Summer to Fall Produce Picks (Win! A $100 Loblaws Gift Card!)

We’ve all been in the produce aisle squeezing an avocado or knocking on a melon, but it’s hard to know what test actually works to yield the freshest produce. And, with summer starting to wind down and fall around the corner—read: a whole slew of new produce picks in the fruit and veg aisle—we quizzed Dan Branson, senior director of produce, floral and garden at Loblaw on his top tips and tricks for choosing the ripest berries and the best zucchinis and peppers this season (not to mention, how to prep them to enhance their flavours)! —Noa Nichol

Hi Dan! To start, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in the produce industry. My grandfather started a stall on the Ontario Food Terminal in the 1930s and began importing and distributing produce. My father followed him into the family business, as I did my dad. We owned a produce farm north of Toronto for a number of years but specialized in the overseas imports and exports of Canadian produce. I’ve managed local and imported produce relationships through my career. I have worked for Loblaw for 12 years in produce procurement, produce merchandising and, finally, managing all produce-related Loblaw private-label programs across President’s Choice, President’s Choice Organics, Farmer’s Market and No Name Naturally Imperfect brands.

Being a true industry insider, besides (or in addition to) local, what other produce trends have you seen sprout up in the last few years?

For many years, produce variety development was based on high yield, transportability and shelf life, often delivering declining flavour. Consumers are demanding better-tasting produce and are driving the flavour trend of new varieties and new growing technology. In terms of trends, organics are becoming more important to consumers who are making lifestyle choices relating to the environment, the perceived health of the farming industry and what their food might contain. Imperfect fruits and vegetables, too, are trending, as a great means of managing a household budget. Other things I’ve noticed: consumer expectations of year-round availability of all produce items and that consumers are becoming more conscious of where their produce comes from and are often seeking local produce. Shopping for produce that came straight from a local farm is easy in Loblaw stores when nearly 50 per cent of the produce comes from Canadian growers during peak season!

What are some of the most common mistakes you see people make when buying (or choosing not to buy) produce?

First, not taking advantage of the seasonally available fruit and vegetables. It’s the perfect time to be selecting locally grown produce right now! Also, buying too much sometimes. Plan your meals and needs based on household size and shop frequency. One tip I like to give is that not only can cut vegetables and salads save time, they can also help manage the budget and household waste for small households. Rather than buying all of the ingredients, it can be time saving and cost effective to have them prepared for you.

What are your top five produce picks for the current (changing) season, and how to choose/enjoy the best of each one?

One, potatoes: I think new crop potatoes harvested late summer through the fall eaten within the season taste the best. Two, living lettuce: as field crops end, greenhouse-grown living lettuce is available year round, stays fresh for some time and tastes amazing. I don’t buy anything else. Three, local peaches: Canada grows the best tasting, period. Our B.C. growers harvest at high ripeness so juiciness and sugars are second to none. Four, local apples: I love eating varieties as they become available through the fall. Canada grows amazing apples. My favourite would be the Ambrosia! Five, local blueberries: this is an emerging industry in B.C. They are becoming year-round in Ontario and are building availability in the rest of Canada as our growers learn to grow in each region. They take 100s of trucks off the road from California, Florida and Mexico. They also taste amazing all the time.

Personal question: your favourite/most indulgent autumn meal or dish using seasonal produce?

Acurried squash or sweet potato soup, roast seasonal root vegetables and Thanksgiving dinner—just the stuffing please!

Win! A $100 Loblaws Gift Card!

We have a winner! Congratulations Shamarra G., of Etobicoke, Ontario, who won a $100 Loblaws gift card, which can be used across Canada at any Loblaws store (City Market, Independent, Superstore, No Frills and more)!