Four Recipes Using Seasonal Ingredients

With Alberta’s short growing season, taking advantage of fresh produce while it’s available is important if you want to make seasonal dishes! Luckily, greenhouse growers, cold storage and canning allow us to enjoy the fruits of our Alberta farmers’ labour through the year but fresh produce is extra delicious and nutritious. The Alberta Farmers Market Association has a helpful page to see what’s in season, categorized by produce availability. Life’s Simple Ingredient, wheat, works well with all your favourite seasonal fruits and veggies to create tasty and healthy dishes. Check out these four seasonal favourite recipes.

Saskatoon or Blueberry Muffins

Blueberries and saskatoons are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, so whichever you can get your hands on will be perfect for these muffins! Saskatoons and blueberries are packed with fibre, an important part of a balanced diet. Saskatoons are rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient that helps the body regulate muscle and nerve function. These muffins are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack that incorporates fresh Alberta berries.

Healthy Toasted Tomato Sandwich

You can’t go wrong with the classic toasted tomato sandwich. Now is the perfect time to get local, ripe and juicy tomatoes to pair with your favourite bread. Tomatoes are a good source of fibre, vitamin C, potassium and folate. Make the sandwich on whole wheat bread to up the fibre content and get in even more essential vitamins and minerals—thanks, Life’s Simple Ingredient!

Apple Scones

From pies and crumbles to galettes and tarts, apples are a great baking fruit. Apple scones pair nicely with a cup of tea on chilly summer and fall nights. Apples are available from mid-July to October and, if you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to find a place to pick your own! If not, look for signs at your farmer’s market and grocery store that have the grower’s origin to find local apples.

Herb and Tomato Wheat Bread Salad

If you’ve been growing herbs in your home garden, this recipe is for you! With fresh parsley, basil and oregano, you can show off your green thumb by incorporating your home-grown herbs in this salad. Many herbs are a good source of antioxidants which are said to reduce the risk of many diseases. Cut up some of your favourite sourdough, ciabatta or French loaf, lightly toast it and mix all ingredients together for a delicious Herb and Tomato Wheat Bread Salad.