Winter in New Brunswick brings more than just frosty mornings and snowy scenery—it also arrives with a bounty of flavourful, seasonal ingredients that shine brightest during the colder months. Whether you’re browsing a winter farmers’ market, supporting a local producer, or cooking up something cozy at home, these New Brunswick winter foods deserve a place on your plate.
🥔 Root Vegetables: Winter’s MVPs
Root vegetables thrive in New Brunswick’s climate and store beautifully all winter long.
Look for:
Carrots
Parsnips
Turnips
Potatoes
Beets
These hearty veggies add natural sweetness to soups, stews, and roasted side dishes. Try tossing them with a drizzle of local maple syrup before roasting for a warm, comforting twist.
🍎 Apples & Pears: Perfect for Winter Baking
Local apples and pears harvested in the fall keep well through the winter, making them ideal for seasonal dishes like crisps, pies, chutneys, and warm breakfast bowls. New Brunswick orchards often offer storage apples all season long—don’t miss varieties like Cortland, McIntosh, or Honeycrisp.
🍁 Maple Products: New Brunswick’s Liquid Gold
While sugaring season begins in early spring, maple products are enjoyed year-round. In winter, they bring a rich, cozy sweetness to dishes.
Local maple treats to try:
Maple cream
Maple candy
Maple butter
Maple-infused sauces and glazes
Pair maple syrup with roasted vegetables, drizzle it over pancakes, or use it to sweeten your favourite winter beverages.
🐟 Atlantic Seafood: Fresh from the Bay
Even in winter, New Brunswick’s coast delivers incredible seafood. Many local fishers continue to provide fresh or flash-frozen options including:
Scallops
Haddock
Salmon
Snow crab (in season)
A simple pan-seared haddock or creamy seafood chowder can bring a taste of the coast to your winter table.
🥬 Winter Greens & Greenhouse Produce
Thanks to greenhouse growers and indoor farms, New Brunswick residents can still enjoy a surprising array of fresh greens throughout the winter. Look for:
Kale
Spinach
Microgreens
Hydroponic lettuce varieties
These vitamin-packed greens are great for balancing out heavier winter meals.
🧀 Local Cheeses & Dairy
Artisanal cheesemakers across the province craft unique cheeses that pair beautifully with winter dishes. Whether it’s a soft, creamy cheese served warm or a sharp cheddar grated into potato dishes, New Brunswick dairy adds comfort and indulgence.
🥖 Fresh Bread & Winter Baked Goods
Local bakeries continue to thrive in winter, offering seasonal favourites such as molasses brown bread, rustic sourdoughs, and holiday pastries. Many bakeries also use local grains and flours—perfect for supporting NB farmers while enjoying the freshest flavours.
🍲 Bringing It All Together: Winter Meal Ideas
Try making:
Hearty root vegetable stew with local potatoes, turnips, carrot, and herbs
Seafood chowder using fresh haddock or scallops
Maple-roasted carrots with thyme
Warm pear crisp topped with local vanilla ice cream
Kale and apple winter salad with maple vinaigrette
Winter in New Brunswick is rich with flavour, comfort, and locally produced goodness. By choosing seasonal foods, you’re not only creating delicious meals—you’re also supporting local farmers, fishers, and makers who help nourish our communities all year long.
