Quebec berries, summer's little pleasures

Québec's summer season would not be the same without the arrival of berries of all kinds! The strawberry season is well underway at your public markets, with the juicy red fruits gracing the stands of your favourite vendors. Raspberries and blueberries will be arriving later in July.

Stock up on berries throughout the summer in your markets, to eat locally all year round! Nathalie, from Nathalie and Richard Trottier's stand in Jean-Talon Market, suggest freezing your fresh, locally grown strawberries by first rinsing and draining them, then slicing them up to put it in the freezer in an appropriate bag. Strawberries freezes well and are perfect in your smoothies, as jam, in crumbles or as "ice cubes" for your flavoured water. Imagine, you could be eating flavourful Québec strawberries in the middle of a snowstorm this winter !

Several other varieties of berries will be coming into the market during the summer season— gooseberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, blackberries and haskaps. They’re perfect for making delicious jams or jellies. They can also be eaten au naturel for those who appreciate their tartness and slightly sour taste, in the case of haskaps. Don’t be shy about trying these fruits and asking your enthusiastic producers about them. They’ll be pleased to give you tips about the best ways to prepare and eat them.

In a savory dish, a sweet desert, as a snack or in your flavoured water, Québec’s berries are one of summer’s pleasures.

Discover the berry producers in your public markets.

Looking for a summer recipe featuring berries? Here are our favourites!

Strawberry-rhubarb-basil lemonade

Beets and raspberry hummus

Strawberries-rhubarb salsa