http://smallfruit.ca/ en Copyright 2008 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:33:11 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Welcome to the farm of Gerard and Henny Schouwenaar - source of the finest small fruit in the Niagara Region! Located just outside St. Catharines, minutes away from Lake Ontario, we have been cultivating our crops since 1974 to bring you the highest quality fruit. We specialize in small fruit - berries and Kiwi Berries - but we also grow many varieties of peaches. We're delighted to offer information on all our crops here: when they're in season, where to buy them, how to select them, and of course, delicious recipes! We love hearing from you. To find out where you can purchase our fruit in the GTA, drop us a line anytime. You can telephone us at 905-685-4309, or email us here. Schouwenaar Orchards and Vineyards 1561 Third Avenue St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P9 http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/welcome_to_the_farm_of.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/welcome_to_the_farm_of.html Text Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:33:11 -0500 Our recipe page is currently under construction. To see some of our fruit featured in a variety of delicious recipes, like Tara's luxurious Thimbleberry Pistachio Tart pictured here, please visit Seven Spoons. http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/recipes.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/recipes.html Text Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:34:05 -0500 We grow a large number of different peach varieties, each maturing at a slightly different time. Peaches are one of the most versatile fruits, enjoyable fresh or canned, in pies, chutneys, juices and sauces. The varieties that we currently produce are Harrow Diamond, Garnet Beauty, Redhaven, P.F. 17, Harrow Beauty, Loring and Vanity. They are all in season sometime between mid-July and mid-September. Most of these varieties (except Garnet Beauty) are freestone peaches, which means when they are ripe, the flesh will come away from the pit quite readily. Selecting properly ripened peaches is very important, as unripe peaches have very little taste and an unpleasant texture. Mature peaches should be round and filled out - never flat, and there should not be any green colour anywhere on the peach. Although most retailers do not appreciate squeezing of peaches, a ripe peach should indent slightly when squeezed. http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/peaches.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/peaches.html Text Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:32:45 -0500 Thimbleberries, also known as Blackberries, originated in Europe, but are quickly becoming one of the most popular summer fruits in Canada. Mature berries are very sweet, ideal for eating fresh-picked. They are also an excellent fruit for sauces, wines and dessert garnishes. Thimbleberries closely resemble raspberries, but are much firmer to the touch. Properly ripened berries should be black, not purple. Purple berries have been picked prematurely and will be very tart. http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/thimbleberries.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/thimbleberries.html Text Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:31:43 -0500 Currants come in three colours: red, white and black. Eastern European in origin, each has a distinct flavour and can be used in different contexts. Currants are an old-fashioned fruit that is making a comeback. Historically used to make jellies and sauces for puddings, currants are becoming increasingly popular in salad dressings, tarts and winemaking. Currants are also used more and more in health-conscious diets, as they are high in Vitamin C. Black currants have four times the Vitamin C of an equivalent serving of oranges. Judging the quality and ripeness of currants is easy. No matter what variety, currants should be shiny and very round. Avoid scorched or wrinkled looking berries - they are past their prime. Red currants should be a very vibrant red - never orange or pink. White currants should be creamy in colour, while black currants should be very dark purple of black. Any greenish tinge means these berries are not yet ripe. http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/currants.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/currants.html Text Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:28:43 -0500 Kiwi Berries are relatively new to Canada. Originating in China, they were imported initially as an ornamental vine. Although Kiwi Berries closely resemble a grape, they have a taste all their own. They are much sweeter than the more conventional fuzzy kiwis, but they do not have a fuzzy skin. We do not use any pesticides on our kiwi plants, making the fruit safe to eat without any special preparation. Although most Kiwi Berries are green, some varieties have a red blush. Selecting Kiwi Berries is not difficult, as they are one of the few fruits that should be picked before they are ready to eat. Small brown scars are common from wind damage and will not affect the quality of the fruit. Avoid kiwis with extensive scarring or wrinkled skin - choose firm, smooth fruit. Allow them to sit at room temperature until they are soft to the touch, then enjoy - no peeling necessary. http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/kiwi_berries.html http://smallfruit.ca/2008/09/kiwi_berries.html Text Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:48:46 -0500