Blueberry Festival: What’s At Market

This year’s Blueberry Festival will highlight what blueberries our vendors have to offer! You can expect a number of varieties of fresh, frozen and prepared berries.

What You Can Expect

Farm Fresh:

Beckmann Berry Farm: 

The variety you can find from this local farm is Chandler Blueberries. This variety produces the largest berries of any available! It is a relatively hardy, mid-late season plant that can spread to about six feet in reach.

Forstbauer Farm:

From bushes over 25 years old, you can expect frozen Northland Blueberries. This variety is a hardy mid-height plant known for its yields of medium sized berries with a sweet and wild blueberry taste. Northland is an early, mid-season plant that will tolerate poor soil conditions and does best with heavy annual pruning.

Langley Organic Growers: 

You will find both Bluecrop and Duke at Langely Organic Growers. Bluecrop is the most widely planted high-bush, mid-season cultivar in the world and produces high yields of medium sized. Although it produces firm fruit with good flavour, the canes tend to be droopy so supporting the plant is important. This variety is disease resistance and lasts well into the cold winter months. Duke offers a late bloom that adapts well to cold temperatures while still producing an early crop. This tall bush provides a large number of very sweet, high quality fruit with an excellent shelf life. Did you know its foliage turns red in the fall?

Mandair Farm:

Offering their best berry price of the season you can choose from Bluegold, Bluecrop or Duke berries. Bluegold Blueberries are a mid-season variety that is highly productive. In addition to producing firm, flavourful fruit, it is winter hardy. Bluecrop is the most widely planted high-bush, mid-season cultivar in the world and produces high yields of medium sized. Although it produces firm fruit with good flavour, the canes tend to be droopy so supporting the plant is important. This variety is disease resistance and lasts well into the cold winter months. Duke offers a late bloom that adapts well to cold temperatures while still producing an early crop. This tall bush provides a large number of very sweet, high quality fruit with an excellent shelf life. Did you know its foliage turns red in the fall?

Never Say Die Farm: 

You can also find Bluecrop at Never Say Die Farms. It is the most widely planted high-bush, mid-season cultivar in the world and produces high yields of medium sized. Although it produces firm fruit with good flavour, the canes tend to be droopy so supporting the plant is important. This variety is disease resistance and lasts well into the cold winter months.

Source: Scotts Nursery

Prepared:

A Bread Affair: 

Love at First Bite Loaf- With every single ingredients grown within 71 miles of Vancouver, we were proud to bring our first truly local loaf to Vancouver in 2009. Blueberries and Hazelnuts in a Heritage sprouted grain loaf.

Blueberry Candied Ginger and Lemon Scone- Made using Pitt Meadows Blueberries this quickly became one of our most popular pastries at the farmers markets and you can see why. With no flavour dominating the other this and a cup of coffee is the way to start your rounds at the farmers market.

Coquitlam River Cannery: 

Blueberry Jam made with blueberries grown right in Coquitlam!

Kics Gourmet Products: 

Blueberry lemonade.

Kizzy’s Macarons:

Blueberry Big Macs with blueberry jam buttercream, homemade blueberry compote and fresh BC blueberries.

Mariner Brewing: 

Venture Blueberry Sour beer. Each batch of our blueberry sour is made with 1,000 lbs of real blueberries from the Fraser valley!

Oh Sweet Day:

Classic cheesecake with fresh blueberry sauce!

Royal City Donuts: 

Blueberry compote filled donuts.

Activities:

Kids Activities:

Kids of all ages can visit our Kids Craft area to play games and make blueberry magnets. Kids ages 5-12 can stop by our Power of Produce Kids Club tent to make a jar of blueberry chia jam to take home!

(Courtesy of Kizzy’s Macarons)

Recipe Demonstrations:

Join Karen Curtis in the demonstration tent to learn how to make blueberry salsa and blueberry sauce using fresh market ingredients! Demos run at 10 and 11:30am.

Sampling:

Visit our sampling tent to taste and compare the varieties of blueberries available at our market! Participate in a community art project while you’re there!

BC Blueberry Council:

The BC Blueberry Council will be on-site with fantastic recipe cards and free blueberry swag!

Live Music:

Musician, Barry Wilson, will be keeping us entertained with his great variety of tunes!

Vendor List for Sunday, August 12

Fresh Eats Blog: Strawberries

Here at the Coquitlam Farmers Market we are all about local, seasonal and sustainably grown produce. What better way to celebrate the summer months than a fresh take on some familiar foods! This week’s topic: strawberries.

