Fresh Ontario produce may not be the usual hot topic this time of year, but you may not have considered that a significant amount of our produce is grown in greenhouses. According to Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), approximately 476,000 tons of produce are grown in these climate-controlled environments.
Indeed, this is a big business, and the roughly 220 members of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers who farm more than 3,000 acres of greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers during all kinds of weather conditions: cold temperatures, high winds, and heavy rain or drought.
To keep the crop uniform and the yields high, they use leading-edge hydroponic technology (ie. a nutrient-rich water solution), computerized climate control, and pest management. All of which helps ensure the veggies are safe, fresh, and nutritious. Fun fact: Ontario greenhouse growers can yield up to 20 times more produce per square meter compared with outdoor agriculture
Vince’s founder Carmen Trimarchi speaks to the variety of tomatoes, cucumbers, and coloured peppers (orange, yellow, and red) that are now in store, along with limited amounts of Ontario greenhouse-grown strawberries.
“It’s all new crop,” he adds. “A premium, high-quality product – full flavour. For a lot of the items, we are dealing directly with the growers, so we get them the day after they’re picked.”
Carmen notes that Ontario asparagus is still a couple of weeks away, but there are other items – further south – that are now at their peak. California strawberries and raspberries, for example, are a real treat while they last.
Whether you’re creating salads, desserts, or like me, concocting a smoothie, there’s nothing like fresh seasonal produce to deliver the peak nutrition and intense flavour we all enjoy. Be sure to drop by one of our stores and see why we’ve received first place in the Metroland Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Fresh Produce” for the 26th year in a row!
Until next time…
— Neil
