyone. The time of roast turkey and stuffing would not be completed without this wonderful produce.
Brussel Sprouts
The cabbage’s little sister, pungent in flavour, should not be feared but enjoyed after being roasted or sautéed with bacon
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Parsnips
This fall vegetable is closely related to the carrot, sweet as candy, and versatile. Boil and mash, combine with potatoes, or add them to stews and soups
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Pumpkin
This fall vegetable can be used not only in the infamous pie, but also in savoury dishes like cannelloni, or chili, and don’t forget to save those seeds for a late night snack.
Where to buy?
Winter Squash
Quite often found on the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, this vegetable family can be incorporated into an everyday diet as a soup or as a lighter substitute to pasta.
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Apples
This sweet fruit can add a crunch to any salad, be eaten alone, or cooked down into a delicious dessert.
Where to buy?
Early Summer (May-June)
As late spring, early summer roll around, we look forward to the first bite out of a strawberry, or that great rhubarb crisp that your grandma makes, or how about that annual Father’s Day steak paired with grilled asparagus?
Asparagus
These bundles of goodness have a short season but that does not mean they shouldn’t be enjoyed thoroughly; baked, grilled, wrapped in prosciutto, that’s just the beginning of how asparagus can be prepared.
Where to buy?
Rhubarb
This tart stalk pops up in abundance when in season, making a great compote, pie filling, it can even be enjoyed raw and dipped in sugar
Where to buy?
Strawberries
June strawberries are deliciously red and serve as a reminder to the beginning of summer. These flavour bombs are a great addition to any meal of the day.
Where to buy?
Son-in-law Produce Ltd. formerly godelie Family Farms
Summer (July-August)
Long days and beautiful nights call for time spent with family, friends, and good fresh food. Settle in with a creamy potato salad or grab a bite of delicious corn on the cob.
Beans
These guys taste great with just about any dinner, tossed in butter and nutmeg, served alongside hummus for dipping, or even just boiled
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Beets
These root vegetables are typically steamed but taste just as yummy boiled, broiled, roasted or any other way you decide to prepare them, the roots, stems, and leaves are edible and they make a great addition to any salad.
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Carrots
A classic vegetable, a favourite amongst many families, carrots are even the star of the ever popular cake!
Where to buy?
Corn
Sweet and juicy, whether you’re enjoying it directly off the cob or in another dish, boiled or grilled. This vegetable is a summer favourite.
Where to buy?
Garlic
A year round flavour found in a plethora of dishes is finally ready to harvest after a long growing season
Where to buy?
Rooster Creek Farm
Leeks
Often found in soups this relative to the onion is also delicious thinly sliced and sautéed
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Peas
These sweet little morsels are incredibly versatile and can be paired with anything from mint to bacon, to cheese.
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Potatoes
No stranger to most households, potatoes can be prepared in an infinite number of ways, mashed, baked, roasted, scalloped, in galette, the list goes on.
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Tomatoes
Whether they’re acting as the base to ketchup, served sliced up on a burger, stuffed with mozzarella, tomatoes play a big role in many ways
Where to buy?
Ann Slater Fresh Organic Vegetables
Blueberries
A sweet perk to the summer, blueberries make for a great family outing, to pick your own that is.
Where to buy?
Cantaloupe
Great paired with prosciutto, mixed into a smoothie, or eaten on its own this melon is sure to offer a burst of flavour
Where to buy?
Raspberries
These berries are fresh and ready to be eaten during the summer, or preserved for the winter that’s encroaching on long summer days
Where to buy?
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Looking for one stop shopping? Check out our farm markets in Oxford County.