September Meal Planning – What’s in Season Near You 
How to get the most out of your locally grown produce
If you’ve ever tasted fruit or veggies straight from the garden, you’ve experienced that unique freshness that’s hard to capture when something is store-bought or out of season. Maybe it’s the temperature outside, the added “earthy” flavour, or the fact that you know it was picked right before you bite into it…but whatever it is, it’s unmistakably special.
Examples of what’s in season near you!
British Columbia
Early fall provides an abundance of fresh, local flavours, no matter which region you live in! Those living in Southwest BC, Kootenays, Northern BC and Vancouver Island will all be able to find local apples, blueberries, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peppers, potatoes and spinach.
Okanaganites can find similar items as their neighbours, and also dig into their own local gems such as artichokes and Saskatoon berries.
Alberta
This month offers many favourites, such as peppers, beans, beets, broccoli, tomatoes and squash; as well as local apples, Asian pears and cantaloupe.
Ontario
Residents of Ontario are in luck when it comes to local vegetables this month. Mostly all vegetable varieties are available, except for asparagus and radicchio.
Also available this month are blueberries, stone fruit and grapes.
So why buy local besides the taste?
Maximum nutrient density
Also, most of the local produce in the grocery store is harvested before it’s fully ripe, so it can make the trip to store shelves without rotting. Finally, when transporting produce over great distances, factors such as air, waxes and temperature can play a role in nutrient loss as well.
Cost savings
Kind to the environment
Need some inspiration for how to prepare your fresh local produce?
We’ve got you covered with these recipes from our blog:
- Beets: Barley and Beet Salad
- Blueberries: Almond and Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Peppers: Grilled Chickpeas with Kale and Red Peppers
- Pears: Pear Walnut Blue Cheese Salad
- Zucchini: Easy Shrimp Orzo Zucchini Recipe
Other ideas for ways to include local produce – fruits & vegetables – in your meals and snacks:
- Blend into smoothies
- Sprinkle in your cereal
- Add to muffins and pancakes
- Soups
- Add to pasta sauces
- Casseroles
- Mix into omelets or frittata
- Oven roast a variety of veggies to use over several days
- Include them in your sandwiches, wraps, paninis
- Serve with a fun dip, dressing or sauce
British Columbia What’s In Season Guide
Alberta What’s in Season When Guide
Ontario Food Availability Guide
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Looking for more ideas on how to make the best out of local produce?
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Christine Devaney Towsley B.A.Sc., RD
Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist
Specialty: weight concerns, intuitive eating, heart
health, family nutrition, IBS (irritable bowel disease)
A nurturer at heart, Christine will always greet you with a smile and
attentive ear. Kind hearted, empathetic and sensitive to others,
Christine takes the time to connect, build trust and truly understand
each client and tailors her sessions to each person's specific needs.
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