If you’re like us, you’d rather fresh, local fruits and veggies than the subpar imported produce found on many grocery store shelves. The best selection is often found at our local farmers’ markets (here is a list of many of Ontario’s farmers’ markets). Head down to your local market and see what you can find!
Looking for inspiration?
Join us as we embark on a journey through the province’s diverse produce offerings, exploring how we all can enjoy and elevate the flavors of these seasonal treats!
Apples
August marks the beginning of apple season in Ontario, and there’s an apple variety for every palate. From sweet Honeycrisp apples to tart Granny Smiths, these fruits are perfect for snacking, baking into pies, or making homemade homemade applesauce.
Apples and cinnamon offer an incredible flavor combination. However, you may be surprised to learn that what we commonly find in grocery stores as “cinnamon” is often “cassia,” a cheaper substitute for true “Ceylon” cinnamon. Unlike authentic cinnamon, cassia can pose health risks with potential liver damage and other concerns, as reported by Healthline.com. Be careful with the cheap stuff, or invest in high-quality Ceylon cinnamon instead, which is safer to use.
Artichoke
Artichokes are a delightful addition to any table, boasting a unique flavor and tender texture. Steam them and serve with a delectable dip, or roast them to bring out their earthy undertones.
Add a pinch of The Zest Spice Company’s Italian Seasoning Salt to enhance artichoke’s flavors. Just a little goes a long way to accent the natural flavours of the artichoke.
Beans
Freshly harvested beans, like green beans and broad beans, are abundant during August. These versatile legumes can be sautéed, steamed, or added to stir-fries for a nutritious side dish.
When it comes to picking your own produce, beans are often overlooked. When you head out to the fields for strawberries and apples, stop over for some beans!
Beets
With the late summer nearly upon us, it is time for fresh beets! Colorful and earthy, beets are a versatile staple in salads and roasted dishes. Enjoy them roasted, steamed, or even raw for a nutrient-packed crunch. Packed with vitamins and minerals, beets offer nourishing goodness and delightful flavors to savor.
Blueberries
Ontario blueberries reach their peak sweetness in August, making them perfect for desserts, smoothies, and breakfast treats. Toss them into a fruit salad or bake them into muffins for a delightful burst of natural sweetness.
Looking to add a little something extra to your blueberries?
Many spices pair well with blueberries. Cinnamon adds warmth to the natural sweetness of blueberries, while vanilla adds depth or floral notes.
If you’d like to try something different, here is a simple recipe for a lovely blueberry compote.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be harvested in Ontario starting in the late-spring, so many people forget it is still readily available in late-summer. Nutrient-rich and versatile, broccoli shines in various dishes – stir-fries, roasts, soups, and more. Packed with vitamins C, K, and A, it boosts immunity, supports bones, and promotes healthy vision. Its fiber content aids digestion.
Cabbage
Cabbage, whether green or purple, is a versatile and widely used vegetable in various culinary delights. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it an essential ingredient in coleslaws and hearty salads, adding a refreshing and crunchy element. Shred it finely to create a delightful slaw or use large cabbage leaves as a wrap for an array of delicious fillings.
In Ontario, cabbage is generally available for harvest from late summer through the fall.
Carrots
Sweet and vibrant, carrots are a beloved vegetable that delights as both a wholesome snack and a versatile ingredient. When freshly harvested, their natural sweetness is at its peak, making them a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. Roast them with a drizzle of honey for a delightful caramelized flavor, creating a sweet treat that will satisfy your tastebuds. Alternatively, blend them into soups and stews to add a velvety texture and a burst of nutrition.
In Ontario, carrots are typically available for harvest from late summer through the fall.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower’s mild flavor makes it a versatile and sought-after vegetable that can be adapted to suit a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or a delicious side dish, cauliflower has got you covered. Transform it into cauliflower rice for a healthy and satisfying option, or roast it with an array of spices to bring out its natural sweetness and create a savory delight. Blend it into creamy soups for a comforting and velvety texture that warms the soul.
In Ontario, cauliflower is generally available for harvest during the late summer through the fall.
