Taste of the Valley by Vancouver Courier

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special advertising feature

Taste of the Valley

Fraser Valley Offers Bounty of Freshness keep the supply chain going. And the Fraser Valley is rich in abundance when it comes to local – everything!

by Helen Peterson

recently bought a jar of pickles from Safeway, and was curious as to where it was manufactured. I figured Calgary, or perhaps even somewhere in the States. Uh, ‘product of India?’ Yes, that’s what the label told me. My goodness, I thought, is that really necessary? The fuel costs (and carbon footprint, to boot) to transport that type of product to Western Canada, it just seemed so unnecessary. Can’t we grow our own small cukes and pickle them here in B.C.? Well, we can, but local farmers need your support to buy the products to

Bcfarmfresh.com is the direct marketing association for many Fraser Valley farms. They brag that some who live on the land there have been eating purple sprouting broccoli fresh from the garden since January! There aren’t many places in Canada where the combination of rich soils and mild climate make it possible to garden 10 to 12 months of the year, or to produce the diversity of agricultural products offered by commercial growers and members of the association. Apparently, the Fraser Valley generates

over a billion dollars of farm gate (small, private farms) revenue annually, more than half of the total revenue of all of B.C. agriculture, even though the Fraser Valley comprises less than three per cent of B.C.’s agricultural land.

Vancouver’s markets are great, but if you’re heading to the Valley, check out the Fraservalleyguide.com comprehensive list of all the farmer’s markets in the area. And then there are the tours…

Additionally, money generated by local agriculture tends to stay in the local area and contribute directly to its economy. At the bcfarmfresh.com website, you can source anything from alpaca products to zucchini in the bountiful Fraser Valley.

“We highly endorse the Circle Farm Tour program, which educates both tourists and residents of B.C. alike,” says Cecilia Leong from Edible BC on Granville Island. “Mighty Fraser country is definitely an agri-tourism destination.”

Looking for pesticide-free fruit and veggies? Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association currently lists 50 registered farms and companies that comply with the industry’s high standards, and it’s a growing concern.

See inside for all the details...

photo: Fraser valley fields and tulip display, courtesy Webshots.

07147874

Next Market

Sunday, July 25 Join thousands of visitors and make a day of the market!

on 48th Avenue

Sundays 10am-4pm

An Event for the whole family RAIN OR SHINE

July 25 August 8 • August 22 September 12

140 Artisans

16880 Westminster Hwy. Richmond, BC 604-232-9839 www.luluislandwinery.com

• • • • •

Farm Fresh Produce Artisans Plants and Garden Art Live Music Food Galore

www.ladnervillagemarket.com

Largest Winery in Metro Vancouver! Open daily from 10am – 6:30pm FREE TASTINGS!

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Taste of the Valley THE TOUR

1. Valedoorn Farms Inc Call to pre-book your tour. 7062 Whelpton Road 604-819-0396 hoogenj@ telus.net 2. Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Information Centre 7011 Pioneer Avenue 604.796.3545 agassiz-harrisonmuseum@ shawbiz.ca 3. Canadian Hazelnut 6682 Lougheed (#7) Highway 604-796-2136 Canadianhazelnut@telus.net 4. The Back Porch 6116 Golf Road 604-796-9871 backporch@shaw.ca

5. The Farm House Natural Cheeses 5634 McCallum Road 604-796-8741 www.farmhousecheeses.com Info@farmhousecheeses.com 6. Limbert Mountain Farm ~ Simply Fine Foods 5493 Limbert Rd., Agassiz 604-796-2619 www.limbertmountainfarm.com info@limbertmountainfarm.com 7. Kilby Historic Site 215 Kilby Road 604-796-9576 www.kilby.ca info@kilby.ca

Seasonal A. Sparkes Corn Barn Drive Thru June-Sept Hwy #9 turn off to Agassiz 604-819-3078 www.chilliwackcorn.com cornbarn@telus.net B. Tulips of the Valley Festival March or April only Chowat Road, Seabird Island, Agassiz C. Tulip Stand open daily from January 1st through to Mother’s Day only 604.796.3496 kate@tulipsofthevalley.com www.tulipsofthevalley.com

Now that’s Fresh! Did you know... Canada Grade ‘A’ eggs from the Fraser Valley reach your grocery store within 2-4 days of being laid by our flocks?

