Healthy Measures: Get fresh! 

It is now the time when farmer’s markets are open and many local farms offer pick your own produce or you can purchase just-picked vegetables and fruit at their road-side stands. In addition to getting fresh, tasty produce in season, it’s a sure way to help you get your daily requirements for vegetables and fruit servings based on Canada’s Food Guide.

Here is a quick snapshot of when locally-grown vegetables and fruit are in season:

June - July: This is the time when the first crops of local asparagus, peas, radicchio, lettuce, cherries and strawberries make their debut at farmer’s markets and grocery shelves.

Feature recipe:
Soy ginger glazed asparagus

August – September: These are the best months for locally grown tomatoes, beans, eggplant, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, blueberries, peaches, watermelons and plums.

Feature recipe:
Wild rice pilaf with broccoli and cauliflower

October – November: The fall season is best known for hearty vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, red onions, pumpkins, squash and fruits like apples and pears.

Feature recipe:
Autumn chicken and squash dinner

Check out Foodland Ontario for a year-round availability guide for Ontario produce and other recipes.

For more information:
http://www.greenbeltfresh.ca/
www.farmersmarketsontario.com/

Do you have questions on nutrition and healthy eating? Contact EatRight Ontario at 1-877-510-5102 to speak to a Registered Dietitian for free.