Farm to Table: A Fresh & Local Thanksgiving Dinner Guide
Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished celebrations of the year — a time to gather around the table, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on the blessings of the harvest season. For many of us, it’s also a time to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal filled with comforting flavours and time-honoured traditions.
At Orchard Fruit Market, we believe that the freshest food comes from close to home. That’s why we’re proud to offer an abundance of Ontario-grown produce, locally made products, and seasonal inspiration to help you create the ultimate farm-to-table Thanksgiving dinner!
Let’s explore how you can build your holiday meal around fresh, local, and delicious ingredients — all available right here at Orchard Fruit Market.
Why Farm-to-Table Matters
A farm-to-table Thanksgiving isn’t just about flavour — though fresh-picked ingredients absolutely taste better. It’s about:
Supporting local farmers and producers
Reducing food miles and your carbon footprint
Eating seasonally and sustainably
Celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of Ontario
When you fill your table with food that’s grown, raised, or made close to home, you’re making a choice that supports your community and reconnects you with where your food comes from.
Step 1: Shop the Season
Thanksgiving falls at the peak of Ontario’s harvest season, and that means Orchard Fruit Market is bursting with everything you need to create a beautiful, wholesome meal.
What’s in Season Right Now:
Bala Cranberries
Apples
Freshly Pressed Apple Cider
Pears
Squash
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Carrots, Beets, Turnips & Parsnips
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Yellow & Green Beans
Potatoes
Wild Blueberries
Sweet Corn
Onions, Garlic & Shallots
Fresh Herbs
Pumpkins (for baking and decorating!)
These ingredients form the backbone of a classic Thanksgiving menu, and they shine brightest when they’re fresh from local farms.
Step 2: Build Your Farm-to-Table Menu
Here’s a complete Thanksgiving dinner menu inspired by fresh, local produce and designed to make your table shine.
The Main Event: Roasted Turkey with Fresh Herb Butter
You can’t go wrong with a classic roast turkey. Create a simple herb butter using fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary from the market, and rub it under the skin for rich, aromatic flavour. Garnish with Ontario Wild Blueberries and citrus for a cozy rustic feel.
Pro Tip: Add apple slices and onions to your roasting pan for a subtle sweetness and extra moisture.
Side #1: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort like creamy mashed potatoes with a buttery texture. Blend with roasted Ontario garlic for added depth.
Pro Tip: Warm your butter and cream first for smoother mash. Roast Ontario garlic until golden and fold in.
Side #2: Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with local maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and cracked pepper. Roast until caramelized and crispy.
Pro Tip: Add toasted pecans or cranberries for a festive crunch.
Side #3: Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables
Combine Ontario squash, heirloom carrots, beets, and parsnips with olive oil and rosemary. Roast on a baking sheet until golden — a simple and colourful dish that celebrates the harvest.
Pro Tip: Pat veggies dry before tossing with oil and herbs to help them roast crispy, not soggy.
Side #4: Apple & Sage Stuffing
Upgrade your stuffing with chunks of fresh Ontario apple and chopped sage. Use day-old sourdough bread and sautéed onions for classic texture and rich flavour.
All ingredients available at Orchard Fruit Market — including locally baked bread if you don’t want to bake your own!
Pro Tip: Soak the bread cubes briefly in warm broth to keep the stuffing moist.
Side #5: Homemade Cranberry Apple Sauce
Skip the can. Simmer fresh Bala Cranberries with diced apples, orange zest, and maple syrup. The tart-sweet flavour is the perfect complement to savoury dishes.
Pro Tip: Stir cranberries gently as they cook with apples and orange zest to avoid breaking all the berries—keeping a nice texture.
Step 3: Serve Up Seasonal Drinks
Your drinks don’t have to be complicated — just seasonal and refreshing.
Hot Mulled Apple Cider – Simmer fresh apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a warm welcome drink.
Sparkling Pear Punch – Mix pear juice with sparkling water and a splash of lemon for a festive, non-alcoholic drink.
Cider Sangria (for the grown-ups) – Combine apple cider, white wine, sliced apples, and a dash of brandy.
We stock freshly pressed local apple ciders, a fan favourite for all ages!
Step 4: Don’t Forget Dessert
Let fresh fruit do the talking when it’s time for something sweet. These easy, make-ahead desserts let local produce shine.
Poached Pears in Maple Syrup
Simple, elegant, and just the right amount of sweet. Poach pears in a mixture of water, maple syrup, and spices. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ontario Apple Crisp
Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, and top with an oat and brown sugar crumble. Bake until bubbly and golden. It’s easy, rustic, and always a hit.
Pumpkin Pie with a Local Twist
Use fresh pie pumpkins for your filling and add warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Want a treat? Let us do the baking! We carry a delicious selection of locally made, freshly baked pies — ready to enjoy. Available for walk-in or pre-order, while supplies last.
Step 5: Make a Market Trip Your Tradition
One of the joys of a farm-to-table Thanksgiving is the experience. Shopping at Orchard Fruit Market isn’t just about picking up ingredients — it’s about connecting with where your food comes from.
Bring the kids, explore our garden of autumn pumpkins and mums, talk to our team about what’s in season, and get inspired by the colours, smells, and energy of the harvest.
We also have locally made preserves, honey, cider, flowers, and baked goods — perfect for hosting or gifting!
Final Tips for a Farm-to-Table Holiday
Shop early: The closer to Thanksgiving, the busier the market gets. Shop 3–5 days ahead for the best selection.
Plan around what's freshest: Your menu can (and should!) adapt based on what's in peak condition at the market.
Ask us for help: Looking for the best squash for soup? Not sure which apple is best for baking? Just ask!
Celebrate Local, Taste the Difference
This Thanksgiving, bring your focus back to the roots of the holiday: gratitude, community, and the harvest. By choosing local, fresh ingredients from Orchard Fruit Market, you’re not only creating a meal that tastes better — you’re building a tradition that supports your neighbours, respects the land, and makes every bite more meaningful.
From all of us at Orchard Fruit Market, we wish you a joyful, abundant, and delicious Thanksgiving!