 As the flowers bloom and market season begins, it’s important to recognize the value in supporting the local harvest at Horton Market. Eating seasonally is exactly how it sounds, eating with the seasons! You can do this by choosing foods that naturally grow and thrive during each season.  Southwestern Ontario has four distinct seasons, ultimately altering what can be grown or harvested throughout the year. While there have been many advancements to expand growing periods, our climate ensures different crops reach peak maturity at different points during the year. This means the Horton Market naturally shifts and evolves with the seasons. You might ask, “why should I eat seasonally?” The answer is simple: there are countless reasons! When you eat seasonally you are consuming produce in its prime. There’s nothing like the first strawberry of the summer or a crisp apple on a fall day. Getting produce during their peak season at the market not only means it’s extremely fresh, but also a higher quality that’s rich in flavour and nutrients. By choosing local, you’re avoiding the long haul trucks that leave produce half-frozen and flavourless. Plus, eliminating long transport means a lighter carbon footprint for your food. Not to mention eating seasonally means supporting local businesses and your community! Ready to fill your basket with the freshest finds? From the first sprouts of spring to the hearty vegetables of winter, here is your guide to eating through the calendar!  Spring The kickoff of market season! Spring at the market brings a welcoming atmosphere as vendors return with their first harvest of the season. After a winter of root vegetables and comfort foods, it is the perfect time to enjoy lighter meals, fresh flavours, and the excitement of seeing local produce stands begin to fill once again. From crisp greens to tart rhubarb treats, spring produce captures the feeling of warmer days ahead. Even the first bundle of asparagus, radish bulb or basket of fresh greens can feel like the official start of the season. Spring is the time to embrace the start of vibrant, fresh produce and bring new life into the kitchen with locally grown produce. Summer Summer is when the market truly comes alive with a colourful abundance of produce that Southwestern Ontario is known for: juicy strawberries and raspberries, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes bursting with flavour. This is the season to fill your market basket for backyard barbecues, fresh salads, and simple meals that let the fresh produce speak for itself. There’s nothing like enjoying a sweet peach on a hot summer day. Shopping locally at the market in the summer means experiencing produce at its absolute freshest while supporting farmers who work hard to bring it to the tables of our community.  Fall As the air turns crisp, the market shifts into comforting autumn favourites. Pumpkins, squash, root vegetables, hearty greens, and apples make their seasonal return to the market. Fall produce is perfect for making comforting soups, baking, roasting, and preserving for the colder months ahead. It is also the best time to explore seasonal sweets from homemade apple crisps to the newest pumpkin flavoured creation, the fall baking is certain to bring warmth to the table. Visiting the market in autumn connects us to the harvest season and reminds us of the value of local farmers, comforting meals, and gathering together around fresh food.  Winter Although the cold weather and early sunsets might not inspire an outing, the market still has lots to offer. Despite the rotating selection of produce at the market, there are always delicious reliable staples and handcrafted goods to enjoy at the market year-round. A variety of meats, cheeses, dairy products, baked goods, honey, preserves, spices, and greenhouse-grown microgreens help bring freshness and flavour to winter meals. Not to mention the assortment of pre-made dinners like homemade lasagnas and ready-to-bake pizzas that make cold nights a little cozier. The winter market season is also a great time to discover holiday events and thoughtful locally made gifts while continuing to support the businesses that keep our community thriving through every season. Eating with the seasons is about more than simply choosing what is fresh, it is about connecting with the rhythm of our local community and supporting the growers, makers, and vendors who make Horton Market special. Each visit to the market is an opportunity to discover something new, try what is in season, and enjoy the best Southwestern Ontario has to offer. Make sure to follow your favourite vendors on social media and stop by for a chat often – you never know what fresh inspiration you might find in season next! 
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