With summer in full swing in Manitoba, it’s a great opportunity to check out the wide variety of local fruits and vegetables available. According to Peak of the Market, Manitoba produces over 120 varieties of vegetables including asparagus, beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkins and squash, as well as a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, saskatoons and raspberries. Eating local isn’t boring!

Taking advantage of the seasonal fruits and vegetables is an opportunity to enjoy our favorites at the peak of freshness and helps get us in touch with all our region has to offer. Many grocery stores in Manitoba also carry a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables this time of year providing an opportunity to not only savour your favorites, but to support the famers that grow them and contribute to our local economy. Dollars spent locally typically stay closer to home and are reinvested with businesses and services in our communities.

While eating local tastes great and boosts the economy, it also is good for the environment. Shortening the travel time from farm to plate reduces emissions and our impact on the environment. Some studies have estimated that the average Canadian meal in the winter time travels about 2500 km to your dinner plate.

In addition to better tasting and more nutritional food with less environmental impact, buying local produce has never been easier in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. You can stop by one of the many pre-picked market stands found on highways large and small across the region or head out of town to one of the u-picks in the Metro Region. There are also several farmers’ markets to choose from.

Regardless of where you get your farm fresh produce, you’ll be guaranteed that it will taste delicious! For those looking to make use of some of those summer veggies, check out the great recipe page on Great Tastes of Manitoba.

With all the fresh fruits and vegetables, you can’t help but be inspired to put on an apron and chef it up. One of my favorite recipes is easy and delicious summer risotto courtesy of Cooking Light.

Of course, eating local is best served with good friends and a great bottle of wine!