Locally Sourced Cranberries in this weekends Farm Baskets!
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 in our farm baskets this weekend, and, I am excited to say Cranberries will also be in our final farm baskets on Thanksgiving weekend! These beautiful, fresh cranberries are perfect for your holiday feasts, classic Apple Cranberry Crisp and a 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. 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 honouring 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. Having said that I always keep a few bags in my freezer for cooking throughout the year!
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 absolutely delicious no matter how you choose to use them!
Heather