Did you know Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen each spring?

Did You Know?

Did you know strawberries are not really a fruit or a berry but are the enlarged receptacle of the flower?

This low calorie food is in season in South West British Columbia for the months of June through to September. Strawberries are very high in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

 Recipes of the Week

Asparagus Salad with Strawberries, Radish, and Goat Cheese

Makes 2 servings

500 g (1 lb) fresh asparagus
125 ml (1/2 cup) sliced fresh strawberries
125 ml (1/2 cup) thinly sliced radishes
15 ml (1 tbsp) each snipped chives, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
15 ml (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
60 g (2 oz) fresh goat cheese, crumbled

Step One- Trim ends of asparagus and wash well. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt.
Have a bowl of ice water handy to chill asparagus after cooking.

Step Two- Drop asparagus in and boil for two minutes until just tender, then drain and plunge into ice water to
chill. Remove after it cools completely, drain and chill until ready to assemble salad.

Step Three- Arrange asparagus on a platter and top with sliced strawberries, radishes and
chives. Season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil,
if desired. Sprinkle with goat cheese.

Strawberry Salsa

1 pound strawberries, diced (~2 cups)
1/4 cup red or green onion, finely diced or sliced
2 tbsp Aji (heat level of your choice)
1 tbsp KICS Lime or Lemon syrup (or fresh juice)
salt to taste

Courtesy of Karen Curtis with Kics Lemonade. 

Ingredients at the Market

Strawberries: Beckmann Farms, Floralia Growers and Mandair Farms
Asparagus: Amazia Farm and Langley Organic Growers
Chives: Amazia Farm, Langley Organic Growers, and Red Barn Plants and Produce
Radishes: Floralia Growers, Forstbauer Farm, Langley Organic Growers and Ripple Creek Organic Farm
Cheese: Golden Ears Cheesecrafters

Steps on How To

Strawberry Planting 101:

Step 1- Plant at the right time. This is determined by which plant you have chosen. For example, large fruiting varieties of strawberries are best planted in the summer while other varieties can be grown in late spring.

Step 2- Choosing a sunny spot to let your plant grow is key. The plant can produce strawberries in partial shade but the crop won’t be as successful as one in full sun.

Step 3- Ensure the plant has the right nutrients. Strawberries like rich soil full of well-decomposed organic material.

Step 4- You may choose to place the root ball into a bucket of water to soak for about an hour. This can be a helpful transition from pot to ground and helps the roots stay moist.

Step 5- Dig a hole in your chosen planting space. Ensure the crown of the plant is above the soil line.

Step 6- Pack the soil tightly around the plant and as an option, place mulch around it to help retain moisture and stay weed free.

Note: Strawberries need moisture so make sure the water meets the root of the plant- but be sure to not over do it!

Strawberries in B.C.

According to the B.C. Strawberry Growers Association, around 30 producers have been growing fresh strawberries in the Fraser Valley for over 30 years. There are plenty of growers in the Lower Mainland to choose from, so get out and buy local!

Berries are grown commercially for export and of course, local consumption. The producers of strawberries in B.C. are required to follow guidelines set out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Vendor Spotlight: Nasty Free Naturals

Nasty Free Naturals Feature photo

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Farmers Market, Nasty Free Naturals will be offering a special deal just for you.  If you stop by her booth and ask for the spotlight deal, you will get to purchase “Bug Off” Spray for $9 (regular price $10.) *This offer has now expired.*

Q. Nasty Free Naturals are 100% All Natural, Healthy, Handmade Home and Beauty Products. Why did you decide to start making these products at home?
A really good friend of mine got me started on my all-natural journey years ago. She taught classes on how to make all-natural product. I loved her classes and my own passion was born from them. It began with me tinkering with it for fun, making product for my family and friends. Once my two boys came along, I realized I didn’t want to work in Corporate Downtown anymore. I was encouraged by my growing fan base of friends and family to pursue my aromatherapy “hobby” as something I could do while allowing me to be flexible for my boys. I received my certificate in Aromatherapy from West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy and my little business was born!

Q. What goes into the process of making one item?
Every item is different. But it really starts with me doing my homework. Knowing the reputable suppliers for essential oils and ingredients. You wouldn’t believe how different they can be! I work in small batches. I try to never make more than 12 to 16 of any product at a time. It allows me to maintain a fresh supply for my customers and also maintain my own strict level of quality control.

