[Ontario] Local Produce

Ontario peaches are now out but ridiculously expensive at the grocery stores in my downtown neighbourhood. We only have access to Farm Boy, Loblaws, Your Independent and Metro. A Food Basics will be opening near my office at the end of August and it’s not coming fast enough… Warner Farms from Beamsville, ON usually has a stand set up at one of our farmers markets and I am hoping to go on Sunday. Hopefully Warners will have lots of stone fruit available.

1 Like

It should be at farm stands already. I have been buying it in London and St Thomas for 2 weeks, and it was already available in North Bay last week.

This is where I bought mine today, in Mount Brydges.

1 Like

$8.99 for a 3 litre basket is a fair price for local peaches at Farm Boy right now, in the current economy.

One of my relatives eats a lot of stone fruit, and can’t tolerate oranges or apples, so I buy stone fruit year-round now. American and Chilean plums, nectarines and peaches often cost $3.99-$6.99 per pound, so a 3 litre basket of Ontario peaches, which typically weighs a few pounds, is a relative bargain, if they’re a good batch.

I find Sobeys and Metro will have cheaper baskets but depending on the store, they’re often mealy.

1 Like

I stopped by the south London Farm Boy for fruit this afternoon. Their peaches weren’t nearly as nice. Most were bruised and overripe in the 3 3L baskets that were still available. Really varies from location to location and depending on demand

1 Like

I bought the 3 L clamshell of peaches at my local Metro this weekend, and the three I’ve had so far were excellent. $7.99

3 Likes

Ontario peaches at Costco $12.99 for 7lb. I couldn’t wait to try one when I got home so picked one with the most give. Sooo juicy and sweet though a bit underripe near the pit.

I don’t doubt it’s a bit overpriced but in general the quality of local produce at Costco is pretty good. They also had Ontario apricots but I’m not a fan.

BC cherries were on sale for $7.99/box but I don’t remember the weight.

3 Likes

I don’t think what you paid is overpriced. That’s a fair price for Canadian peaches this year.

When Canadian peaches are priced cheaper at some stores, they might be a loss leader.

The price at the farm stands and farmers market is around $8 to $10 for a 3 l basket which is a few lbs. Flats of seconds are cheaper.

Occasionally I get a special the last half hour the farmers market is open, if the truck didn’t sell out. Usually that’s buy 1 get 1 free, or 2 baskets for $10. This tends to happen on rainy market days when less customers show up!

1 Like

As long as they’re tasty it’s worth the price to me. Wish everyone would use the same measurements. I have no idea what 3L is compared to lbs. I see No Frills peaches will be 3L for $3.99 starting tomorrow.

Friend was at St Jacob’s and said the peaches were on the small side.

1 Like