Ontario growers are beginning to harvest radishes, zucchini, beans, and peas, with many more local fruits and vegetables expected to arrive in the coming weeks
Ontario’s local produce season is beginning to gain momentum, bringing a steady stream of fresh fruits and vegetables to markets, restaurants, retailers, and food service operators across the province. For wholesale produce distributors, chefs, and consumers alike, this is one of the most anticipated times of the year. As local harvests increase, buyers gain access to fresher products, improved shelf life, and a growing selection of seasonal ingredients.
Ontario-grown radishes began arriving at the end of last week, while zucchini, beans, English peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas are all starting to become available this week.
Why local produce season matters
The start of Ontario’s growing season marks the gradual transition from imported produce to locally grown alternatives. As the season progresses, more crops become available each week. Early-season vegetables are followed by a wider selection throughout the summer, giving food businesses more opportunities to source products grown close to home.
Local produce also offers important advantages when it comes to freshness and quality. Because products travel shorter distances, they can be harvested closer to peak ripeness and delivered to customers more quickly. Quality and freshness are improved when local is available.
Fresh Ontario radishes are among the first arrivals
One of the first Ontario vegetables to arrive this season is the radish. freshly harvested Ontario radishes are already showing strong quality, with crisp texture and vibrant green tops that indicate freshness. They’re fresh and crisp… even the leaves are crisp!
For restaurants and retailers, radishes often serve as an early sign that the local growing season is officially underway.
Zucchini, beans, and peas are now arriving
This week also marks the arrival of several other Ontario favourites, including zucchini, beans, English peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. If the weather cooperates, it should be a great zucchini season—fresher and cheaper!
Bean production, meanwhile, will depend largely on weather conditions over the coming weeks. It all depends on weather; they don’t like too much rain or humidity.
Pea varieties are also beginning to appear at wholesale markets. While they all belong to the same family, each offers different culinary uses:
- English peas must be shelled before eating and are commonly used in soups, side dishes, and seasonal vegetable preparations.
- Sugar snap peas can be eaten whole and are prized for their crisp texture and sweet flavour.
- Snow peas are also eaten whole and are frequently used in stir-fries, salads, and fresh vegetable dishes.
How local sourcing improves freshness
One of the biggest advantages of Ontario-grown produce is the speed at which it can move from farm to customer. Unlike products shipped from the U.S., local vegetables can often reach distributors and end users within a day of harvest. Southern Ontario farmers typically harvest their crops, deliver them to the Ontario Food Terminal the following morning, and have them redistributed to customers shortly afterward. This shorter supply chain helps preserve freshness while also improving shelf life.
Locally grown vegetables can often remain in good condition longer because they’re harvested closer to their ideal eating stage rather than being picked early to withstand extended transportation. So, buyers often notice better flavour, improved texture, and less waste. Flavour is better when produce is picked ready to eat, as opposed to picking early to ship safely.
Seasonal menus continue to evolve
As more Ontario crops become available, restaurants and food service operators typically adjust their menus to showcase ingredients that are currently in season. At the moment, Ontario asparagus remains a popular feature on many menus. Over the coming weeks, however, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and other summer vegetables are expected to take centre stage. This seasonal approach allows chefs to take advantage of peak freshness while giving customers access to ingredients at their best.
What’s coming next from Ontario farms?
The local produce pipeline continues to expand throughout the summer. Over the next few weeks, Ontario growers are expected to bring additional crops to market, including:
- Green onions
- Eggplants
- Lettuce varieties
- Fresh herbs
After that, more root vegetables will begin arriving, including:
- Carrots
- Beets
Among all the upcoming arrivals, we’re particularly looking forward to more Ontario-grown lettuce. With lettuce prices remaining elevated in some regions due to supply challenges elsewhere, local production could help improve availability and pricing.
A season of fresh opportunities
The arrival of Ontario-grown radishes, zucchini, beans, and peas signals the beginning of another local produce season.
For grocery retailers, restaurants, caterers, and food service operators, the weeks ahead will bring an expanding selection of fresh, locally grown ingredients. As more crops come into season, Ontario’s farms will continue supplying the freshness, flavour, and variety that buyers look forward to every year.