Everyone knows that good things grow in Ontario. Currently in season are apples, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, pears, and raspberries. The list can go on and on. Season through season Ontario farmers are bringing fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables to our dining tables. This fall, make sure to return the favor and visit Ontario famer’s at local Farmer’s Markets. The Eat to the Beat team recently took a trip to the Nathan Phillips Square Farmer’s Market. Every Wednesday, the Square fills with the booths of local farmers selling fruits, vegetables, preserves, flowers and more!

 

Before heading to your favourite market, you should learn what to look for in your produce. Take a look at these fruit and veggie buying tips!

• Don’t be afraid to get a whiff of what you might buy! Fruit is supposed to smell good, and the lack of a scent usually means the lack of taste.
• Apples are best when bought and eaten firm and crisp.

• Tomatoes shouldn’t have soft spots, but colour variation is definitely ok. Mottled green, yellow, orange and even purple tomatoes are most likely heirloom tomatoes with a bolder flavour.
• When browsing berries, be sure to check that ALL the berries look good, not just the ones on the top. After buying, don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat. Washing early leads to growth of mold.

• Early and late season stone fruit, like peaches, are usually very hard. Storing them in a paper bag for a few days will ripen them up.

• Looks matter when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Healthy greens in veggies like asparagus and broccoli, a lack of brown and bruises in almost everything, and consistent colouring and texture are all important.

It’s great to go to the market to buy a variety of fresh items. It’s even better to go with a meal plan in mind. Need inspiration? Check out the Eat to the Beat Pinterest Boards ! Why not pick up tomatoes, spinach, basil and fresh dill at the market for a delicious Spinach BLT Salad?

Take advantage of the amazing Ontario peaches in season now, alongside some fresh basil, and make Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread!

Or, why not take your meal to a whole new level with this Vertical Pear Salad?

Farmers’ markets are a great place to pick up fresh food before work or on your lunch break. Every week brings new product and another opportunity to get inspired by Ontario’s farms.

Eat fresh every day of the week with these farmers markets around Toronto!

Mondays

Sorauren Farmers’ Market
Sorauren Avenue Park, 50 Wabash Avenue
Year-Round
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tuesdays

AppleTree Market
June Rowlands Park, 220 Davisville Avenue
June 5th – October 17th
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Riverdale Farm Farmers Market
Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester Street
May 22nd – October 30th
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market
Trinity Bellwoods Park, Northwest corner near Shaw
June 5th – October 30th
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Wednesdays

Nathan Phillips Square Market
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
May 30th – October 17th
8:00 am – 2:30 pm

University of Toronto Scarborough Farmers Market
University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail
June 6th – October 3rd
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thursdays

Indulge Farmers Market
David Pecaut Square, 55 John Street
June 21st – October 11th
8:00 am – 2:30 pm

North York Civic Centre Farmers Market
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
May 31st – October 25th
8:00 am – 2:30 pm

Fridays

Sherway Farmers’ Market
Sherway Gardens, 25, The West Mall
To October 26th
8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Fairview Mall Farmers’ Market
1800 Sheppard Avenue East
To September 28th
9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturdays

Evergreen Brick Works
The Pavilions, 550 Bayview Avenue
May 5th – November 3rd
8:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Stop Farmers’ Market
Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Year-round
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays

Liberty Village Farmers’ Market
Liberty Street and Atlantic Avenue
June 31st – October 21st
9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Leslieville Farmers’ Market
Jonathan Ashbridge Park, 20 Woodward Avenue
June 3rd – October 28th
9:00 am to 2:00 pm

What is your favourite market to visit in Toronto? Let us know in the comments!