Buy Local, Eat Local

Buying local means, you end up getting the best tastes and flavours the season has to offer. At Summerhill Market, they were sourcing (whenever possible) as many local products and produce as they could to ensure our customers get the best of the best!

Eating farm to table is much easier than you think so long as you know what is in season in your province. Here's a guide to some Ontario-grown produce that can be found in August:

Stone Fruits

The sweetest part of summer has finally arrived...

Locally-grown peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots are now available and ripening to perfection during these upcoming months. These summer fruits, also known as drupes, are identified by their thin, fleshy outer skin and "stone" center containing a seed.

Here are some tips when storing these stone fruits after buying them:

- If unripe, store at room temperature out of the sunlight and place them in a closed paper bag to speed ripening (usually takes 2 to 3 days).

- Once ripe, refrigerate loosely in the low humidity drawer (up to a week) or else they become mealy if left in the fridge for too long.

- Remove the skin from stone fruits before freezing. It's extra work but worth the effort.

- Do not wash until ready to use.

With stone fruits low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they make a sweet addition to your summer diet (fresh or cooked)!

Berries

As strawberries start dwindling, don't you worry because in-season and local berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and red currants are pouring in!

These summertime favourites are both healthy and delicious and can often be used in preserves, jams, smoothies or juices, desserts, and the list goes on.

With Ontario berry growers constantly having a keen eye for new technology worldwide, they have learned to adapt their growing methods to local conditions in Canada. These methods help to ensure that our local berries are always fresh and flavourful.

One of the stars of the berries is Wild Blueberries, often referred to as Lowbush Blueberries because of the height of the plant they come from. Their short but sweet season has finally arrived and makes for the best summer snack to have around the house or for your next road trip.

Root Vegetables

It's time to brighten up the vegetable game with these two colourful, nutrient-dense root vegetables. When in season, radishes and carrots have a deeper, sweeter and juicier flavour.

Because root vegetables grow underground, they absorb a significant number of nutrients from the soil. They are packed with a high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and iron, and slow-burning carbohydrates and fibre, which make you feel full.

If you want to reap these health benefits, check out the endless selection of local colourful organic heirloom carrots (as well as regular carrots) and radishes (four varieties) available now!

Corn

Often referred to as Peaches and Cream, Bi-Colour Sweet Corn has distinctive white and yellow kernels that are so juicy and sweet it has become the "corn connoisseur's choice."

One of the leading suppliers for Sweet Corn and many more is the Welsh Bros. Located in Norfolk County's Scotland, Ontario, they guarantee the freshest, sweetest and most delicious produce available on the market.

They don't use the word "Premium" lightly and always delivers with premium flavour and quality!

Next time you're shopping at a grocery store or market, be sure to look out for this supplier and stock up on these locally-grown produce in season now!