Juicy Morsel May 15, 2009 - What's in Season?

What's in Season?

I really believe that taking advantage of the seasons is a big part of enjoying healthy eating. Eating what's in season just feels good in a way that I just can't explain. Think of corn on the cob at a picnic in August or baked squash in dreary November.

I also put away seasonal foods in the freezer to enjoy the rest of the year. Having a well-stocked freezer is key to how I eat healthfully with this busy life. For example, I eat yogurt with fruit almost every day throughout the year - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, stewed rhubarb, and cherries (check out the pic of my deep-freeze stocked with what's left of last summer's fruit). Right now I'm enjoying my yogurt with plums - from our backyard tree, cut in half, pitted and frozen by my neighbour last september.

So what's in season now?

If you've been following me you'll know that here in BC spot prawns, nettles, dandelion, and rhubarb are in season. So are a wide variety of lettuce and dark leafy greens, salad turnips, radishes, some wild mushrooms and early onions. Halibut season is coming soon (or perhaps it's started already?).

I've also heard "through the grapevine" that asparagus is in season in Ontario.

The best way to find out what's in season is to ask people where you buy your food. Smaller vendors will have a better idea but you may also find some knowledgeable staff at bigger grocery stores. Of course farmers, fishers, and gatherers know what's in season the best. Farmers Market season is fast approaching - the Trout Lake market in East Vancouver starts tomorrow.

There are also some websites with info:

The 100 Mile folks on FoodNetwork have a good listing that you can search by province:. http://100mile.foodtv.ca/providers/foods/bc

ActNow BC has a listing of the seasons for vegetable and fruit in BC: http://www.actnowbc.ca/everyone/buy_local,_in_season_fruits_and_vegetables

To find a Farmers Market near you in BC check out the BC Association of Farmers Markets website: http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/findamarket.asp