Summer is Nearing with New Produce Picks

As June approaches, we’re keeping an eye on some of the most in-demand summer favourites.

Here are our picks for the most delightful summer produce, with some tips on preparing them:

Scallions

At the hands of technological advancement, a wide variety of onions are available all year around. However, Ontario’s delicious green onions, also known as scallions, only start to become available in early June. Scallions are low in fat and calories, high in fibre and are a great source of vitamin C!

These delicious onions add zing to any plate, be it a pop of flavour on some wholesome ramen or a colorful garnish on a delicious summer salad.

Feeling adventurous? Try Okonomiyaki: a delicious and versatile Japanese pancake typically stuffed with scallions and cabbage- they’re easy to make and available at many Japanese restaurants across the city.

Day Neutral Strawberries

Traditional strawberries are a Canadian favourite. However, they typically reach their peak in June and July, rendering their season short-lived. Summer fruits like this virtually disappear locally after their season, and are terribly missed once they’re gone. The cultivation of day-neutral strawberries presents a solution to this, as we can extend strawberry season into spring and the fall. Interestingly, unlike regular strawberries, these products can stop growing in hot summer days and continue to grow once the weather is cool again.

So, what’s with the name? The reason why they are called ‘Day Neutral’ is that they are insensitive to the day’s length, which normally affects when the flower blooms.

Strawberries are not technically a fruit, rather a part of the rose flower family.

*Perhaps the most important (and well-known) tip for purchasing strawberries is to order in season — making Day-Neutral a great option when it hasn’t quite warmed up yet.

Asparagus

This versatile superfood is only in season ’til the end of June. You can steam, boil, roast or even stir-fry asparagus! Whether drenched in butter, dipped in hollandaise sauce, or consumed as a zesty salad with a delicious parmesan and lemon drizzle- this awesome crop has a distinct flavour that stands out in any dish.

Size doesn’t matter for asparagus — a thick asparagus just means that it is more mature rather than more flavourful.

When picking asparagus, look for bright green or violet firm stems. When preparing , snap off the last inch to get rid of the tough fibre to ensure that the stem is tender.

Stay tuned for part two of our top produce picks for the season.

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