Discover the Best Summer Fruits Available in Canada
Summer is here! It’s time to enjoy yummy fruits. Canada has many tasty fruits that grow in the warm months. Let’s look at the best summer fruits you can find in Canada.
-
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are red, sweet, and juicy. They grow in many parts of Canada. You can pick them yourself at farms or buy them at stores.
Fun facts about strawberries:
- They’re not really berries! They’re part of the rose family.
- The little green leaves on top are called “caps.”
- You can eat them fresh or use them in jams and pies.
-
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are small, round, and blue. They grow on bushes and are very good for you. Canada is one of the top places in the world for blueberries!
Things to know about blueberries:
- Wild blueberries are smaller but have more flavor than farm-grown ones.
- They’re great in muffins, pancakes, and smoothies.
- Blueberries can help keep your brain healthy.
-
3. Raspberries
Raspberries are soft and a bit tart. They come in red, black, or golden colors. These berries grow on bushes with thorns.
Cool raspberry facts:
- Each raspberry is made up of many tiny parts called “drupelets.”
- They’re full of fiber, which is good for your tummy.
- Raspberries taste great with chocolate or in yogurt.
-
4. Cherries
Cherries are small, round fruits with a pit inside. They can be sweet or sour. In Canada, you’ll find them growing in British Columbia and Ontario.
Cherry facts:
- There are more than 1,000 types of cherries!
- They grow on trees and are picked by hand.
- Cherries are yummy in pies, jams, and even in savory dishes.
-
5. Peaches
Peaches are fuzzy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They grow best in warm places like Ontario’s Niagara region.
Peachy keen facts:
- Peaches and nectarines are almost the same fruit. Nectarines just don’t have fuzz!
- You can grill peaches for a tasty summer treat.
- Peaches are good for your eyes and skin.
-
6. Apricots
Apricots are small, orange fruits that look a bit like tiny peaches. They have a sweet and tangy taste.
Apricot info:
- They’re one of the first fruits ready to eat in summer.
- Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked.
- They’re packed with vitamins A and C.
-
7. Plums
Plums come in many colors like purple, red, and yellow. They have smooth skin and juicy insides.
Plum facts:
- When you dry a plum, it becomes a prune.
- Plums can be sweet or tart, depending on the type.
- They’re great for making jams and sauces.
-
8. Blackberries
Blackberries are dark purple and grow on thorny bushes. They’re juicy and a bit tart.
Blackberry bits:
- Like raspberries, each blackberry is made of many tiny parts.
- They grow wild in many parts of Canada.
- Blackberries are tasty in cobblers and pies.
-
9. Gooseberries
Gooseberries are small, round, and can be green, yellow, or red. They have a tart taste that some people really like.
Gooseberry gossip:
- They grow on bushes with sharp thorns.
- Gooseberries are often used in jams and pies.
- They’re not as common as other berries but are worth trying!
-
10. Saskatoon Berries
Saskatoon berries are special to Canada. They look a bit like blueberries but taste different.
Saskatoon Berries facts:
- They’re named after the city of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan.
- These berries are great in pies, jams, and muffins.
- They’ve been eaten by First Nations people for thousands of years.
Table 1: When to Find Summer Fruits in Canada
Fruit | Early Summer | Mid Summer | Late Summer |
---|---|---|---|
Strawberries | ✓ | ✓ | |
Blueberries | ✓ | ✓ | |
Raspberries | ✓ | ✓ | |
Cherries | ✓ | ✓ | |
Peaches | ✓ | ✓ | |
Apricots | ✓ | ✓ | |
Plums | ✓ | ✓ | |
Blackberries | ✓ | ||
Gooseberries | ✓ | ✓ | |
Saskatoon Berries | ✓ |
This table shows when you can find each fruit during summer. Some fruits are ready early, while others come later.
Table 2: Where Summer Fruits Grow Best in Canada
Fruit | British Columbia | Ontario | Quebec | Other Provinces |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strawberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Blueberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Raspberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cherries | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Peaches | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Apricots | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Plums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Blackberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Gooseberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Saskatoon Berries | ✓ | ✓ |
This table shows where each fruit grows best in Canada. Some fruits grow in many places, while others like specific areas.
Table 3: Fun Ways to Eat Summer Fruits
Fruit | Fresh | In Desserts | In Drinks | In Savory Dishes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strawberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Blueberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Raspberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cherries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Peaches | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Apricots | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Plums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Blackberries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Gooseberries | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Saskatoon Berries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
This table gives ideas for how to eat each fruit. You can try them fresh, in desserts, drinks, or even in savory dishes!
Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh fruits in Canada. From sweet strawberries to tart gooseberries, there’s something for everyone. Try picking your own fruits at a farm or buying them at a local market. You might find a new favorite!
Remember to wash your fruits before eating them. And don’t forget to try new ways of eating them – you might be surprised by how yummy they can be in different recipes!
Enjoy your summer fruit adventure in Canada!