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As U.S. President Donald Trump hurls tariff threats and muses about making Canada the 51st state, a “buy Canadian” sentiment is taking hold at the grocery store.

Greenhouse produce available year-round

While you won’t find Canadian oranges or bananas, Ontario residents can still enjoy a wealth of year-round greenhouse items and other farm products.

Many products are always in season, including most root vegetables, meat and poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wines and craft beverages, greens, honey and greenhouse vegetables.

Fresh, frozen, processed, cured or prepared meats can be quickly transformed into family meals.

To ensure you’re buying Canadian, look for the words “Product of Canada” on food products. The the claim can be applied to products in which all or virtually all major ingredients, processing, and labour used to make the food product are Canadian.

Here’s a list of Ontario produce items currently in season, as of March 11, from .

• Apples
• Beets
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Parsnips
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Red onions
• Rhubarb
• Rutabaga
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes

Pair your meal with Ontario beer, wine, whisky, gin, cider or beer. Rounding out the buy local list, Ontario residents can enjoy locally produced eggs, milk and cheese.

Support Ontario’s economy

In a news release, OFA vice-president Ethan Wallace said shoppers can enjoy homegrown products while supporting Ontario’s economy.

“Buying local food, flowers, fibre and fuel supports the preservation of our farmland — our most precious natural resource and one of the strongest tools we have to bolster Ontario against the threat of international political unrest,” Wallace noted in the .

Greenhouses produce a year-round supply of fresh Ontario potted plants and flowers, like tulips, freesias and gerberas.

“More than 70 per cent of Ontario’s flower production is exported to the United States, with almost 40 per cent of sales happening between March and May,” the OFA added in the release.

Ontario has an estimated 200 flower greenhouses that employ about 9,000 workers, the OFA added.

Maple syrup season begins

March is maple syrup season and the sap is flowing in sugar bushes across the province.

can help you find a local producer and suggest maple recipes to help sweeten your main dishes, desserts, sauces and garnishes.