What's in Season? A Canadian Guide to June Produce

Eating seasonally in Canada means enjoying the freshest, most flavourful produce available, often at a better price.

Why Eat Seasonally in Canada?

Choosing seasonal Canadian produce supports local farmers, reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping, and ensures you're getting fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness and nutritional value. It's also a fantastic way to reconnect with the rhythm of nature and anticipate new flavours throughout the year. Plus, local produce often tastes significantly better than items shipped from afar, as it's picked when ripe, not for travel.

June's Bountiful Harvest: Fruits

June brings some of the most anticipated fruit harvests across Canada. Get ready for these delicious additions to your kitchen:

• Strawberries: Often the first berry of the season, Canadian strawberries in June are incredibly sweet and juicy. Look for bright red berries with green caps. Expect to pay around \$4-\$7 per 1-pound (450g) container.
• Rhubarb: While botanically a vegetable, rhubarb is almost always used as a fruit in desserts. Its tart stalks are perfect for pies and crumbles. Choose firm, crisp stalks; avoid limp ones. Prices are typically \$3-\$5 per pound (450g).
• Cherries (early varieties): Depending on the region, early sweet cherry varieties might start appearing towards the end of June, especially in British Columbia. They're a short-lived but highly anticipated treat. Expect prices to be higher, around \$6-\$10 per pound (450g).
• Saskatoon Berries (late June in some areas): These native Canadian berries have a unique, nutty, sweet flavour. They resemble blueberries but are typically darker. You might find them at farmers' markets towards the end of the month, especially in the Prairies. Prices vary widely, but expect around \$5-\$8 per pint (500mL).

June's Bountiful Harvest: Vegetables

June also marks the beginning of a fantastic vegetable season, offering a variety of fresh, crisp options:

• Asparagus: A true sign of spring's bounty, Canadian asparagus is at its best in June. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, closed tips. Prices are usually around \$3-\$5 per bunch (approx. 450g).
• Lettuce (various types): From crisp romaine to tender butter lettuce and leafy greens, a wide array of local lettuces are plentiful. Choose heads with vibrant, crisp leaves and no wilting. A head of lettuce can range from \$2-\$4.
• Radishes: These peppery root vegetables add a vibrant crunch to salads. Select firm, smooth radishes with bright colours and fresh-looking greens. A bunch usually costs around \$2-\$3.
• Spinach: Fresh, tender Canadian spinach leaves are perfect for salads, sautés, or smoothies. Look for vibrant green, crisp leaves. A bag (150g-300g) might be \$3-\$5.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Mild and versatile, green onions are excellent for garnishing or adding a gentle onion flavour. Choose those with bright green tops and firm white bottoms. A bunch is typically \$1.50-\$2.50.
• Peas (Shelling and Snap): Towards late June, fresh peas start to arrive. Both shelling peas (for the pods) and snap peas (edible pods) are sweet and delicious. Look for plump, crisp pods. Expect around \$4-\$6 per pound (450g) for shelling peas.
• New Potatoes (late June): Small, tender, and thin-skinned, new potatoes are a delightful seasonal treat. They don't need peeling and have a delicate flavour. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes. Prices typically range from \$2-\$4 per pound (450g).

Tips for Buying and Storing June Produce

To get the most out of your June harvest, here are some practical tips for selection and storage:

• Farmers' Markets: These are your best bet for the freshest local produce and an opportunity to speak directly with farmers about their growing practices.
• Look for Vibrancy: Choose fruits and vegetables with bright, vivid colours, indicating ripeness and freshness.
• Check for Firmness: Most produce should feel firm to the touch, not soft, mushy, or shrivelled.
• Avoid Blemishes: While some minor imperfections are normal, avoid produce with large bruises, mould, or significant damage.
• Strawberries: Store unwashed in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Wash just before eating.
• Rhubarb: Store unwashed stalks in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Asparagus: Trim the ends, stand stalks upright in a jar with about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach): Wash, dry thoroughly, and store in an airtight container or bag lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator to absorb excess moisture. This can keep them fresh for 5-7 days.
• Radishes/Green Onions: Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. For radishes, remove the greens first to prevent them from drawing moisture from the roots.

Simple Ways to Enjoy Your June Haul

June's fresh produce makes meal planning exciting and delicious. Here are a few straightforward ideas:

• Strawberry Shortcake: A classic for a reason. Simply slice fresh strawberries, sweeten lightly, and serve over biscuits with whipped cream.
• Rhubarb Crumble or Pie: The tartness of rhubarb perfectly balances with a sweet, buttery topping.
• Grilled Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender-crisp.
• Fresh Salads: Combine various local lettuces, radishes, spinach, and a few sliced strawberries or peas for a vibrant, light meal. Add a vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad: A popular combination using balsamic dressing and perhaps some goat cheese or candied pecans.
• Sautéed Greens: Quickly sauté spinach or other greens with garlic and a touch of lemon juice for a simple, healthy side.
• New Potatoes with Herbs: Boil new potatoes until tender, then toss with butter, fresh chives, and dill.
• Berry Smoothies: Blend fresh strawberries or Saskatoon berries with yogurt or milk for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack.

FAQ

Can I freeze June berries for later?

Yes, absolutely! Wash and thoroughly dry berries, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid (after a few hours), transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together.

What should I look for when buying rhubarb?

Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm, crisp, and relatively straight. The colour can vary from deep red to pale green, but this doesn't necessarily indicate ripeness; both can be good. Avoid stalks that are limp, bruised, or splitting.

How do I know if asparagus is fresh?

Fresh asparagus stalks should be firm, not floppy, and have tightly closed, compact tips. The cut ends should not be dry or woody; a slightly moist cut end indicates recent harvesting. Look for vibrant green colour throughout the stalk.