LOCAL FRUITS AND VEGGIES TASTE GREAT YEAR-ROUND

From NEWS CANADA

As you dig yourself out of yet another snowfall, remember that your snacking and dinner options don’t have to dwindle during winter. In fact, many local fruits and vegetables are available even in the colder months.

Winter is an amazing time to explore hearty root vegetables. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and beets are not only packed with nutritious qualities but also provide a burst of flavour that perfectly complements warm stews and soups. These versatile vegetables can be roasted, mashed and added to a wide variety of dishes, making them a staple in your winter cooking.

Local apples, which are harvested in the fall, can also be enjoyed throughout the winter. Thanks to advanced storage technology, they remain fresh and flavourful throughout the year. Whether you prefer the classic McIntosh or the newer Honeycrisp variety, you’ll have Ontario apples at your disposal all winter long. Try using them in desserts with delicious recipes like apple crisp or caramel apple cheesecake.

Don’t forget about greenhouse vegetables, either. Greenhouses allow for the growth of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and, increasingly, fruit like strawberries, indoors all year long. These ingredients are perfect additions to your favourite salads, adding freshness even during the peak of winter.

Buying local will not only help you stretch your food budget, but it’s also climate-friendly and more sustainable. A shorter distance from farm to plate means fewer emissions and less food waste. Plus, you’re supporting Ontario fruit and vegetable farmers who are using a wide range of environmentally friendly practices that support sustainable production.

This includes investments in technologies and practices that support more efficient use of water, energy and fertilizer; using tools like soil testing and cover crops; and reducing water and pesticide use.

Learn more about the varieties of fruits and vegetables grown in Ontario and how they’re being harvested sustainably at ofvga.org.