Thanks for supporting your local BC Egg Farmers

we d n e s d ay, j u ly 1 4, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uv e r C o u r i e r

Taste of the Valley

Ratcheting Garlic Press

The hopper on this garlic press is capable of holding up to six cloves of garlic, and the ratcheting press requires little hand pressure to operate. Garlic is pressed through a stainless-steel screen, crushing it to a fine and even consistency while leaving the skins behind. The screen is removable and the plate swings out, exposing the hopper for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. HK332 $22.50

Take a Self-Guided Tour

All in Good

Taste

While we are best known for our gardening and woodworking tools, we also have a penchant for beautiful and practical tools for the kitchen. Our line of culinary tools is a fusion of the traditional and innovative, all selected to make cooking at home an appetizing endeavor.

Circle Farm Tour is basically a road map that directs you to a variety of specialty farm-gate vendors, open air markets, charming eateries, heritage sites, fairs, and other special events. There’s a brochure and map for each participating community. The six options include Abbotsford, Agassiz - Harrison Mills, Chilliwack, Langley, Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows and Mission. The tours are self-guided, meaning that you travel in your own car, at your own pace, when it suits you. Each community brochure/map directs you to about twelve venues. All are related in some way to agriculture and the area’s farming heritage. Depending on where you live, what your interests are, and how much time you have, you build your own itinerary for a day trip or full vacation. For each community, there’s a list of special events, and accommodation options along the route. Go to www.circlefarmtour.com for all the maps and info.

Sample: Circle Farm Tour – Friday, Aug. 20, 8am-8pm

Hosts await you with fresh offerings. Take part in the popular Circle Farm Tour in “Agassiz – Harrison Mills” (see map, opposite page) and dine at the “Simply Fine Foods Kitchen” at Limbert Mountain Farm for the freshest artisan lunch. Visit five distinctly different farms starting with “The Back Porch,” where you can watch coffee being roasted in a circa 1919 Flame Roaster, visit the pottery studio and browse antiques, collectibles and other home or garden décor items. Taste a variety of handmade artisan cheeses at “The Farm House Natural

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Herb Keeper

This 103/4Й tall herb storage container has a base with a removable plug on the spout, making it easy to fill with water. It keeps herb bunches straight and tidy, while an internal basket doubles as a strainer for rinsing herbs. Just 6Й wide and 23/4Й deep, it is slim enough for a fridge door or windowsill. HK340 $27.50

Cherry Pitter chilliwack’s historic museum (top) and kilby farm in harrison mills (below) delight tourgoers.

Cheeses,” tour the amazing herb gardens at “Limbert Mountain Farm” with Trudie, go nuts at “Canadian Hazelnuts” and taste Marlene’s Famous Pies at “Blackberry Lane.” $85/person.

This convenient device makes easy work of pitting cherries. Simply place the cherry in the recessed holder and squeeze the handle to press out the pit. The spring-loaded hinge pops back open after each use, and a handle lock keeps it closed for compact storage. Made of zinc alloy with chrome plating, it measures about 53/4Й and is dishwasher safe. It is also effective with some types of olives. EV109 $9.95

Kobra V-Slicer

This simple, compact slicer takes no time to set up, and is easy to use, clean and store. Made in Thiers, France, the serrated stainless-steel V-blade cuts fruits and vegetables quickly and precisely, even slicing through fresh tomatoes. A dial knob adjusts blade position or closes the blade opening for safe storage. The 41/2ЙК10Й polymer resin base and 4Й soft-grip plastic guard clip together for compact storage. EV136 $59.00

Note: FarmFolk / CityFolk has offered a bus trip tour through the Valley, departing from Vancouver, in past years, but has postponed it this summer. However, a wealth of information is available on their website: www.ffcf.bc.ca.

