Healthy ways to enjoy Ontario’s June harvest

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Not only is Ontario’s summer produce fresh and delicious, it’s perfect for entertaining—so enjoy it while you can. Here are some healthy tips for feasting on local fruits and veggies in June. Let’s taste summer!

1. Chomp on cherries.

A bowl of cherries doesn’t last long! Aside from their gorgeous colour, cherries are rich in antioxidants. They’re a healthy snack that requires no slicing or peeling—easy to serve and kids gobble them up.

2. Savour sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes have more than 10 times the vitamin A vs. regular white potatoes and are a low glycemic food. A medium one with the skin has 4 grams of fibre and no fat. Julienne sweet potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and bake into crispy fries. Or try this tasty Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole.

3. Appreciate asparagus.

Asparagus is versatile and can be used in salads, pastas, soups and stir-fries. For a simple side, drizzle with olive oil and roast for 10 minutes.
Or try this Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Gremolata.

4. Vary your veggie tray.

Every party needs a vegetable tray! Fill yours with June’s snow peas, radishes, cucumbers, green beans, broccoli and cauliflower. Serve with hummus or a yogurt-based ranch dip.

5. Rock the rhubarb.

Rhubarb pairs deliciously with strawberries. Try a strawberry-rhubarb crumble or crisp. Or serve this yummy frozen yogurt topping: put bite-sized rhubarb pieces in a sealable container with sugar, shake and leave to soften for an hour. Barbeque in a grill basket on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, flip and cook for 3–5 minutes.

6. Salute the salad.

A salad brings healthy crunch to summer picnics and barbeques. Try one with in-season ingredients:
Niçois Green Beans
• Spinach and strawberries with goat cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette
Easy Creamy Coleslaw

7. Discover the best of summer at Metro.

Metro helps make healthy eating part of your summer memories. Visit your local Metro for fresh Ontario produce at its best. Check out metro.ca for recipes, entertaining ideas and information on My Healthy Plate with Metro.