Q. Why are your products so popular?
Thank you for calling my products popular! I think my loyal customer base comes from trying the product and it working for them. I love nothing more than having someone come back to me and saying “I love your deodorant/bug-spray/face cream” … Word of mouth has been a huge part of my success as well, and for that I am thankful! I’m also very chatty with everyone who comes by. I love answering all their questions. In doing so, it’s very helpful for them to make their decision because they now know the ingredients in what they are buying; why those ingredients are in there and their benefits.

Q. Some of your most popular items are the sunscreen and bug spray. They offer the same protection as the ones we buy in stores except for the fact that they are chemical-free. If that is the case, why are they still made with chemicals and why do people still buy them?
I wish I could answer that. The fact that these known carcinogens are still allowed in these products is beyond me. As for why people still buy them, I honestly think they just haven’t done their homework. Knowledge is power. And when you know better, you can choose better. Slowly but surely people are coming around.

Q. You primarily sell your products on your website and at the farmers market. Why do you think farmers markets are such an important part of the community?
I love the sense of community that they foster. Seeing families out spending time together, picking up their fresh local food for the week ahead, supporting local. I see a lot of the same faces each week. My boys love the markets and all their amazing offerings. They know most of the vendors by name, and the customers too. It’s just a wonderful vibe.

Q. What are some of your favorite products to make and use?
My favourite products to make and use are my Soothe the Soul Peppermint and Eucalyptus Bath Salts. I am seriously addicted. Also, my Bug-Off Bug Spray. I am not exaggerating when I say I am an absolute magnet for mosquitos. MAGNET. As is my oldest son. So my Bug Off is a life saver for us. It really works! Products I use every day and I cannot be without is my line of Face Food. Cleanser, toner and most importantly, my Green Tea and Rose Moisturizer. I would have to say that moisturizer is one of my favourite products to make. There is something about watching the magic of all these incredible ingredients coming together to make this beautiful, creamy lotion! It gets me every time!

1508184_10153116455860589_3369144008641481173_nCONNECT WITH A NASTY FREE NATURALS


THIS WEEKS INSTAGRAM/FACEBOOK WINNER

Thank you to everyone who played along in this week’s Facebook & Instagram giveaway for a chance to win a $10 credit to spend at the Port Moody Farmers Market. This weeks winner is Jenny Gasparini via Facebook. Congratulations and please send an e-mail to admin@makebakegrow.com to claim your prize.

Winter Market – Grand Finale Giveaway!

Our last day of the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is almost here, this Sunday April 26. The end of the Winter Market also signals the start of our Poirier Street Farmers Market starting May 10.

Of course we want to go out in style as well as tide you over for your farmers market needs until the Poirier Market opens, so we are teaming up with 7 of our awesome market vendors to bring you an amazing giveaway! And when I say amazing, I really mean it! Valued at $160, here all all the fabulous goodies you could be getting in the Winter Market Grand Finale Giveaway:

winter market grand finale giveaway

1. 7 Kids Foods
Homemade Marinara Sauce and 3 different flavoured Coconut Creams

2. The Salt Dispensary
Black Truffle Salt

3. Cravings Kettle Corn
2 Bags of Kettle Corn

4. Nasty Free Naturals
Chemical Free Bug Off Spray and Natural Sun Stick Sunscreen

5. Sweet Thea
$20 Gift Certificate to spend

6. Wild West Coast Sea Foods
Canned Tuna and Smoked Oysters

7. Kics Lemonade
5 Jars of Marmalade

8. Coquitlam Farmers Market
$10 Market Coin

Now all you need to do is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win our Winter Market Grand Finale Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also enter through our Facebook page and via Instagram. Good luck and see you at the market!

 

The Port Moody Farmers Market: It’s (Not) All About the Cookies

When local mom blogger, Hillary With 2L’s visited our farmers market with her adorable son, she posted about her adventure and we are sharing it all with you!

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When you think of the farmers market, you likely think of local produce. Which isn’t totally off base; the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is a great place to find beautiful produce. The farmers market has so much more to offer than mountains of radishes and bushels of kale though.

Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of piles of gorgeous produce.

Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of piles of gorgeous produce.

