November • 2023
globalheroes.com
SUPPORT BC APPLE GROWERS AND COMMUNITIES
BUY BC APPLES FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES ADVERTORIAL
Harvest Excellence: Savouring the Sweetness of B.C. Apples In the heart of British Columbia, where the beauty of nature meets the sweat and toil of generations, lies an industry as iconic as the land it calls home—the B.C. apple industry. With a rich history dating back generations, these orchards have not only produced some of the most delicious apples but have also been a cornerstone of local communities. Despite the recent COVID-19 and 2021 heat dome challenges, optimism is high for the 2023 apple harvest season in British Columbia. With climate change, growers are resorting to new technology and techniques to maintain quality—for example, utilizing white reflective fabric in the orchard to increase light intensity at harvest time, which increases the vibrant red colour that B.C. apples are renowned for around the world. Forest fires and smoke do not directly impact apples, so 2023 apple quality is expected to be a vintage year. Apples are harvested from September to November and can be stored for up to a year but are mainly sold by May of the following year. Favourable
weather forecasts are leading to a rapid harvest for the fall of 2023. As nature and human efforts harmonize, the stage is set for a bountiful and rewarding season. Apples are a refreshing, nutritional fruit, great for eating fresh or using in salads and baking. Using locally sourced apples will benefit individual and economic health. British Columbia's apple industry serves as a vital pillar
of food security for both the province and the nation. Local production reduces reliance on distant imports and bolsters the resilience of the regional food system. The industry plays a crucial role in providing accessible and reliable nourishment to communities across Western Canada and contributing to the broader food security of the country. In the realm of apple cultivation, British Columbia has
been an incubator for scientific breakthroughs and varietal development. Through dedicated research and innovation, local experts have meticulously crafted apple varieties tailored to the region's unique climate and consumer preferences. From the crisp and sweet Ambrosia to the tart and firm Spartan, these and other thoughtfully crafted cultivars are on offer to exhibit exceptional taste and spectacular colour.
Choosing B.C. apples is about enjoying crisp, flavourful bites, and that choice makes a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local communities. By opting for these homegrown treasures, consumers savour the freshest and most delicious fruits and also reduce their carbon footprint through shorter transportation distances. Moreover, buying B.C. apples directly contributes to the livelihoods of local farmers and the vibrancy of regional economies. Each purchase is a vote for ethical consumption, exceptional taste, and fostering a resilient, homegrown food system. From the farmers who nurture the land to the families who savour the fruits of their labour, each individual plays a role in a legacy that extends back over a century. As the sun sets over the orchards, it illuminates not just rows of apple trees, but the shared determination to preserve a heritage that truly bears fruit for all. Cook, bake, eat. Get inspired by B.C. apples. Find recipes at bctreefruits.com
APPLE GRADING LINE © PHOTO COURTESY OF BC TREE FRUITS COOP
Tips for Eco-Friendly Family Fun This Season There are plenty of fun, eco-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy this fall. Here are some great—and green—ideas. EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Fall is great weather for hiking, and the changing leaves make
a great background for family portraits. To keep the kids engaged, play a fun game like “I Spy—nature edition” or see what they can find on a scavenger hunt. With 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves in Canada, as well as many provincial parks and local
nature reserves to explore, nature isn’t far from your doorstep. Don’t forget to leave only footprints behind. PLAN A FAMILY GAME NIGHT Stay warm on a cool fall evening with a fun-filled family game night. Pour some mugs of hot
chocolate or warm apple cider and pick a game you all love. Get creative without creating waste— there are many family-friendly options like Charades, Spoons or Apples to Apples. MAKE A SEASONAL RECIPE From warm soups and stews
to pastas and casseroles, cozy recipe options are endless, and a great way to use up vegetables and leftovers. When grocery shopping for additional ingredients, look for a carbon zero logo on food packaging. This can help you identify companies that are prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives.
CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN WITH FALL ROOT VEGETABLES PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 55 MINUTES • SERVES: 4
Ingredients
© IMAGE COURTESY OF NEWSCANADA
• 8 Maple Leaf Prime chicken thighs • 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced • 1 cup (250 ml) of butternut squash, peeled and diced • 2 small beets, peeled and diced • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise • 1 head green cabbage, sliced into wedges • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil • 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup • 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) rosemary • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic salt • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
into small cubes and place on top of each piece of chicken. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). 5 Place cabbage wedges and carLine two baking sheets with rots on another baking tray and parchment paper and set aside. drizzle with salt and pepper. 2 Place sweet potato, squash and 6 Place chicken on middle rack beets in a large bowl. Drizzle 1 of oven and cabbage and cartbsp of olive into bowl followed rot tray on the rack below. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, by maple syrup, rosemary and garlic salt. Toss well to coat and then flip carrots and cabbage, arrange onto a baking sheet. cooking until tender. Change oven to low broil and roast 3 Place chicken into the same bowl and drizzle with remainchicken for 3 to 4 minutes ing 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season until golden and crispy. well with salt and pepper and 7 Arrange onto a family-style toss to coat. serving platter and drizzle with pan drippings. 4 Nestle chicken around the vegetables on baking tray. Cut butter —NC
has never tasted so good Adding fibre to your diet is now easier than ever with Omega 3 Nutracleanse. Bake, blend, mix, or shake 3 heaping tablespoons into your and your family’s favourite foods to reach half your day’s recommended fibre intake. For delicous recipes, visit omega3nutracleanse.com
Available in stores:
Add Fibre Here!
