Well…. we have had our first snow here in Ottawa… and most vegetable stands are closed. So NOW where do we get our produce? During the Fall & Winter season you can still purchase veggies (AND meat, fruit and other goodies) at the 2 spots below. We would LOVE to have you share additional winter locations with us please.
Dinner in our household typically consists of minimally four locally grown vegetables, often up to six, and with a salad in addition to that. Dessert? Fruit. I am terrible at cooking frozen veggies and fruit so these are also fresh! Guests are always asking where we get such delicious veggies…year round. My salads are, if I must admit, incredible! AND it is all because of the quality of the ingredients.
All year long:
- Bryson Farms We have been receiving a weekly vegetable order, year round, from Bryson Farms for almost 25 years! They are simply a part of our lives. We eat organic, in-season vegetables (many are heirloom) from this Shawville, Quebec farm. We love that they drop the veggies right off at our door. Winter sees primarily root veggies but also greenhouse produce. They also have prepared foods made right there by their own chefs. I LOVE gifting frozen prepared meals to people going through a tough time (mourning, ill, etc). Bryson also works with other local farms and provides quality meats, artisanal cheeses and eggs. I like too that you can customize both delivery frequency and content. Bryson Farms, seriously, is like part of our family!
- Veggie Trails This local vegetable stand on Richmond Road by Acres Road/#417 (& close to our upcoming listing in Leslie Park) has not only produce from their own farm on Richmond Road but also fresh fruit from Southern Ontario & Quebec brought in weekly. Lucious items such as: peaches, cherries, pears, plums, Bekings eggs , and so much more are all available. Check their website for open days/hours and how to contact them off-season. Veggies Trail Farm video
Seasonal Locations Only:
- Abbey Hill Farms We pretend that we are a European family…buying fresh almost daily in season from the stand around the corner from us on Terry Fox Drive (near Blackstone). What a spot! With stands throughout the city they are a wonderful way to put great food on your table every night during the season.
- Shouldice Farms With stands throughout the city, this is a great spot to stop for local strawberries. Don’t miss their homemade donuts! OMG!! So good!
Do you have a favourite spot to shop for food locally? Please share it with us in the comments.