What's Fresh, Toronto? Strawberries!
Even though June 21 officially marked the beginning of summer, it's only when certain flavours begin making their way into my meals that it really feels right. Ontario strawberries are one of these foods, and they have started popping up at grocery stores and farmers' markets across the city (and now all markets that have been affected by the strike will re-open).
Their season begins in mid-June, and it peaks in early- to mid-July. The season really only lasts about 6-8 weeks, so it's time to start thinking picking up some of these bite-sized heart-shaped beauties.
And speaking of picking, why not get out there and pick your own? There are lots of pick-your-own options across the GTA. Check out the Harvest Canada, or PickYourOwn websites for exact locations.
Strawberries are part of the rose family, along with raspberries, blackberries, apples, and pears. The modern cultivated strawberries we know today have been around since about the 17th Century. The variety Fragaria × ananassa has replaced the popular and more tasty wild varieties of the berries. The root of the name Fragaria comes from the Latin fraga and refers to the fruit's wonderful smell, and the name 'strawberry' comes from the 'straying' erratic habit of the plant.
Now what to do with these little red and juicy pleasure balls once you get them home? The easiest (and my favourite) option is wash, slice and enjoy. You can even add a little sugar if your sweet tooth is really aching. In England cream is the traditional accompaniment, sour cream is used in other places in Europe. In Italy and France red wine is most popular.
If you feel like getting more elaborate you can try baking a pie coupling them with Ontario Rhubarb, adding them to a fresh salad, or making a vinaigrette. Or what about a strawberry salsa made with mint, onion and balsamic vinegar to be served along grilled fish? And how can we forget the quintessential strawberry shortcake? Or any cake for that matter. Strawberries always make a great summer garnish.
I like to enjoy Ontario berries all year long. So I spread the berries on a baking sheet, pop them into the freezer to individually freeze them. Then I bag them and come fall I make jam. Or you can use them in muffins, make coulis or compotes, or just add them to yogurt for breakfast.
So whether you pick them yourself or pick them up at the market or grocery store, get them soon and welcome the summer growing season with open arms (and mouths).
As the growing season continues, I'll be keeping track of what is becoming available each step of the way, and will share my findings in this here farm fresh feature "What's Fresh, Toronto?" Stay tuned for future installments.
What's Been Fresh, Toronto:
Ramps
Fiddleheads
Asparagus
Rhubarb
Radishes
Lead photo by the author. Additional photo by Arieh Singer.
Comments (10)
Check out the strawberries and other farm-fresh produce at the new St. Andrew's Farmers' Market, Saturdays 9am-1pm, Adelaide West @ Maud.
I usually make jam and freeze berries. It's been frustrating that none of the major grocery store chains seem to be carrying Ontario berries. When I do see them they are very expensive. I'm not inclined to drive a long distance to a farmer's market with very limited hours (closing at 1pm, 2pm?? kind of a joke)
I'm curious as to what the problem is. Is it the grocery store chains? Is it the distribution network? Is it the farmers?
I think it's a Toronto thing that they charge so much for them here. I bought a flat (8 quarts) of super fresh Ontario strawberries in Mitchell, Ontario (about 20 mins. west of Stratford) on the weekend for $2.99 a quart (at a chain grocery store, no less). At one of the reopened markets yesterday, I saw them for $5 a quart! I happened to be in the Stratford area visiting family. but if you happen to be going out of town, you just might find better deals.
I tried to buy strawberries last week at the Bloor Borden farmer's market but non of the vendors stock were sweet. They were all mealy and had little or no taste. Or they were sour.
So my suggestion is taste before you buy!
The problems with getting Ontario Strawberries into supermarkets and many.
First, since most people now want and expect access to strawberries year round, the big chains sign year-round supply contracts with big growers in California and who deliver 'x' quantity per week.
The chains have no desire and not much flexibility to just drop their import supply for 5 weeks of the year.
It should also be said they couldn't anyway, as Ontario and the other strawberry growing provinces don't actually produce enough to meet domestic demand, even in season. Of course, they used to before the big chains signed those California contracts!
Secondly, Local strawberry producers if they aren't part of a multinational distribution system, don't often have access to the processing facilities or the blast chillers or the freezer trucks that those California producers do. Ontario producers don't have the volume to justify the investment. But that means berries last only 2-3 days from picking before they start to turn. Of course because they aren't over handled and processed and are fresher, Ontario Berries taste much better in my opinion..... but people by more on ease-of-access and price, than taste.
Finally, because Ontario producers lack scale and volume, they can't generally price as cheaply as the imports. If you get them from the farmer, they may be able to compete (as they can take the middleman's share and the retail share); but when selling to a distributor who then peddles them to the big retailer, the farmer may only see a few cents per quart extra, but by the time that difference gets marked up twice, it can be a dollar or more difference at the retail level.
It should be said that the middlemen are generally necessary as big chains have no interest in working with one farmer who can only supply one store or two, they want to deal with someone who can supply ALL their stores ideally, but at the very least a dozen or more in an area. That preference is a real hindrance to local produce being more available at major retailers.
Reversing the process that led to this problem would be an inspired idea, but how many people are ready to commit to seasonal eating, or are prepared to pay even a few pennies more for locally-produced products? So perhaps, that is just wishful thinking.
The season peaks in a few weeks - and they will taste best then. While you can get sweet ripe berries now, it depends on the producer and when they decided to harvest. If it was too early then the berries will not be all that sweet.
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