Since so many people forget their importance, here’s a quick refresher on the birds and the bees: Pollination is needed for plant reproduction. Pollination occurs when there is transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower tothe female part of the flower. Pollen transfer often occurs when it’s carried from one plant to another by birds, other animals, wind, water, or insects. Bees are among the best pollinators with their hairy bodies which pollen can stick to. The beautiful colours, shapes, and smells of flowering plants have developed, not to please people, but to attract pollinators like bees.

So what’s believed to be causing the threat to the bee population? Surprise surprise, it’s pesticides. The culprit is believed to be a neonicotinoid and insecticide used to treat corn seed. The deaths of thousands of bees have coincided with corn planting times in major planting areas. Tests have concluded the presence of neonicotinoid on most of the dead bee samples and it is believed the insecticide is being carried through the air killing the bees.

Similar pesticide and bee issues have occurred in Europe with the UK now placing bans on certain pesticide use. Some Canadian farmers don’t agree with such bans as they claim without the insecticide there would be drastic losses to the grain industry. Farmer Henry Denotter blames not the insecticide but modern farm equipment as it causes dust. He believes altering the equipment to cause less dust would be the proper solution, not chemical bans.

There has been some efforts to reduce risks to bees in Ontario as the agriculture ministry is requesting grain farmers use extra precaution when planting. They are also encouraging farmers to communicate with beekeepers in their area, keeping in mind bees will travel up to five kilometers. In Ontario, the Beekeepers’ Association is involved with ongoing discussions with Ontario’s farm organizations and government to address the cause of bee deaths.  The Canadian bee problem is finally gaining more support and publicity, in turn putting pressure on the federal and provincial governments to solve these issues.

So next time you swat or squeal at a buzzing sound, remember that bees are the ones in real danger. Ways you Can Help: Support the Canadian Honey Council’s efforts, or visit the Honey Bee Haven website.

Blog Sources: North Humberland Today, CBC News, Christianblackburn.com.

By: Julia Modica

The post Buzz Kill appeared first on Ontario's Own - Pure & Simple.

This Saturday I entered the festival eager to try the abundance of cheeses and foods I could see and smell all around me. While there was plenty to sample, an unforgettable bite occurred when I first tasted Angelo Bean’s sausage. Angelo’s cute and tasty sausages owe their special taste to high quality Heritage pork raised on Ontario farms, and the addition of concentrated wine flavour.  The wine reduction process Angelo uses is his very own, making his sausages both unique and delicious.

While the sausage was tasty, I didn’t forget why I was there. Cheese samples were plenty with an extensive variety of textures and tastes. I absolutely loved the cheeses from Woolrich Dairy, and the creamy goat cheese from Mariposa Dairy was to die for!

 My favourite cheese however had to be the phenomenal Italian style water buffalo ‘Mozzarella di Bufala,’ from The Ontario Water Buffalo Company. I am completely enamoured with this moist, soft, creamy, and wonderful cheese!

The outdoor section of the festival, people had a chance to meet an actual water buffalo as the festival included a small area where one could view live water buffalo, sheep, goats, and dairy cows.

As wines, cidars, and beers, were being sipped by enthusiastic foodies, I decided it was my turn to quench my thirst. There were lots of tasty beverages but my favourites were the wines from the Waupoos Estates Winery and the cranberry and apple cidars  from County Cidar. These cidars were so delicious I couldn’t go home without buying each. I also sampled some delicious jams and chutneys and ended up taking home a chutney by ‘Major Craig’s.’

My day at the festival ended when after tasting so many yummy foods, I couldn’t stop thinking about the water buffalo cheese. So I headed to the Ontario Water Buffalo Company farm to find out how I could bring some home!

If your a cheese lover don’t miss the Fat & Fermented Food and Drink Celebration held October 5-6, 2013 ~ Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto.

The post Fest of the Best! The Artisan Cheese & Fine Food Fair appeared first on Ontario's Own - Pure & Simple.

Another red and tart little fruit we grow in Ontario is the raspberry. Evidence has indicated that people have been eating raspberries since they lived in caves. While black raspberries are North American natives, it is theorized that red raspberries may have been brought to North America by prehistoric people who crossed the Bering Strait. More raspberries came with colonizers bringing raspberry canes from Europe to North America and crossing them with the native black raspberries.

Also red and sometimes tart is the beloved strawberry. Strawberries have native roots from around  the world in Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. They have been picked and cultivated for centuries by Europeans, and possibly even earlier by native North Americans. Strawberry picking is a favourite Ontario past time and can be included in a romantic date or fun family outing!

