Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than with delicious Canadian strawberries?
In 2023 Canadian farmers harvest more than 22,000 tons of strawberries. Quebec holds the title of the biggest-strawberry-producing province. Quebec farmers grow almost twice as much as their Ontario counterparts. The third largest grower is the province of British Columbia with most coming from the fertile Fraser Valley.
Strawberry plants are carefully nurtured by farmers and protected with straw to produce those sweet berries we all love.
The white flowers you see on the plant turn into berries after being pollinated by honeybees, a process that takes about four to six weeks. Interestingly, one flower can turn into one berry, and a single stem can hold up to ten blooms.
Traditionally, strawberry season was limited to spring and early summer. But thanks to "day neutral" varieties, the season now extends into late fall. These innovative plants produce buds throughout the summer and fall, giving us a longer period to enjoy these tasty treats.
"Day neutral strawberries have completely changed the strawberry industry," says Victoria Buma, a berry expert in Ontario. Unlike regular strawberries, day neutral varieties don't rely on specific daylight hours and keep producing fruit all summer long.
Farmers are also using new techniques to overcome weather challenges and ensure a consistent supply of strawberries. One method involves growing strawberries on tables inside open-ended plastic tunnels. This European approach protects the delicate fruit from rain and hail, reducing waste.
"We're focused on reducing waste and making strawberry production more sustainable," says Dalton Cooper, a strawberry farmer in Ontario. Growing in controlled environments helps us offer top-quality berries throughout the season, regardless of the weather."
Beyond their delightful taste, strawberries are a healthy choice. They're packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and are low in calories, sodium, and fat-free.
Read the Small Farm Canada article about growing strawberries.
Check out some of the following strawberry recipes posted on Small Farm:
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