There’s just something satisfying about biting into a crisp apple or popping a sun-warmed blueberry straight into your mouth. It’s the simple joy of local produce. Whether locally grown or brought in from sunnier climates, fresh produce brings colour and flavour to every recipe. Around here, on the West Coast, we’re lucky to have incredible access to local produce, from juicy peaches and apples to seasonal berries that practically beg to be picked. And when it’s not grown nearby? Well, we still make the most of tropical treats and zesty citrus. Celebrating fresh produce is about making the most of what each season brings and sharing that goodness at the table with the people you care about.
Blueberries
Is it us, or do fresh, ripe blueberries taste even better when you’ve picked them yourself? On the West Coast of Canada, the blueberry season stretches from July to September, offering the perfect opportunity to get outside and gather these delicious gems. Grown predominantly in British Columbia, these little fruits thrive in the region’s coastal environment, benefiting from the long summer days and abundant rainfall. Savour the full flavour of these juicy berries, knowing how to pick them at their peak and store them properly to keep them fresh.
Peaches
With the peach harvest typically spanning from late summer into early fall, peaches offer a fragrant, sweet treat that works wonderfully in desserts, jams, smoothies, salads, and even main course options like grilled meats (think: grilled pork or chicken with a Peach, Blueberry & Shallot Salsa). While the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is known for its peach production, peaches can also thrive in the milder areas of the West Coast. The Nanaimo peach variety, in particular, is renowned for its cold hardiness and ability to flourish on Vancouver Island. Local peaches bring a fresh, sugary taste of the season to every dish.
Apples
British Columbia is a key hub for growing apples and is known for its diverse range. The province’s unique climate, especially in the Okanagan Valley, allows for cultivating varieties like Ambrosia—discovered initially in BC—as well as Royal Gala, Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Spartan, which was developed in BC. Many of these apples are available from September through spring, thanks to advanced storage methods. BC apples are prized for their crisp texture and delicious flavours. They are enjoyed fresh, in salads, or baked into pies and sauces, making them a staple in Canadian kitchens year-round.
Citrus
Like tropical fruits, citrus fruits are sourced outside of Canada (unless grown in greenhouses) but are still a household favourite because of their versatility. Imported lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are widely available year-round and bring a refreshing zing to sweet and savoury dishes. Lemons and limes are popular for their tart juices and fragrant zest, ideally paired with seafood and in salad dressings and marinades. Oranges, from sweet navels to vibrant blood oranges, are popular in salads and desserts. At the same time, ruby red grapefruits add bold flavour to drinks and dishes. Citrus is best-chosen firm and heavy, has vibrant skin, and can be stored in the fridge for longer freshness.
Tropical Fruits
On Canada's West Coast, tropical fruits bring sunshine to dishes, even if they aren't grown locally. Thanks to global imports, fruits like bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and kiwis are readily available year-round in grocery stores. These fruits are rich in natural sweetness and pair well with both sweet and savoury dishes—think mango salsas, pineapple-glazed meats (like our recipe for Pineapple Glazed Ham), or a Tropical Green Smoothie. Bananas are a go-to snack and baking favourite, while kiwis and papayas shine in salads and desserts. When shopping, look for tropical fruits that are fragrant, slightly soft (depending on the type), and free of blemishes for the best flavour and ripeness.