Penticton is known for its juicy peaches — there's not a giant one sitting on Okanagan beach for nothing — but they're not the only delectable harvest available in the South Okanagan.
In the sunny, arid climate of the Okanagan Valley, local farmers can plant and harvest a seemingly countless selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Anyone can get a piece of this fruitful bounty by visiting any of the roadside fruit stands, stores, "U-Pick" orchards and farmers' markets in Summerland, Penticton and Naramata, open from May to October.
In Penticton the market is held at the end of Main Street every Saturday morning. The market features farming methods used in the surrounding area, from conventional to certified organic. Summerland's market is held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some Saturdays in Memorial Park and Naramata hosts its farmers' market Wednesday evenings in Wharf Park.
Plan your trip during the dates when your favourite fruit or vegetable is in season, and get premium quality produce. Here are approximate harvest and blossom dates:
Asparagus: May
Peas: June 15
Cherries: June 20 - July
Apricots: July - August
Peaches: July - September
Onions: July - September
Cucumbers: July 15 - September
Potatoes: July 15 - September
Carrots: August - September
Corn: August - September
Tomatoes: August-first frost
Melons: Aug. 15 - September
Watermelon: Aug. 20 - September
Pears: Aug. 20-September
Grapes: September
Squash: September
Apples: Transparent — July; Tydeman — August;
Macintosh —
Aug. 20;
Spartan — September;
Golden Delicious — Sept. 10; and Red Delicious — Sept. 15