GUELPH, ON– Holiday meals and gatherings are a staple on the December calendar, with the Christmas dinner as the iconic centre piece.
Typically a big spread, it caps weeks of seasonal festivities and preparations in the lead up to the big day. And although it falls after the first day of winter and temperatures have dropped, the bounty of Ontario’s farms means consumers can still make local a focus of their Christmas dinners.
“Ontario farmers grow and raise over 200 different farm and food products, from fruits and vegetables to a wide range of meats, cheeses, grains, beverages and more – and many are available year-round,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “In fact, many of our seasonal crops are kept in cold storage or are preserved, processed or flash frozen to keep their taste and nutrients so we can enjoy them any time of the year – and don’t forget about the great variety of local floral and ornamental products that will bring a festive air to holiday décor.”
OFA is encouraging Ontarians to show their support for farm businesses in the province and the key roles that farms and farmland play in both Ontario’s environment and economy by buying local this holiday season as they prepare for Christmas celebrations.
“As farmers, we’re stewards of the land, and the hard work we put into looking after the health of our soils, caring for livestock and managing natural resources is reflected in the high quality of our local products, whether those are food, fuel, fibre or flowers,” adds Spoelstra. “We are tremendously lucky to have this bounty at our fingertips not just during the holiday season, but all year long.”
That’s why preserving Ontario’s farmland for agricultural production continues to be a top priority for OFA and is the primary goal of its Home Grown campaign. Based on the latest Census of Agriculture data, Ontario is losing an average of 319 acres of productive farmland every day, a worrisome decline that is not sustainable in the long-term.
Here are some suggestions from Ontario’s farmers for working local into the big holiday menu:
Appetizers: Ontario meats, cheeses, breads, crackers and fresh carrots, greenhouse peppers and cucumbers are great nibblers. For those preferring warm starters, try baked dips, stuffed mushrooms, mini meatballs or a nourishing potato or vegetable soup.
Main course: This is where Ontario really shines! Turkey is a tradition in many households, but Ontario also has wonderful lamb, pork and beef options to be the centre piece of the big meal. And for those opting for something a bit different, locally grown Rainbow Trout is a tasty and nutritious alternative.
Side dishes: Ontario potatoes are a holiday meal staple, whether mashed, scalloped, baked or fried, and fresh locally grown root vegetables like carrots, onions, squash and parsnip are widely available. Tomatoes, peppers peas, beans, sweet corn and other vegetables are available pickled, canned or frozen to be part of your holiday meal. Greenhouse cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and indoor-grown lettuce, herbs and micro-greens bring a dash of local freshness to the menu.
Drinks: There are many options for local drink choices, from milk and non-alcoholic juices and beverages to Ontario VQA wine, Ontario ciders, craft beers using locally grown hops, and whisky and spirits made from Canadian grains and other local ingredients.
Visit the Foodland Ontario website for recipe ideas and availability of Ontario produce.
Source : OFA