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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-06-24, Page 9Wednesday, June 24, 2015 • News Record 9 Introducing the Saskatoon berry at Bayfield Berry Farm Laura Broadley Clinton News Record It looks like a purple blueberry and tastes between a blueberry and black cherry. Bayfield Berry Farm wants to intro- duce the Saskatoon berry, which it's been growing since 2002. "It has more nutrition and anti -tox- ins than a blueberry. You can do any- thing you would with a blueberry; eat them fresh, make preserves, use them in juices, pies and muffins," said Mar- lene Beyerlein of Bayfield Berry Farm. Saskatoon berries are a hidden gem that Beyerlein has had for 13 years. The western berry is relatively new to Ontario and Bayfield Berry Farm is one of the farms that adventured out to produce it There are five -acres of Saskatoon berry plants on the property with five different varieties to spread out a longer season. Its season usually starts at the end of June to the middle of July. Saskatoon berries and raspberries are available for customers to pick themselves. The public has previously been able to pick strawberries but frost damage has limited the amount avail- able right now. "We do pick our own strawberries and have them for sale but there's not enough out there to keep everybody happy to offer U -pick at this time" Bey- erlein said. In addition, the farm also grows apples, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, elderberries, asparagus and plums, to name a few. Beyerlein and her parents, Kaethi and Fritz, bought the 80 -acre farm in 2001. They wanted to do a field -to - table approach before it was mainstream. The store was built from scratch and is open from Easter to Christmas It serves lunches and desserts but break- fast reakfast and breakfast buffets are the main thing. There are baked goods, produce, desserts, preserves, frozen treats, cider and fruit juice, ice cream, frozen yogurt and a gift shop offered at the store as well. Catering is available in-house or off- site and Beyerlein is alreadybooking into next year. Everything served is sourced locally as much as possible. Beyerlein explained that local fruit retains more nutrients because they aren't chemically induced to ripen on a truck or plastered with wax to keep it fresh. "What we don't sell in a day, we freeze at night and use it in our pies and preserves. Everything is fresh, we focus on fresh," said Beyerlein. Trying new things and experiment- ing sets Bayfield Berry Farm apart from Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Bayfield Berry Farm owner, Marlene Beyerlein, holds onto the Saskatoon berry plant. Saskatoon benies are heartier than others and can withstand harsher climates. The berries can be eaten like any other bevy or in jams, juices and baked goods. others. Experiments are a big invest- ment, sometimes requiring seven years before anyviable product will be usable. Changing demand and the sustain- ability of product throughout the sea- son requires constant modification and coordination. "It's a lot more work than people realize. It's not just growing fruit," Bey- erlein explained. It is a dedication to stay with it and managing the entire picture, the field, employees, the store, The raised plastic mulch is just one of the adaptations that Bayfield Berry Farm has had to practice to combat frost It raises the plants higher off the ground and protects them from weeds. It does increase costs but Beyerlein said that it will be worth it in the long run. catering, markets, bookkeeping, main- tenance it goes on and on. Over the past 14 years Beyerlein has seen firsthand the impact of cli- mate change. The farm has lost full crops and recently has had to pull out most of its peach trees because they aren't viable anymore. "We have to adapt to climate change," Beyerlein said. "We are get- ting colder in this area over my 14 years here. It's tougher to grow ear- lier crops." Saskatoon berries are heartier and can withstand the harsher climates and Beyerlein is always looking for new fruits that are better suited for the changing environment Bayfield Berry Farm introduced plastic mulch as one way to help combat climate change. The plants are lifted higher off the ground, which helps protect against frost and weeds. It is all hand -planted and Beyerlein said that although it requires more time and money, it'll be worth it in the long nm. Bayfield Berry Farm goes to the Sarnia farmer's market year-round but also goes to Grand Bend, Exeter, Bayfield, Goderich and special events during the season. Beyerlein stresses the importance of supporting local growers as they've had it tough over the last few years. She said there are many fresh and flavourful hidden charms and encourages people to be adventur- ous and try the Saskatoon berry. Bayfield Berry Farm is located at 77697 Orchard Line, R.R. #1 in Bay- field. For more information call 519- 482-1666, email berryfarm@tcc. on.ca or via Facebook ON JUNE 4TH, 2015 CENTRAL HURON SECONDARY SCHOOL HELD THEIR PROM WITH OVER 200 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE. Li 1/ UMMER'S T' AND THE OUTDOOR EVENT We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who helped us make this event a reality for our graduating and senior students. Without the help and support of our local community we would not have been able to have such a successful event. Thank you for investing in our youth! Verbeek's Farm and Garden • Wayne and Harold Smith Construction The Deruyter Family • Bill and Sue Myers • George and Pat Langois • Trudy Krahn Kelly Semple • Chris Reeves • Sharon Thompson • Nancy Watson CHSS Foods Class • Students of the Prom Committee (and their parents) CHSS Staff Volunteers • NJS Design Event and Party Rentals Main Event Entertainment • Huron Perth Tent Rentals Constable J. Stanley and Constable M. Hummel And all of our very understanding neighbours!