When I told Grady we were going on an adventure to the farmers market last Sunday, the first thing out of his mouth was: “they got cookies there?” I told him they do have cookies there (thanks to the lovely Sweet Thea! Pro tip: try the lemon tart. You will die it’s so good.) He thought about it for a minute and then clarified “we get the cookies?” As soon as I confirmed, my little negotiator agreed to a trip to the market and we were on our way.

Our very first stop? Cookies, obviously.

Our very first stop? Cookies, obviously.

The Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is more than just a place to stop to grab some groceries. It’s an experience. There are food trucks so you can grab a yummy snack. There’s live music and space for the little kids to run around and dance without knocking over any shoppers. Many of the vendors offer samples and all of them are happy to talk about their product. Grady was absolutely charmed by the pictures of the farm animals hanging out with Barrie’s granddaughters at Redl’s Home-Grown Beef while I hemmed and hawed over what I should buy (everything sounded amazing and it’s tough to not buy one of everything when it’s local beef raised on the pasture with no hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or any other nasty stuff.) It’s a different level of service than what I experience at the grocery store. The vendors are proud of what they’re selling and it shows.

The selection of products available is extensive without feeling overwhelming. We managed to come home with our beef and cookies, but also snagged two giant bags of gorgeous organic kale from Ripple Creek Organic Farm (I know this is going to make you roll your eyes at me but seriously, I have never tasted kale like the kale I bought from Ripple Creek.) We also brought home an amazing loaf of bread from A Bread Affair ( it had cheese and roasted garlic in it, have mercy), wildflower honey and a beeswax candle from Vlad’s Apiary, and a dozen organic eggs from Rockweld Farm.

Our market haul!

Our market haul!

Buying from and supporting locally-owned businesses is important to our family. Shawn and I both work for locally-owned small businesses so we see the value in keeping our dollars in the local economy; we worry about the environmental impact of buying food from far-off places (it’s been painful to cut back on favourites like fresh pineapple and papaya in favour of fruit that grows closer to home but we believe the effort is worth it); and we don’t want to see our neighbourhood turn into a no-personality zone of big box stores and chain restaurants.

The Port Moody Winter Farmers Market runs on Sundays from 10am – 2pm until April 26th and then the Poirier Street Farmers Market will run May 10 – October 25th on Sundays from 9am – 1pm.  You can find the market on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram (psst – they’ve got a cool social media contest on now where you can win Market Money and products from the vendors so keep an eye out for the hashtag #makebakegrow!)

Farmers Market Goodies

We loved when The Write Balance shared her first Farmers Market Haul. So when she did another, we knew you’d want to peak at what was inside her reusable shopping bag this time!

Farmers Market Haul #2

The Port Moody Farmers Market is becoming part of of our weekly routine. I love that we can pick up fresh local produce, prepared foods and other items while at the same time, getting pesticide-free produce and supporting local farmers and businesses. It’s also a good opportunity to talk to the kids about why we come to the farmers market each week besides the delicious kettle corn and sweet carrots.

I had a really positive response to my first Farmers Market Haul post, so I thought another one was in order to share all the great things I brought home recently.

1. Organic Carrots
I can honestly say that these were the sweetest and most delicious carrots we have ever eaten! When we stopped by the Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm stand at the market, she gave my kids a carrot just to taste test. The kids loved them and we bought a bunch to take home. I’m not even exaggerating when I say they were all gone within 36 hours. And when my kids asked me for more, you should have seen how disappointed they were when I told them we’d have to wait for the Sunday to pick up more.

2. Free-Range Eggs
Since watching the documentary Food Inc, it’s changed my perspective on food and what I eat, including eggs. I will go out of my way and pay a little extra to get free-range eggs. At first it was at the grocery store, but now when I make my weekly Sunday trip to the famers market, I will pick up a dozen free range eggs. #shoplocal and #support local whenever I can

3. Coconut Cream Treats
First I tried 7 Kids Foods delicious marinara sauce. This time, they had a great new treat, Coconut Creams. They are made with organic ingredients and come in three flavours and the kids love them. Also, they come with these cute handmade covers so your kids fingers don’t get cold.

4. Gourmet Marshmallows
We also had to try some of the delicate marshmallow treats from Whipped Baked Goods which actually melted in our mouth. They are made with cane sugar, no corn syrup in site. I loved the green tea ones, but the kids insisted on buying the Neapolitan flavour which was great too.

5. Organice Potatoes
And finally, we picked up some organic potatoes. Since reading that they are part of the dirty dozen, I figure it’s worth it, don’t you ?

