Eating Local, Eating Seasonal. Winter Produce in Ontario

Do you eat local? Do you eat with the seasons? Did you know that there is lots of produce considered "in season" in Ontario in the winter?

Eating local and seasonal in Ontario during winter can be a delightful way to enjoy fresh, sustainable, and nutrient-rich foods while supporting local farmers and reducing your environmental footprint. While the harsh winters limit some produce options, there are still plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other products that thrive in Ontario's cold climate or can be stored for winter use.

Root Vegetables (Typically harvested in late fall, stored, and available through winter)

• Carrots

• Beets

• Parsnips

• Turnips

• Sweet Potatoes

• Potatoes (Available throughout winter)

• Squash (Varieties like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash)

  
  

Leafy Greens (Cold-hardy varieties)

• Kale (Some varieties are hardy and can be grown or harvested into late fall, and stored or used fresh during winter)

• Spinach (Can be grown in cold frames or harvested in early winter)

• Mustard Greens

  
  

Brassicas (Members of the cabbage family)

• Cabbage (Often harvested in late fall and stored for winter use)

• Brussels Sprouts (These grow well into winter and are very frost-tolerant)

• Broccoli (Late-season varieties can be harvested into the colder months)

• Cauliflower

  
  

Storage Fruits

• Apples (Varieties like Empire, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are available throughout winter when stored properly)

• Pears (Stored pears like Bosc or Bartlett can be found in winter months)

• Cranberries (Harvested in fall, but available fresh or frozen throughout winter)

  
  

Winter Herbs

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Mint (If protected, mint may survive winter, or can be used dried)

• Oregano

Eating locally in winter in Ontario is a wonderful way to embrace the season’s offerings, and with a little creativity, you can make the most of the winter bounty!

Food for thought!

...Stay Healthy Friends! :0)

T xo