Ontario Goodness

At this time of the year, I feel the need to stockpile food (just like a squirrel). I find myself stocking my pantry cupboards and filling my freezer with enough food to get my family through many weeknight meals. And the more seasonal, local ingredients I can use, the better.
Recently I was introduced to Ontario’s Own, a new line of delicious food products which are Ontario grown, processed and sold through Ontario retailers. A group of Ontario farmers, artisan producers and chefs have come together to produce delicious, comforting, prepared foods, made with minimal processing. Featured products include: Chili Con Carne, Pork ‘n’ Beans, Sauce Bolognese, Tomato Sauce, Carbonated Natural Spring Water, Chicken Stock, Vegetable Stock, Apple Puree and Peach Puree.

Having products like these makes it easier for me to make healthy food choices, while supporting my local farmers and economy. I picked up two jars of the Tomato Sauce to make spaghetti sauce the other night and I couldn’t tell the difference in the flavour between it and freshly picked field tomatoes. The prepared foods are cooked soon after harvest in order to retain the freshness of the ingredients. My kids love homemade chicken noodle soup, so when they asked for a bowl on the weekend I was happy to oblige. I didn’t have the time to make my own, so I served them the next best thing—Ontario’s Own Chicken Noodle Soup. It tastes like homemade and all of the ingredients are local and fresh.

Sadly, the Ontario’s Own line is only available for purchase in Ontario retailers. Let me know if you have seen anything like it where you are. It’s always great to support your local farmers.