Selecting

What to look for

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 "Season-fresh" Availability

• Ontario Berry Growing Season

  Blueberries

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Raspberries

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Strawberries (Field)

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Strawberries (Greenhouse)

  Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec