Now available at farmers’ markets, on-farm markets and grocery stores across the province

The Voice of Canada News

Spring has sprung, and so has Ontario’s fresh local asparagus. Ontario asparagus farmers are working hard harvesting this year’s crop for Ontarians to enjoy at their dinner tables.

“Our hardworking asparagus farmers grow fresh, delicious and healthy asparagus for Ontarians,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Choosing to buy local food supports our farmers, their families and the environment. I invite you to add it to your dinner plate and enjoy all the good things that grow in Ontario.”

“It’s incredible how excited Ontario consumers get when Ontario asparagus becomes available in retail stores, on-farms and farmers’ markets. The combination of local, nutritious and delicious makes this versatile vegetable the most anticipated ‘first taste of spring’ from Ontario farms,” said Bernie Solymár, Executive Director, Asparagus Farmers of Ontario.

There are more than 3,500 acres of asparagus grown in Ontario. Most of the 95 Ontario asparagus farmers grow a variety called Guelph Millennium, developed at the University of Guelph to be more adaptable to colder climates, produce higher yields than other varieties and contain higher levels of rutin, a powerful antioxidant.