Bountiful Berries

When I was a little girl I remember venturing out into the fields near my house with my mother to look for the freshest blackberries we could find. To this day my father recalls the berry pies and crisps we made with the earnest fondness that comes with spending time with your family.

Fresh berries and warm berry pies needn’t be the stuff of memories. Countless berry farms allow guests the unique opportunity to “pick-your-own,” and often provide an educational experience to both children and adults. Picking your own berries also ensures that you’re eating the freshest, most organic produce — an important consideration as berries are one of the most heavily sprayed crops we consume.

Berries are one of the healthiest fruits available. They’re packed with age-defying antioxidants and contain a slew of vitamins and fibre. When not baked into delicious pies, they are also a low-calorie treat. 

Avid berry pickers and new-to-the-basket families can find all of the information they need at pickyourown.org. This easy-to-use site provides visitors with lists of local berry farms as well as delicious recipes. Keep the site bookmarked all year as it is updated with fall pumpkin crops and winter Christmas trees. •

When eating natural, fresh produce it is important to enjoy only the fruits that are in peak season. Right now, look to harvest blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.

How to know which berries to pick?

Strawberries: Plump, firm, red berries. Smaller berries have better flavour.

Blackberries: Deep black berries are best — avoid purple ones as they aren’t yet ripe.

Blueberries: Select full, plump berries that are light grey-blue in colour.

Raspberries: Only pick berries that are fully red — keep these berries dry as they spoil quickly when wet.