Seasonal Cheese Pairings: What's Fresh at Ontario Farmers' Markets This Month

By Chef Erica Trabulsi, Briar Hill Gourmet

August in Ontario is pure magic for anyone who loves exceptional food. Our farmers' markets are absolutely bursting with sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant peaches, and the first hints of early harvest apples. As someone who spends every Saturday morning wandering through local market stalls, basket in hand, I can tell you there's no better time to create stunning luxury grazing boards that celebrate our region's incredible bounty.

The August Harvest: A Cheese Lover's Paradise

This time of year, the synergy between our local cheesemakers and produce growers reaches its peak. The warm days and cool nights of Ontario August create ideal conditions for both aged cheeses reaching perfect maturity and fresh cheeses that sing alongside seasonal fruit.

At the markets right now, you'll find heirloom tomatoes in every shade from deep purple to sunshine yellow, wild blueberries still dewy from morning picking, and corn so sweet it barely needs cooking. These treasures transform simple cheese into memorable experiences, whether you're planning private event catering or an intimate dinner at home.

Five Perfect Pairings to Try This Month

1. Monforte Dairy's Bliss with Ontario Peaches

This creamy, bloomy-rind cheese from Stratford becomes transcendent when paired with perfectly ripe Niagara peaches. The cheese's buttery interior and mushroomy notes play beautifully against the fruit's honeyed sweetness. Drizzle with local wildflower honey and add some toasted hazelnuts for a combination that regularly appears on our charcuterie delivery boards throughout August.

2. Thunder Oak Gouda with Heirloom Tomatoes

The caramel notes in this aged gouda from Thunder Bay create an unexpected harmony with thick slices of Cherokee Purple or Brandywine tomatoes. Add a scatter of fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, and some flaky salt. This pairing has become a signature element in our vegetarian grazing boards, proving that meat-free options can be every bit as luxurious.

3. Mariposa Dairy's Fresh Chèvre with Wild Blueberries

Lindsay-based Mariposa creates a goat cheese that's both creamy and bright. Roll it in crushed pink peppercorns, then serve alongside Ontario wild blueberries and crisp endive leaves. The combination of creamy, tart, sweet, and peppery creates layers of flavor that keep guests coming back for more.

4. Upper Canada Cheese's Niagara Gold with Sweet Corn

This award-winning cheddar deserves the spotlight in August. Pair chunks of Niagara Gold with charred corn kernels tossed with lime and chili. It's an unexpected combination that captures the essence of Ontario summer and works beautifully for both casual gatherings and sophisticated private event catering.

5. Thornloe's Aged Cheddar with Early Harvest Apples

As August wanes, the first Paula Red and Ginger Gold apples appear at market stalls. These early varieties, with their perfect balance of tart and sweet, create magic with Thornloe's sharp aged cheddar. Add some grainy mustard and toasted walnuts for a preview of autumn while summer still lingers.

Building Your August Grazing Board

Creating luxury grazing boards that showcase these pairings requires more than just beautiful ingredients—it's about understanding how flavors, textures, and temperatures interact. Here's my approach for August entertaining:

Start with temperature: Remove cheeses from refrigeration 30-45 minutes before serving. August's warmth means they'll come to ideal serving temperature quickly.

Consider texture variety: Balance creamy cheeses with aged varieties, soft fruits with crunchy vegetables, and smooth spreads with textured crackers or crusty bread.

Think about color: August produce offers an artist's palette. Those jewel-toned tomatoes, golden peaches, and deep purple plums don't just taste incredible—they create visual poetry on your board.

Add supporting players: Local honeycomb, grainy mustards, pickled vegetables, and seasonal preserves elevate simple cheese and produce into something special. This month, I'm particularly loving pickled fennel with its subtle anise notes.

Vegetarian Options That Shine

This season has reinforced something I've long believed: vegetarian grazing boards can be every bit as exciting as traditional charcuterie. By focusing on exceptional cheeses, seasonal produce, and creative plant-based proteins like marinated tempeh or spiced chickpeas, we create boards that satisfy everyone at the table.

Consider adding grilled vegetables to your August boards. Zucchini ribbons, charred bell peppers, and blistered cherry tomatoes add smoky depth that complements both mild and assertive cheeses. Homemade muhammara or romesco sauce provides richness typically associated with meat-based options.

Making the Most of Market Day

To find the best pairings, arrive at the farmers' market early. Chat with vendors about what's at peak ripeness that day. Many of Ontario's cheesemakers attend markets themselves and love discussing pairing suggestions. They know their cheeses intimately and often have surprising recommendations you won't find anywhere else.

Don't hesitate to ask for samples—most vendors are happy to let you taste before committing. This is especially important with seasonal fruit, where ripeness can vary dramatically from week to week.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you're assembling boards for charcuterie delivery, planning private event catering, or simply treating yourself to an exceptional weekend spread, August offers unparalleled opportunities to celebrate Ontario's agricultural abundance.

The key is letting the ingredients shine. When you start with perfectly ripe produce and expertly crafted local cheeses, your role becomes one of thoughtful curation rather than complicated preparation. Sometimes the most sophisticated approach is the simplest one.

As we savor these last weeks of high summer, I encourage you to visit your local farmers' market with fresh eyes. Look for unexpected combinations. Try that cheese you've walked past a dozen times. Ask the tomato vendor which variety would pair best with aged cheddar. These small adventures in flavor create the memories we'll carry through the cooler months ahead.

The beauty of seasonal eating isn't just in the superior flavor—though August tomatoes certainly prove that point. It's in the connection to our local food community, the anticipation of fleeting pleasures, and the joy of sharing these discoveries with others. Whether through a carefully curated grazing board or a simple cheese and peach afternoon snack, August invites us to slow down and savor.

At Briar Hill Gourmet, we're passionate about showcasing Ontario's seasonal best through our charcuterie delivery service and private event catering. Each board we create tells the story of our local farmers, cheesemakers, and the beautiful province we call home.