Here's how to get the best local produce in Vancouver this fall

Vancouver is seeing a swift change to fall weather, something you’re either happy about, or, em… not so happy about.

Either way, nobody wants to get a dreaded cold or flu because the season’s changed. You can do your bit to maintain a healthy diet and keep your immune system strong. And you can start at the grocery store.

No, we’re not talking about filling your basket with boxes of multivitamins. We’re talking about getting the nutrients your body needs, directly from the fresh fruit and veg source. You don’t need to visit a farmer’s market to find fresh produce because you can snap it up at your local Loblaws City Market.

Here are some tips that will help you during your next trip to the grocery store.

Fall favourites: Pumpkins and squash

Whether it’s soup, pie, or carving a jack-o-lantern, pumpkins and squash are everyone’s fall favourites. Surprisingly enough, there’s actually no difference between the pumpkins we carve for Halloween and the pumpkin in the produce section used for pie, apart from size. The trick to select the perfect one is to look for firm skin, and a dry firm stem.

With the variety available it’s hard to know which to choose. Pumpkins and squash are both versatile, nutritious, and great for soups and roasting. If you’re keen to try something different, try a spaghetti squash. Simply roast and pull away from the skin; it’s a great pasta substitute!

Comfort food essential: Potato

Good news, potato lovers! Comfort food is in, and that means everyone’s favourite starch. Over the years potatoes have received a bad rep, but did you know that a medium potato contains more potassium than a banana? Or that it’s very high in vitamin C, and fibre, with even more nutrients in its skin?

Hot tip: Keep in mind that russets are best for baking and fries, and round varieties are better for boiling, roasting and mashing!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Yes, fall is most certainly here which means enjoying the fresh crunch of biting into an apple or cutting into a freshly-baked apple pie. Dry, hot weather across Canada has elevated the brix (sugar levels) in a lot of fruit, including apples, resulting in great-tasting natural treats. Everybody wins.

For a snack, ambrosia and honeycrisp are two newer varieties grown in Canada with great flavour and if you’re baking look for gala, spy, honeycrisp, and crispin — that will taste seriously sweet.

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When you purchase seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables at Loblaws City Market, you’ll be supporting local farmers and helping local economies to grow. That’s a huge deal. Loblaws works with almost 300 Canadian vendors and growers to fill its stores with field-grown produce.

This fresh Canadian produce is only available for a few months so you’ll want to make the most of it while you can!

Choose fresh produce at Loblaws.ca and discover little-known shopping tips and tricks.