Spring has finally arrived in Burlington! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and our produce aisles at Farmer Jack’s Market are brimming with fresh, local delights. Embracing seasonal eating not only ensures you're enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrition but also supports our local farmers and reduces environmental impact.
Here's a look at what's in season in Ontario this spring and some tasty ideas to incorporate them into your meals.
🥬 Asparagus
Season: May to late June
Ontario asparagus is a springtime favorite—crisp, tender, and packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamin K. All these benefits lead to lower blood pressure, better digestion, healthier eyesight, and may even potentially aid against cancer with their antioxidants.
Try this: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt, then grill or roast until tender.
🍓 Strawberries
Season: Late May to July
Nothing beats the sweet, juicy taste of locally grown strawberries. Quick easy treats, taste wonderful, and can be mixed into numerous snacks. They're rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious treat. On top of that, Strawberries are marvelous when it comes to keeping a healthy heart!
Try this: Slice fresh strawberries over a bowl of yogurt and granola, or blend them into a refreshing smoothie.
🌸 Rhubarb
Season: May to early July
Rhubarb's tart flavor makes it a unique addition to both sweet and savory dishes. It's a good source of fiber and vitamin K which can play a big role in bone health by adding structure and regulating and bone growth.
Try this: Since we just sold you on Strawberries, combine chopped rhubarb with strawberries to make a classic pie or simmer it into a compote to top pancakes and waffles.
🥗 Spring Greens
Season: April to June
Tender greens like arugula, spinach, and baby kale are abundant in spring. They're loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. What’s even better is that while they supercharge your health, they are extremely light and carry very little calories (but be weary of calorically dense supermarket salad dressings, people often overload their salads with them and defeat the light caloric benefits of these healthy greens).
Try this: Create a fresh salad with mixed greens, sliced radishes, and a light vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken or tofu for protein.
🌼 Why Eat Seasonally?
Eating with the seasons offers numerous benefits:
- Flavor & Nutrition: Produce harvested at its peak tastes better and retains more nutrients.
- Support Local Farmers: Buying seasonal produce supports our local agricultural community.
- Environmental Impact: Local, seasonal foods require less transportation, reducing carbon emissions.
And, you’ll be able to call yourself a Locavore (not to be confused with Locovore, which we assume would mean being a crazy eater).
🛒 Visit Farmer Jack’s Market
At Farmer Jack’s Market, we're proud to offer a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local farms. Whether you're looking for crisp asparagus, juicy strawberries, or tender spring greens, we've got you covered.
Don't forget to explore our cold-pressed juices, made fresh daily to complement your healthy lifestyle.
Stay up to date with our deals by following us on instagram! @farmer_jacksmarket