Strawberry season ramps up across northern Ontario

The strawberry season across northern Ontario has reached full swing, with eager pickers streaming into fields to harvest the region’s prized berries as an early summer heat wave hastens their ripening.

At Leisure Farms, just south of Sturgeon Falls, row upon row of pickers could be seen Friday morning scouring the strawberry patches for the plumpest, reddest fruit. For many families, the annual excursion has become a cherished summer ritual passed down through generations.

“I’ve been doing this since the kids were born. Like my oldest is now 38,” said Nicole Robinson-Hotson.

“We did this and they were even on the farm’s pamphlet. They had a picture of them eating them.”

Tradition rooted in freshness

The four-week strawberry picking season ranks among the busiest periods for Leisure Farms, drawing customers from near and far who are willing to pay for the freshest berries available.

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“I like that they’re nice and fresh and sweet,” said Jojo Belanger who was out in the fields picking on July 10.

Nearby, eight-year-old Lea Montpellier echoed the sentiment, saying, “They’re very good for you and they taste good.”

For many pickers, the berries are destined for more than just immediate consumption. For example, Montana Legault arrived with a clear plan for her harvest.

“I’m going to do jam and I’ll make a pie. But I’m going to try a strawberry lemonade, like concentrate. I’m going to can it. That’s my plan,” she said.

Weather creating ideal growing conditions

While there is no perfect formula for producing the best strawberries, the farm’s manager Mitch Deschatelets told CTV News that this year’s conditions have been exceptionally favourable.

Deschatelets said this past winter provided good snow cover, which serves as natural insulation protecting the plants.

“Which is what you’re looking for because it acts like insulation and it protects the plants from freezing too much,” he said.

The manager went on to explain that following the snowy winter, a wet and cool spring gave way to immediate hot summer temperatures, creating optimal conditions for rapid berry development.

“Right now are the perfect conditions for picking.”

—  Mitch Deschatelets, Farm manager at Leisure Farms near Sturgeion Falls, Ont.

Leisure Farms launched its strawberry season on June 29, with the farm’s four fields now packed with ripe berries ready for harvest.

Preserving for year-round enjoyment

Deschatelets said he has observed a growing trend among customers returning to traditional methods of preservation, with more visitors purchasing berries specifically for jam-making.

Robinson-Hotson, who has been picking at the farm for decades, confirmed her commitment extends beyond strawberry season.

“I do also come back for the raspberries and I do raspberry jam, jellies,” she said.

The versatility of the fruit was evident in the variety of plans among pickers. Young Gunnar Belanger outlined his family’s intentions for their haul.

“We’re going to make pie, maybe a strawberry shortcake and we’ll have them for ice cream,” he said.

Farm offers both pick-your-own and ready-picked options

With raspberry season set to begin immediately after strawberries conclude, Leisure Farms remains a destination for berry enthusiasts throughout the summer months.

The farm is open for pick-your-own strawberries weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A four-litre basket costs $17, while a two-litre basket is available for $10.50.

For customers who prefer not to pick their own, Leisure Farms also offers ready-picked berries available in its farm store.

More information is available on the farm’s website.