 There’s nothing quite like berry season in Ontario. From the first sweet strawberries of June to juicy blueberries, tart raspberries, rich blackberries, and the increasingly popular haskap berry, summer is bursting with fresh, local flavour. One of the best parts of shopping at the Horton Farmers’ Market is experiencing berries at their peak. Picked at the right time and sold fresh by local growers, market berries are often sweeter, juicier, and more flavourful than those that have travelled long distances to grocery store shelves. Berry Season in Ontario Ontario’s berry season begins with strawberries in June, followed by raspberries in early summer. Blueberries typically reach their peak in July and August, while blackberries ripen later in the summer (Government of Ontario, 2026). Haskap berries, sometimes referred to as honeyberries, are among the earliest berries of the season, usually harvested in June. Their unique flavour is often described as a cross between a blueberry and raspberry (CTV, 2026). Each berry has its own growing season, which means shopping locally throughout the summer means there is always something new to discover.
How to Choose Ripe Berries Choosing ripe berries is easier than you might think. Look for fruit with rich, vibrant colour and fresh, natural aroma. Strawberries should be bright red from top to top with fresh green caps. Blueberries should be a deep blue with a light silvery coating known as the bloom, a natural sign of freshness. Raspberries should appear plump and dry without signs of leaking or mold. Blackberries should be fully black and slightly tender rather than red or firm. Haskap berries are ready when they have turned a deep purply-blue colour and feel firm to touch. No matter which variety you’re buying, avoid containers with crushed fruit, excessive moisture, or mold, as one spoiled berry can quickly affect the rest.  Storage Tips Once you’ve brought your berries home, proper storage can help you to enjoy them for several days. Resist the urge to wash them right away, as extra moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. Instead, refrigerate them in their original container or transfer them to a shallow dish lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture (Against All Grain, 2025). Before storing, check for any bruised or moldy berries and remove them to help keep the rest fresh. Washing your berries just before eating or cooking will help preserve both their texture and flavour.  Freezing and Preserving Berries for Later If you’ve stocked up on berries at the market, freezing them is an easy way to enjoy the taste of summer long after the season has ended. Simply wash and dry the berries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm before transferring them to freezer-safe containers (Grow, Forage, Cook, Ferment, 2024). Freezing them individually first helps prevent them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just the amount you need for smoothies, muffins, pancakes, or baking throughout the year. Berries are also wonderful for preserving. Homemade jams, fruit syrups, compotes, and pie fillings are simple ways to capture the flavours of summer. Whether you’re making a batch of strawberry jam or freezing blueberries for winter baking, preserving your market haul allows you to enjoy local fruit well beyond the growing season.  The Berry Pairing Guide Fresh berries are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of other seasonal ingredients. Strawberries complement basil, balsamic vinegar, goat cheese, and dark chocolate, while blueberries shine alongside lemon, vanilla, yogurt, and oats. Raspberries add bright flavour to desserts featuring almonds or white chocolate and are equally delicious with fresh mint. Blackberries pair surprisingly well with rosemary, honey, and creamy cheeses, making them a great addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. Haskap berries, with their bold, tangy flavour, are delicious with maple syrup, vanilla, citrus, and rich cheeses.  So whether you’re baking a pie, blending a smoothie, preparing a summer salad, or simply enjoying a handful fresh from the basket, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Ontario’s berry season. Next time you visit the Horton Farmers Market, be sure to stop by one of our berry vendors and discover just how sweet shopping local can be!
References
CTV. Barrie: Local news, Weather & Traffic updates. (June 25, 2026). https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/ Government of Ontario: Availability Guide. Government of Ontario (2026). https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide Grow, Forage, Cook, Ferment. How to freeze berries: Two ways. (July 22, 2024). https://www.growforagecookferment.com/how-to-freeze-berries/ How to keep berries fresh longer | Against All Grain - delectable paleo recipes to eat & feel great. (2025, August 11). https://againstallgrain.com/2017/08/11/how-to-keep-berries-fresh-longer/
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