Vendor Spotlight: Cravings Kettle Corn

VendorSpotlightCravingsKettleCorn

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE this Sunday at the Port Moody Farmers Market, make sure to stop by Cravings Kettle Corn because they have a special deal for you. If you buy one bag of their kettle corn, you will get a second bag for FREE! All you have to do is stop by their stand and let them know you want the Spotlight Deal or show them this feature on your phone.

The name says it all, Cravings Kettle Corn. If you have a craving, then this delicious kettle corn will definitely curb it. What is even better is the story of success behind this timeless snack, that of Michael Kozak, a young entrepreneur who worked hard to taste success.
Q. How did Cravings Kettle Corn get started?
I have been a candy chef for almost 10 years and I was working at an established candy shop learning how to make chocolate, fudge, caramel brittle, caramel corn, candy apples, and lots of other delicious specialties. I soon became a manager and I was very ambitious so I looked to take my skills elsewhere. In March 2011 I met a kettle corn owner who was selling his kettle corn equipment, I worked hard to see if this was something I was willing to pursue as a career, and 6 months later I bought the kettle corn equipment. I came up with the name “Cravings” because it really speaks to people that crave great candy.

Q. Why do you think it is so popular, besides being so delicious?
The kettle corn is so popular because most people like popcorn and it’s one of the great snacks that you have known your whole life. What makes our company special is that we offer a twist on the original popcorn and add dimensions of flavor to satisfy your taste buds. Plain popcorn is a whole grain, high in vitamins and fiber, and gluten free. Now we add a little bit of sugar and salt to the mix and give this great naturally delicious snack the flavor that it deserves.

Q. How many flavours do you carry and what are the favourites?
Most of the time we carry 2-4 types of kettle corn and caramel corn, I have made hundreds of flavors. Everyone loves the Sweet and Salty kettle corn so now we are calling it Classic Kettle Corn. We also make any color and flavor of kettle corn from Maple to Strawberry and Lime Kettle Corn. Caramel popcorn has more options for creating great recipes, because of the rich and creamy caramel, we can add much more depth to the flavors. Our best seller is salted vanilla bean caramel corn. The most popular specialty flavor is Dark & Stormy Caramel Corn and that’s the rich caramel made with dark rum, Indian Ginger, and Lime powder. We really do aim Satisfy Your Cravings!

Q.  You started at the Coquitlam Farmers Market and now your business has grown immensely! Why do you think farmers markets are so important?
We were still committed to staying true to our roots with being at 5 farmers markets per week. We choose farmers markets since we like the great community. All the vendors, that we see every week, are almost like family and we feel such a generous and heart felt welcome at all the markets. We all work together to have a great year! It’s so nice to see everyone come out to the markets, especially the return customers that we get to know. One of the best feelings is watching young children often starting out their market experience in strollers or in their parents’ arms, and every year we see them grow up. Kettle corn is one of the first snacks that kids love and we’re honored to make your lives super happy when you little one is mowing down a bag of classic kettle corn.
Q. Where do you sell Cravings Kettle Corn and what is the response when people see you there?
We love to have our company at big festivals and concerts, it’s a very exciting experience to be apart of the show business and feel the energy of thousands of people having a great time, and Cravings Kettle Corn makes the experience even better. People are so excited to see us and have an awesome snack while watching their favorite bands. Often there are line ups and people can’t get enough!
 Q. You are a young entrepreneur, where do you see yourself and your kettle corn business in 5 years?
I started Cravings Kettle Corn when I was 21 years old and now going into my 4th full year I feel like I am graduating from entrepreneurship. I understand business now and I feel as though my success has been a direct reflection of my hard work and dedication. To make this company successful I have to believe in myself and to make difficult decisions. I work well under pressure and always come through no matter the obstacle in regards to my career and personal life. I will continue to have this company because it is so rewarding and entirely fulfilling but I imagine in the near future I will be looking into more opportunities in owning more businesses.
CONNECT WITH CRAVINGS KETTLE CORN
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THIS WEEKS INSTAGRAM WINNER

Thank you to everyone who played along in this week’s FacebookInstagram giveaway for a chance to win a $10 credit to the Port Moody Farmers Market. This weeks winner is Patricia Mounsey. Congratulations and please send an e-mail to admin@makebakegrow.com to claim your prize. Another giveaway will go live on Monday, so come back and play along for your next chance to win!