While it’s a recent treat that local Ontario berries are available in grocery stores all year-round, berries are more plentiful and best eaten during the field season. Traditionally, warm weather is berry weather, but thanks to farming innovations by Ontario’s berry growers, any season is berry season.
When purchasing, choose berries that are plump, tender and bright in colour. Avoid containers that are damp or stained, which might be signs of overripe fruit. Remove and discard any mouldy or mushy berries so mould won’t spread to other berries. If you’re “picking your own,” select berries that separate easily from their stems. Unlike some fruits, berries generally don’t ripen or get sweeter after picking. So eat them fresh and eat them often!
Ontario Berry Growing Season |
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Blueberries |
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Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
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Raspberries |
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Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
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Strawberries (Field) |
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May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
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Strawberries (Greenhouse) |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
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Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
