Guide to Getting Your Hands on Local
Understanding what’s local and in season at the grocery store can sometimes be a daunting task. Follow along as we share information on what’s available seasonally and year-round in Nova Scotia to make it a little easier to Get Your Hands on Local the next time you head to the store.
Winter
Curious what’s in season during the cold winter months? Taste of Nova Scotia members across the province work hard to provide local products throughout the winter for Nova Scotians to enjoy at home and in our local restaurants.
Apples, Beets, Carrots, Celeriac, Garlic, Kale, Parsnips, Shallots, Sweet Potatoes, Winter Squash.
Winter Recipes: Honey Roasted Apple and Parsnip soup, Roasted Carrot Salad, Hearty Pork and Vegetable Chili.
Spring
Lots of fresh local produce becomes available in the Spring in Nova Scotia. The above recipe features fresh, in-season asparagus and is perfect as a side for sandwiches are served with local seafood.
Asparagus, Beet Greens, Fiddleheads, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Greenhouse Tomatoes.
Spring Recipes: Tangy Herb Potato Salad with Asparagus, Lentil Calzones, Rhubarb Whipped Cheesecake Jar
Summer
The season we’ve been waiting for all year long brings us an abundance of local produce. Enjoy local corn on the cob, tomatoes, peaches, melons and more at your summer BBQ’s!
Beans, Beet Greens, Blackberries, Blueberries (highbush & wild), Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cherries, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers (field grown), Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Peaches, Peas, Peppers, Plums, Radish, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes (field grown & greenhouse), Various greens.
Summer Recipes: Heartwood Bowl, Lobster Louie Salad, Strawberries in Puff Pastry.
Fall
Fall is a great time to get out and explore Nova Scotia’s dynamic agriculture industry. Visit a u-pick, take part in a harvest and find out where your food comes from!
Apples, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cranberries, Eggplant, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Parsnips, Pears, Pumpkins, Radish, Shallots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes (Field grown & greenhouse), Turnip, Winter Squash, Various greens.
Fall Recipes: Roasted Squash Bruschetta, Apple Pie, Scalloped Potato Bake.
Seafood
Seafood is a Nova Scotia speciality. Our local fishers and seafood producers are at work all year to bring the freshest seafood to your plates. Read below to find out what’s available and when!
Seasonal: Dulse, Eel, Herring, Jonah Crab, Mackerel, Rock Crab, Shrimp (inshore), Squid, Striped Bass.
Year-Round: Arctic Char, Clams, Cod, Haddock, Halibut, Lobster, Mussels, Oysters, Pollock, Rock Crab (Frozen), Seaweed, Salmon, Scallops, Shrimp (Northern), Snow Crab (Frozen), Tuna.
Seafood Recipes: Nova Soria Seafood Chowder, Seared Scallops with Arugula Apple Salad, Nova Scotia Haddock Francese
Year-Round
Produce: Apples, Blueberries (wild, frozen), Cabbage (except June), Cranberries (frozen), Dried Beans, Greenhouse cucumbers, Greenhouse tomatoes, Dried Herbs, Micro Greens, Mesclun/Salad Greens, Mushrooms, Onions, Potatoes, Rutabaga, Shoots.
Meat & Poultry: Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Lamb, Pork, Turkey.
Beverage & Beverage Alcohol: Beer, Cider, Coffee, Craft Sodas, Hot Chocolate, Juice & Fruit Beverages, Kombucha, Mead, Mineral Water, Spirits, Tea, Wine.
Dairy: Cheese, Gelato, Milk, Yogurt.
Artisanal/Ready to Eat: Baked Goods, Condiments, Confectionery, Ingredients & Mixes, Jams, Jellies & Preserves, Honey, Maple Syrup, Sauces, Seasonings & Spices.
Year-round recipes: Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins, Lobster Roll, Maple Bacon Crepe.
Look for the Taste of Nova Scotia logo where you eat, drink and shop to get your hands on local.
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