Canada is one of the countries in the world with the most difficult climatic conditions for crop development; its cold winters and short seasons make fruit production a challenge. For the most part, Canada needs to rely on imports to supply the high demand for fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
However, there is a group of fruits that can be grown in Canada without problem, depending on the season and using different techniques, such as greenhouses, controlled cultivation technologies, among others, that allow successful harvesting in Canadian soils. There are many fruits that are grown in Canada, among them are peaches, apricots and all kinds of red fruits such as blueberries, currants, cranberries, strawberries, grapes, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, Haskap berries and Saskatoon berries.
The great majority of these fruits are obtained in spring and summer, and are used to be consumed fresh or to prepare different dishes such as desserts, cakes or any type of preserves (soft drinks or jams), which ensure their consumption in other seasons of the year.
TOP 5 Most grown fruits in Canada
The fruits produced in Canada and most marketed domestically and abroad are the following:
Apples
Apples are one of the most widely grown fruits in Canada, so much so that some consider it one of the country’s emblematic fruits. Throughout Canada, it is common to see huge apple orchards in many provinces, which add a touch of beauty to the landscape. The provinces where this fruit is most commonly grown are Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Fertile soils and the right season allow all types of apples to thrive in Canada, but the most commercial varieties are McIntosh, Spartan and Honeycrisp.
Blueberries
Blueberries are another important crop in Canada. Besides being a delicious tasting fruit, blueberries are an important source of antioxidants; they help control diabetes, prevent cancer and lower cholesterol. Canada is one of the main producers of blueberries in the world, its crop is harvested in the summer season and is used for fresh consumption and preparation of yogurt, juices and baked goods.
The provinces that grow blueberries in Canada are Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Northern Ontario, characterized by vast blueberry fields.
Cherries
Cherries, although they are more difficult to grow than other fruits, are one of the fruits that grow the most in Canandienses soils. They range from sweet cherries to sour cherries, both of which are in great demand. Cherries in Canada are only grown in a few places, especially the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and parts of Ontario. They are used to prepare pies, desserts and all kinds of preserves.
Strawberries
Strawberries are grown in various parts of Canada, but it is the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia that produce the most of this delicious fruit. It is therefore common to see extensive strawberry plantations in these provinces during the summer. Strawberries in Canada are a seasonal delicacy, and it is used to the maximum, it is used to prepare juices, jams, cakes and all kinds of desserts.
Grapes
The production of grapes or viticulture, as it is also known, has boomed over the years, making Canada one of the countries with the highest quality grapes for winemaking. Although it is not a very explored terrain, several provinces stand out in viticulture, such as the Okanagan in British Columbia and the Niagara Valley in Ontario, recognized for the quality of their vineyards.