Eat with the Seasons: Winter Guide

Winter in BC brings an abundance of hearty, fresh, and flavourful ingredients from across the province. Eating seasonally and sourcing from your favourite food hub is a delicious way to support local farmers, savour peak flavours, and reduce your environmental footprint. Let’s take a closer look at the seasonal ingredients available this time of year and how you can make the most of them in your kitchen.

BC’s winter harvest is full of nutrient-rich vegetables that are versatile and flavorful. Here’s what’s fresh and in season:

  • Leafy Greens: Kale, butter lettuce, endive, and radicchio can all be found in the winter season.

  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, potatoes (fingerling, yellow), beets, rutabaga, turnips, and garlic bulbs are currently available.

  • Cabbage Varieties: Savoy, green, and red cabbage.

  • Alliums: Leeks, shallots, onions (red, yellow).

  • Mushrooms: Thanks to Ponderosa Mushrooms in Maple Ridge, we have an abundance of mushrooms year-round here on the coast -- from cremini and portobello to oyster and shiitake varieties.

  • Sprouts & Shoots: Microgreens are grown year round by our friends at Tofino Farms, giving us a nutrient dense addition to salads and sandwiches.

  • Apples: Enjoy them fresh, in warm cinnamon oatmeal, or baked into a crumble.

  • Pears: Perfectly paired with salads, cheese, or whipped tofu for a simple crostini topping.

How to Make the Most of Winter Produce

Seasonal cooking is about celebrating what’s available and letting the ingredients shine. Here are some of our favorite ways to transform BC’s winter bounty:

Pickling

Preserve the vibrant flavors of the season with homemade pickles:

  • Pickled Turnips: Add a beet for a stunning pink hue.

  • Sauerkraut & Kimchi: Ferment cabbage into tangy, probiotic-rich condiments.

  • Pickled Onions: Quick and easy, these add a zesty kick to any dish.

Soups & Salads

Warm up with hearty soups or get creative with fresh, crisp salads:

  • Root Vegetable Soups: Combine carrots, parsnips, and squash for a comforting bowl.

  • Harvest Salads: Toss roasted squash, beets, and carrots over a kale or cabbage base.

  • Coleslaw: Use shaved cabbage and carrots for a crunchy, versatile side dish.

Roasting

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor:

  • Squash, beets, carrots, and parsnips make for a warm, hearty winter salad or side dish.

Fruits

Winter fruits can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into comforting treats:

  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: A cozy and nutritious breakfast.

  • Pear & Cheese Crostini: An elegant appetizer or snack.

  • Fruit Crumbles: A delightful dessert to end any meal.

This winter, take advantage of BC’s rich harvest and explore new ways to bring fresh, local flavours to your table. For more inspiration and recipes, check out our recipe section and discover the joy of eating with the seasons.