Celery
Celery’s refreshing crunch makes it a versatile and popular addition to various culinary creations. Whether tossed into vibrant salads, enhancing the flavors of hearty soups, or enjoyed with peanut butter as a quick snack, celery adds a delightful texture and taste to any dish.
Celery is typically available for harvest from late spring through the summer in Ontario.
Corn
August is corn season, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying freshly harvested corn on the cob. Boil or grill it and season with butter and Himalayan Pink Salt for a mouthwatering treat that embodies the essence of summer.
Cucumbers
Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers are a summer favorite. Slice them for refreshing salads or infuse water with their essence for a cooling beverage.
Add a pinch of The Zest Spice Company’s Italian Seasoning Salt to elevate your sliced cucumbers for the perfect side for any meal.
Field cucumbers are available between June and September, but we often find the best cucumbers in August.
Garlic
Garlic’s aromatic and pungent flavor adds depth to many dishes. Sauté it for savory sauces, mince it into a dressing for salads, or roast bulbs for a delicious mild spread.
Do you have lots of garlic? Peel the garlic and cover it with olive oil, then roast at 325° Fahrenheit (160° Celsius) for 60 minutes. The result is a garlic-infused oil and tons of roasted garlic. Blend it together for a delicious spread, which is perfect for garlic bread. This simple recipe will last in the freezer for months.
Ontario’s garlic season typically ends in August.
Lettuce
Freshly harvested lettuce varieties, such as iceberg and romaine, are perfect for refreshing salads and wraps. If you’re heading to the market or pick-your-own farms, grab some while you’re there – lettuce pairs with just about everything on this list!
Lettuce can be harvested between June through October in Ontario.
Onions
Onions are essential for countless recipes, adding depth and flavor. Caramelize them for a savory, aromatic addition to soups and stews, or for the perfect side to a steak.
Ontario’s red and Spanish onions are typically harvested starting in late-August.
Pears
Juicy and succulent, pears are a delightful seasonal fruit perfect for desserts and salads. Poach them with high-quality Ceylon cinnamon an easy, elegant dessert. Alternatively, slice them thinly and add to salads, pairing wonderfully with blue cheese and candied nuts.
You can find fresh pears in Ontario from late-August through early-October.
Peas
Sweet and tender, freshly picked peas are a quintessential summer treat. Enjoy them in salads, pasta dishes, or as a side dish sautéed with garlic.
Peas are harvested from June through September in Ontario.
Peppers
Colorful bell peppers, with their sweet flavor, are a staple in cuisines from around the world. Roast them to bring out their natural sweetness, stuff them with seasoned rice and herbs, or slice them for vibrant fajitas.
Pepper crops are ready for harvest starting in late-July, lasting through early-October.
Plums
August is the time for sweet and juicy plums, perfect for snacking or incorporating into desserts. Poach them with a touch of honey for a sumptuous treat. Plums can also be transformed into chutneys or compotes to accompany savory dishes.
Look for Ontario plums from August through October.
Potatoes
Potatoes, a beloved comfort food, are available… well… pretty much year-round in Ontario. This is great news for many, considering the incredibly wide range of cooking methods. Roast them with The Zest Spice Company’s Roasted Potato Blend for simple, crispy and flavorful potatoes.
Tomatoes
August through October brings an abundance of juicy and flavorful field tomatoes to Ontario’s tables. Slice them for Caprese salads, cook them down for rich pasta sauces, stuff them with seasoned breadcrumbs, or slice them in half before dropping them on the grill.
The Zest Spice Company’s Zesty Italian blend will enhance the taste of these summer gems.
This is another instance when Italian Seasoning Salt can be used to elevate your vegetables. Add a pinch your tomatoes – your tastebuds will thank you!
Squash
Winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn come into their own during the latter part of the year. Roast them with olive oil for a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Summer squash varieties, such as zucchini and yellow squash, shine during August. Spiralize them into noodles or grill them for a smoky flavor. These squash varieties add a delightful touch to summer meals.
Ontario’s fields and orchards offer a treasure trove of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. From crisp apples to juicy blueberries and from earthy beets to versatile zucchini, the options are endless.
Support local farms by picking your own produce or join us at our local farmers’ markets for an incredible selection of amazing produce.
Happy cooking!
