Many people assume that you can't eat local foods year-round in Northern climates like where I live in Toronto, Ontario. This is an easy assumption to make when you consider the ground is frozen from December to mid-March.
What you might not realize is that all grocery stores have "storage" foods which are fruits and veggies from last season that are able to keep without spoiling for months.
Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are grown in greenhouses in the winter.
This is great news because it means you can get fresh local Foodland Ontario strawberries even in the depths of winter instead of buying strawberries that have been imported from a continent away. This is better for the planet and means more nutrient-dense food on your dinner plate.
In my latest video, I review all the benefits of shopping locally in Ontario. No matter where you live though, you can enjoy these benefits by shopping locally where you live.
Here's a quick summary of my video:
- Shopping local supports the economy, community and farmers -- everyone benefits!
- Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy locally grown Ontario foods and products.
- There are plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy that are available, fresh, all year-round.
- Next time you're grocery shopping ask where the local foods are or look for the Foodland logo.
- Farmers' markets are a great place to shop for local foods because you can meet the farmer and ask questions.
- Foodland Ontario has a handy availability guide you can use to know when fruits and veggies are in their peak season for freshness.
I love cooking and creating recipes for you to enjoy so I’ve got plenty of yummy dishes that include local foods.
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Broccoli Sweet Potato Feta Frittata
Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
Root Veggie Turmeric Soup
Sauerkraut
Mushroom Soup
Sweet Potato Brownies
This post is sponsored by Foodland Ontario, but all opinions are my own.
Excellent and very informative video Joy! A lot of people think everything in the grocery store is imported during the dead of winter and eating local is near impossible; I'm glad you're telling us that is not the case! There are plenty of delicious fruits like apples, rhubarb and greenhouse strawberries that are available from Ontario even in the dead of winter! Same with vegetables; sweet potatoes, beets, squash, carrots, onion, parsnips, mushrooms - all available in the winter! And let's not forget about local honey, maple syrup, lavender, eggs, dairy, and meats! We are lucky to live in a province full of hard-working farmers who grow and produce a lovely plethora of delicious, healthy and sustainable foods!
ReplyThanks so much Britt!! Agree, many people have this misconception - we are so lucky in Ontario to have access to these foods year-round. Thank you for sharing :)