While many of Ontario’s cultivated fruits have origins across the ocean, blueberries are indigenous to North America. Early European explorers, like Champlain, observed the natives many uses for this valuable berry. During early colonization, blueberries were cherished as their sweetness, abundance, and versatility was very useful when there was fresh food shortages in the ‘New World.’ Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They have very high antioxidant properties, are packed with vitamins and, and offer a range of health benefits including improving vision, fighting carcinogens, fighting sun damage, and protecting against heart disease.

If your a local and seasonal eater with a sweet tooth then summer is your season with Ontario’s variety of sweet, tart, and juicy berries!

Sources: Cherries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries.

By: Julia Modica

The post Original Origins of Ontario Fruit: Part 2 appeared first on Ontario's Own - Pure & Simple.

One fruit we grow in Ontario has been called the most important fruit crop in world history. It has been credited with the initial cultivation of fruit, and is used to make one of humanity’s most ancient and popular beverages; wine. Grape use in wine production has been a large reason fruit was originally cultivated. Archeological evidence suggests wine making may have started near the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe as early as 65 000 B.C.E. Wine making evolved and by 1700 B.C.E in the Mediterranean region, grapes were being cultivated and wine was being produced. The Roman Empire then brought the cultivation of grapes to conquered areas in Europe and the Middle East.  European Imperialism would eventually bring grapes to North America where wine producing regions would develop such as Niagara, Ontario!

Like grapes, the sweet apple is thought to have been brought to the rest of Europe by conquering Romans. Europeans then brought the sweet apple to North America where previously only crab apples had existed. The original origin of apples is still debated. One theory is the sweet apple likely stems from the northern slopes of the great Tien shan mountain range of Asia. Here bears favoured eating the sweeter and larger apples and would then digest, pass, and spread the seeds. This caused more trees with sweet apples to exist by the time humans began to occupy the area.

As with apples and grapes, pears are one of the first fruits to be cultivated. Originating in Asia, China, and Europe, pears were cherished by the ancient Greeks and Romans to the romantics of the Renaissance. Eventually brought to North America by Europeans, we now cherish pears in Ontario!

Another tender fruit favourite in Ontario is the peach. The peach is believed to originate from China where it has been cultivated since around 1000 B.C.E. Chinese culture reveres peaches as a symbol of unity and life. From China, the peach eventually made its way to the Mediterranean, Europe, and was brought to the North America. Now Ontario has its own beautiful peach orchards.

Unlike peaches, plums were already natives of North America when Europeans arrived. To create a quality plum however native and European plums were developed into a hybrid that was sweet, juicy, and could grow well in the climate of regions like Ontario.

It’s important to know where your food comes from and it’s nice to know its history.  The fruits of Ontario have such a diverse history, so stay tuned for Original Origins of Ontario Fruit Part 2, when we discuss cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries!

By: Julia Modica

For more information check sources: Grapes , Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums.

The post Original Origins of Ontario Fruit: Part 1 appeared first on Ontario's Own - Pure & Simple.

Before that summer laziness kicks in and you think your spice rack has you covered, consider that most herbs taste far superior when fresh versus dried. Bitter when dried, fresh sage has a delicious woodsy flavour that’s very complimentary to chicken and tastes great with barbequed pork or mushrooms. Sage also helps the body digest oils making it a great addition to salad dressing, but be sure to use this potent herb sparingly. For something with more of a subtle flavour try lemon balm. This herb has a light lemon-mint fragrance and taste that can be added in salads, paired with fish, or used to make tea. Another herb that pairs great with fish like salmon is dill.

If you’re looking to compliment grilled meats like beef, try herbs with a tangy pine flavour like marjoram or rosemary. You could even try bundling rosemary and using it to brush sauces or oils onto meat or veggies. If you’re a big fan of Italian cooking you may want to consider basil or thyme which can enhance tomato sauce and pesto. If you love spicy dishes plant some curry, or for a unique taste try tarragon. Tarragon has a refreshing liquorice flavour that can be added to salads, fish, or even omelettes. If you’re not sure which herbs to settle on, chives are a great asset in an herb garden. With their light oniony taste, chives are best served fresh, and can be chopped and sprinkled on almost anything including baked potatoes, tacos, salads, and eggs.

Feed your need to eat well this summer by creating delicious dishes enhanced by your own garden. If gardening in summer heat makes you thirsty, fresh herbs are also great way to spruce up popular patio drinks. Pick up some fresh mint and make your own mojito!

By: Julia Modica

The post Herb Your Enthusiasm appeared first on Ontario's Own - Pure & Simple.