Late Summer Favourites – Pear and Eggplant

The last days of summer are marked by a rainbow of colour in the produce section. Whether sharing tips about how to pick a perfect pear or handle a gentle eggplant, your audience will appreciate knowing about OFFMA’s Find a Farm locator to help purchase these seasonal products straight from the source.

Story ideas for the season’s best ingredients

Biting into a sweet, juicy pear brings a burst of succulent flavour. Teach your audience about popular cooking methods such as poaching (in wine, syrup, fruit juice, water) and baking. Share recipes in which pears shine, especially in baked goods like tarts, pies and cakes as well as in jams, preserves and chutneys.

Share tips with your audience about how to select, store and prepare an eggplant. For example, eggplants should be salted and pressed before cooking, and it’s better to select small to medium eggplants rather than large ones.

Don’t forget that juicy nectarines, nutritious blueberries and sweet corn are now in season as well and many consumers are visiting farms to get their hands on these delicious fruits and vegetables.

On-farm Marketing – Growing a Fun Farm Experience

Local food is part of our culture and family farms resonate with locavores and others who support the on-farm market experience thanks to the quality, freshness and safety of their products. Now, with the help of OFFMA, many farms are going beyond the basics and learning how to market their products in fun, targeted ways that have consumers coming back for more.

“Many of our local farms don’t just sell quality products – they provide an experience that consumers truly value,” said Cathy Bartolic, OFFMA’s Executive Director. “Whether it’s cooking schools, educational programs, free samples or special events, farmers understand that what makes them unique are not just the products but the fun experience itself.”

Farmers now better understand the importance of turning growing trends, such as support for the local food movement, into opportunities. They focus on what sets their farm apart, such as having exceptional customer service, offering cooking classes for the whole family or inviting local artisans to demonstrate their crafts.

Thanks to marketing-savvy farmers, consumers can now find a farm that fits exactly what they are looking for.

“It’s so much more than just stopping by to purchase apples, peaches or jam,” said Bartolic. “Visiting a farm is a memorable experience.”

To help your audience find a farm that fits their needs, let them know about OFFMA’s Find a Farm locator.

Farmers’ Markets

Farm fresh farmers' markets and on-farm markets are in full swing across the province. Your audience can find a farm nearby by visiting the Find a Farm locator.

Starting on July 14, Nathan Phillips Square Farmers’ Market introduces “Fresh Wednesdays” – seven free noon-hour concerts to complement your shopping experience. In July, groove to the music of Canadian artists including Arian Gillis, Mandippal and Dylan Murray.

What's in Season?

Contact Us

For interviews, recipes/photos or if you would like to visit an OFFMA members’ farm, please contact:

Kathy Khamis
Faye Clack Communications Inc.
905-206-0577 ext. 247
kkhamis@fayeclack.com