Locally Sourced Cranberries at our upcoming Aurelius event and in Our Last Farm Baskets This Thanksgiving Weekend!
As we approach the holiday season, we’re excited to announce that locally sourced cranberries from Upper Canada Cranberries will be available for you! That’s right, cranberries grown right here in the Nation’s Capital! These cranberries will be making a special appearance at our Aurelius Fine Oils and Balsamic Vinegars collaboration Pop-up Farm Stand Event on October 12th noon-2pm; And, I am excited to say Cranberries will also be in our final farm baskets this Thanksgiving weekend! These beautiful, fresh cranberries are perfect for your holiday feasts, adding that classic tart and vibrant touch to everything from sauces to salads.
Lyle explained how he floods the cranberry fields for frost protection. By covering the berries with water, he creates a natural shield that prevents frost from damaging the crop during cold nights.
Visiting Upper Canada cranberry farm was an incredible experience, where we had the pleasure to visit with Lyle, the owner and cranberry farmer, and his dog Buster. We learned about the rich history of Lyle’s land, which had an abundance of peat moss and a creek running through it when he first acquired the property. Over the years, he worked to restore the land back to its natural state as a bog, creating the perfect environment for cranberry farming. His dedication to preserving the land’s natural features has allowed him to grow healthy, vibrant cranberries while honoring the landscape’s original character.
Lyle shared how the cranberries are harvested using a unique flooding method—flooding the fields causes the ripe berries to float to the surface, where they’re corralled and collected. It’s amazing to see the vibrant berries bobbing on the water, waiting to be gathered. This traditional method, combined with his homemade machine for harvesting the Cranberries, makes harvesting cranberries both efficient and sustainable.
Photos courtesy of Lyle Slater
Cranberries are more than just a Thanksgiving staple—they’re rich in antioxidants, high in vitamin C, and support overall wellness. These local berries were just harvested days ago, ensuring you get the freshest flavour to complement your Thanksgiving table.
Whether you’re planning to make a traditional cranberry sauce, incorporate them into a festive salad, or even bake them into Biscotti, these locally sourced cranberries will be a delicious addition to your holiday spread.
What’s in Our Last Farm Basket?
Along with these seasonal cranberries, our final farm baskets will include other farm-fresh goodies like Brussels sprouts, winter squash, pumpkin pie pumpkins, kale, onions and potatoes, celery and herbs—all perfect for your Thanksgiving meal prep. Make sure to grab one of our limited baskets, and enjoy the freshest local produce for your holiday celebrations!
Pop by our Pop-up Farm Stand at Aurelius on Saturday Oct 12th or order your last farm basket before Friday, October 11th before they’re gone! 🍁
Heather