Eat seasonally and take advantage of summer’s bounty

Greenbelt FreshYou only need to nosh on a tasteless tomato or under-ripe watermelon in the midst of winter to appreciate that eating seasonal, local and fresh fruit and vegetables is key to enjoying a food’s full-scale flavour.

As well as maximum taste, however, fruit and veggies picked at the peak of their harvest also offer greater nutritional value than their out-of-season counterparts. Summertime in Canada, of course, highlights a bounty of delicious and healthy ingredients in a variety of hues.

Arainbow of seasonal food provides you with the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you require to optimally nourish your body. Eating locally grown food also encourages sustainable farm practices, such as the avoidance of pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified seeds.

As well as yielding a superior product, locally grown and seasonal produce also comes with environmental and economical benefits. Sourcing produce from area farmers reduces the mileage your food travels to your table, as well as your carbon footprint.

Bountiful, seasonal food is also priced more affordably than food flown in from out-of-country. As well as saving you on grocery bills, buying local means financially supporting the farmers that feed us.

When it comes to produce, growing your own garden, of course, can’t get any more flavourful, healthful and budget-friendly. Don’t forget to complement your backyard yield with a delicious lineup of Tofutti treats.

This includes products like our delectable non-dairy frozen desserts, which pair perfectly with summer fruit. Meanwhile, our dairy-free cream cheese , sour cream and cheese slices, add texture, taste and richness to a range of favourite summertime recipes.

Here’s what should be on your plate this season:

 

Early-mid summer

 

Mid-late summer

 

Late summer

Rhubarb

Strawberries

Salad greens

Asparagus

Broad beans

Broccoli

Fennel

Garlic

Spring onions

Rhubarb

 

Beetroot

Eggplant

Chicory

Chilies

Potatoes

Shallots

Carrots

Celery

Zucchini

Cucumbers

Blackberries

Blueberries

Apricots

Eggplant

Cherries

Plums

Peaches

Summer squash

Turnips

Tomatoes

Raspberries

Melons