The Ultimate Ontario Summer Fruit & Veg Guide 🍁

Summer in Ontario is a feast for the senses—and your taste buds. We celebrate this vibrant season by bringing you the freshest local fruits and vegetables straight from Ontario farms. From sweet field strawberries to crisp non-GMO corn, juicy field tomatoes, and tender pod peas, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Ontario’s summer bounty—plus how to store and enjoy it all!

🍓 Ontario Field Strawberries
(June-October)

Juicy, red, and bursting with flavour, Ontario field strawberries are the true kickoff to summer produce season.

How to Store

  • Store unwashed in the fridge in a paper towel-lined container with the lid slightly ajar.

  • Best eaten within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.

How to Use

  • Add to smoothies, yogurt, or breakfast bowls

  • Bake into pies, muffins, or make homemade jam

  • Slice over ice cream or mix into salads

Pro Tip: Freeze whole or sliced berries on a baking tray before storing in a freezer bag—perfect for off-season use.

🌱 Ontario Pod Peas (June–August)

Sweet, crisp, and utterly refreshing, Ontario pod peas—like sugar snap peas and snow peas—are a delicious snack or stir-fry star.

How to Store

  • Keep in a plastic bag or produce container in the fridge.

  • Best enjoyed within 3–5 days for crunch and sweetness.

How to Use

  • Snack on raw with hummus or dip

  • Toss into stir-fries or noodle dishes

  • Lightly sauté or steam for a simple side

Pro Tip: Snap and string pod peas before eating for the best crunch and texture!

🫐 Ontario Wild Blueberries (June–October)

Small but mighty, Ontario blueberries are nutrient-packed and incredibly versatile.

How to Store

  • Store unwashed in the fridge in a container with airflow.

  • They last 7–10 days if kept dry and cool.

How to Use

  • Stir into oatmeal or pancake batter

  • Blend into smoothies or freeze for later use

  • Bake into muffins or blueberry crisp

Pro Tip: Freeze on a baking sheet and then store in freezer bags for mess-free use all year long.

🌽 Ontario Sweet Corn (July–October)

Nothing says Ontario summer quite like freshly picked sweet corn. Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, our local corn is always a crowd-pleaser and our top selling produce every year!

How to Store

  • Keep corn in its husk and refrigerate as soon as possible.

  • If husked, wrap tightly in plastic or foil.

How to Use

  • Grill with butter and herbs

  • Boil and add to summer salads or salsas

  • Cut off the cob and freeze for soups or chowders

Pro Tip: For easy husk removal, microwave corn (in the husk) for 2–3 minutes—then slip it right off!

🍅 Ontario Field Tomatoes (July - October)

Sun-ripened and vine-picked, Ontario field tomatoes are a seasonal highlight with unbeatable flavour and juiciness.

How to Store

  • Keep tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

  • Do not refrigerate unless they are fully ripe and need to be used soon—it dulls their flavour and texture.

How to Use

  • Slice for sandwiches, burgers, or caprese salad

  • Chop into fresh salsas or bruschetta

  • Roast for sauces, soups, or savoury tarts

Pro Tip: Gently score and blanch tomatoes for easy peeling when making sauces or canning.

🍑 Ontario Peaches (Late July–September)

Fragrant, juicy, and rich in flavour, Ontario peaches are perfect for snacking or baking.

How to Store

  • Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate to prolong freshness.

  • Use ripe peaches within 3–5 days.

How to Use

  • Slice over cereal, yogurt, or toast

  • Grill with honey or serve in fruit salads

  • Bake into crisps, cobblers, or blend into smoothies

Pro Tip: Keep ripe peaches stem-side down in a single layer at room temperature to minimize bruising and maintain their juicy texture.

🍴 Make the Most of Ontario’s Summer Harvest

Summer is short, but Ontario’s growing season is rich with flavour and freshness. At Orchard Fruit Market, we take pride in sourcing the best from local farmers so your meals taste as good as they are wholesome.

Visit us in-store or explore what’s in season on our website. Have a favourite recipe using Ontario summer produce? Share it with us on Instagram or Facebook—we’d love to feature you!

Next
Next

How to Add Colour to Your Garden: Three Simple Tips for a Vibrant Outdoor Space