On the produce path

Where to buy?

There is no better accompaniment to the summer weather than fresh, local summer produce.  From strawberries to asparagus, and squash to peas, Alberta is teeming with delicious, ripe fruits and vegetables just waiting to be picked and eaten.

For a listing of the fruit and berry farms that sell direct from their doorstep, visit www.albertafruit.com.

You may be surprised to learn that may local grocery stores do carry locally grown produce during the summer months.  Ask your produce manager to point out any Alberta grown veggies or fruits.

For easy, guaranteed access to locally grown vegetables and fruits, visit a local farmers market.  Some operate year round, while most revolve around the produce season of May to October.

Click here to find a farmers market near you – all of the locations, dates and times for every certified farmers' market across Alberta. Try one, visit many – and stock your basket full of local, tenderly grown veggies this season.

What's in Season?

'Tis the season to experience Alberta's fresh produce, but with each month comes the availability of a different crop. Here are some general calendar guidelines for when you can expect your favourite fruit or vegetable to be ready to eat.

Whole Wheat Saskatoon Muffins

These large moist muffins are ideal for lunch boxes or brunch.

2 cups (500 mL)         whole wheat flour
3 tsp (15 mL)              baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL)             salt
1 tsp (10 mL)              cinnamon
1 1/2 cups (375 mL)  saskatoons
1/2 cup (125 mL)        brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 mL)          canola oil
3/4 cup (175 mL)        milk
2                                     eggs beaten
1/2 tsp (2 mL)              vanilla

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in berries. In separate bowl, beat brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk and vanilla and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add to dry ingredients and stir only until well moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin tins. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until evenly browned.  Makes 1 dozen large muffins.

Recipe adapted from the Fruit Growers Society of Alberta: www.albertafruit.com.

Best Green Beans

1 lb (454 g)               fresh green beans
2                                  green onions, chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL)         butter
2 tsp (20 mL)           soy sauce
4 tsp (40 mL)           slivered almonds, toasted
salt, sprinkle
pepper, sprinkle
4 tbsp (60 mL)         water

Toast almonds in 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.

On 4 greased double thickness layers of foil, divide beans and onion.  Add ½ tsp (2 mL) butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Add 1 tbsp (15mL) water to each. Wrap.  Cook on bbq grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Turn occasionally. Makes 4 servings.