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A Guide to Spring Produce in Ontario

April showers bring May flowers (and spring produce). Purchasing produce that is in season offers a multitude of benefits for both consumers and the environment. There are many reasons why it is beneficial to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Enhanced Flavor and Nutritional Value: Seasonal produce is typically harvested at its peak ripeness, resulting in superior flavor and nutritional content. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables are often more flavorful, juicier, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Cost-Effectiveness: When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are more abundant and readily available, leading to lower prices. Buying seasonal produce can help you save money on your grocery bill while still enjoying high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Supports Local Farmers: Buying produce locally contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. When consumers purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, it decreases the need for long-distance shipping, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Supporting local farmers also helps to preserve farmland and promote biodiversity by encouraging the cultivation of a wider variety of crops. Additionally, buying locally can strengthen the local economy and community resilience. Furthermore, purchasing produce locally is a key component of sustainable agriculture that benefits the environment, economy, and society.

Environmental Benefits: Eating seasonally can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the energy and resources required to grow and transport out-of-season produce. By choosing locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and support biodiversity.

In the springtime, nature awakens with a vibrant array of fresh produce that delights the senses and nourishes the body. Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that are in season during spring:

IN-SEASON VEGETABLES IN ONTARIO

Asparagus
Beets
Cabbage
Carrots
Cucumber
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Rutabaga
Spinach
Sprouts
Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes

IN-SEASON FRUITS IN ONTARIO

Apples
Rhubarb
Strawberries

Buying produce in season contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance transportation and storage of fruits and vegetables. This helps to lower carbon emissions associated with food transportation and storage, as well as reducing the use of energy and resources required to grow produce out of season. Additionally, buying in-season produce supports local farmers and promotes biodiversity by encouraging the cultivation of a wider variety of crops. Overall, purchasing in-season produce is a more environmentally friendly choice that helps to reduce the ecological footprint of food consumption.

Overall, buying produce that is in season is a win-win for your taste buds, your wallet, local farmers, and the planet. By choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can enjoy fresher, tastier, and more sustainable food options while supporting a healthier food system. To find your nearest farmers’ market visit Farmers’ Markets Ontario.

Enjoy the produce of the season and savor the taste of spring with these delicious fruits and vegetables.

To dive deeper into the topic of building resilient local food systems through sustainable agriculture, check out these OFT articles:

Sources:

https://adventisthealth.org/blog/2022/may/benefits-of-incorporating-seasonal-produce-into-/#:~:text=Seasonal%20produce%20is%20higher%20quality,some%20of%20their%20nutritional%20benefits.

https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide

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