Langley Eats Local Now here’s a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Show your local pride for close-to-home grown food and local farmers, while being entertained by an eclectic group of musicians and performers. More information will be made available as the 2010 event unfolds this summer. Event Information: Date: Saturday, Aug. 7 Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: The Fort Wine Company, 26151 84th Ave, Langley Cost: Entrance is by donation, but do RSVP so that organizers can avoid wastage of prepared food. Contact: Lina Azeez by email: lazeez@tol.ca or phone: 604-5323515.

Apple Peeler

This ingenious hand-cranked device will peel, core and slice an apple in about 5 seconds. Comes with a vacuum base for a solid grip on smooth surfaces. The blades are adjustable for optimum cut. Rugged all-metal construction. EV120 $29.50

Prices valid until August 31, 2010.

1-800-683-8170 www.leevalley.com Coquitlam 1401 United Blvd. (604) 515-8896 Vancouver 1180 S.E. Marine Drive (604) 261-2262

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Taste of the Valley

Tasty Treats… and More No Kidding! Happy Days Goat Dairy has been producing goat milk products since 1993. Today, they process the milk of about 6,000 milking goats. The bounty of delicious cheese and specialty products, such as yogurt, ice cream and butter, are on tap at their unique cheese specialty store at their Chilliwack plant. Call 604-823-7241 for info. Birchwood Dairy in Abbotsford sells old-fashioned gourmet ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, milk products and Feta cheese. You’ll find fresh produce, a deli and the animal display, too; (www.birchwooddairy.com).

Turkey Trot J.D. Farms is a family owned turkey farm in the beautiful Fraser Valley, at Langley. Owners Jack

and Debbie invite you to visit the on-farm turkey deli and bistro. Sample the wide variety of healthy, homemade turkey products such as turkey sausages, turkey deli meats, pot pies and soups, all made from JD Farms own recipes using only their own certified specialty turkey meat. Stay a while and browse the store for that unique gift idea or have a bite of lunch at the turkey bistro. 24726 52 Ave.; Langley (corner of 248th Street and 52nd Avenue). Call 604-856-2431; www.jdfarms.ca.

A Jam-boree There’s plenty of honey to go around in the Fraser Valley. It’s also a mecca for homemade jams, jellies and preserves. At Vista D’Oro Farms in South Langley, the Farmgate Shop features culinary herbs, heirloom tomatoes and orchard fruits grown on the farm, as well as fresh pastries, preserves, local cheeses, hard to source ingredients, kitchen tools and more. The commercial kitchen creates

Catch the Fun at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery

artisanal jams, preserves, walnut wine, handmade chocolates and even wedding cakes – www.vistadoro.com.

Rise ‘n Shine

At Anita’s Organic Ground Flour Mill in Chilliwack (www.anitasorganic.com), they produce fresh stoneground flours, ground on-site for both the novice and skilled artisan bakers. Friendly, knowledgeable market staff will help you find gourmet cooking elements: healthy multigrain mixes, high quality dried fruit & snacks, savoury legumes, premium flaked grains, and the best tasting whole grains. Over at Langley’s Krause Berry Farms, bakery staff create lavish berry custard pies, berry crème birthday and wedding cakes and make berry-fresh jams, jellies and syrups! On July 19, it’s the Farmer’s Feast event from 11am to 2pm, where many of the local farmers gather and bring along their goods to sample and to sell - www.krauseberryfarms.com for details.

10% OFF

Bring in this ad for of your purchase at the Mill Store. Anita’s Organic Grain & Flour Mill A family-owned Fraser Valley operation Our focus is premium-quality Certified Organic cooking & baking elements: fresh flours & whole grains, cereals, healthy snacks & baking mixes, plus great recipes, useful product info, and knowledgeable staff.

Fun for the whole family! Drop in for a self guided tour of our hatchery Visitor Centre and live fish displays. Or register for one of our very popular and hands on Learn to Fish programs!

Visit us at Anita’s Organic Mill Store! 43615 Yale Road • Chilliwack Situated just off of Hwy 1 at Exit 116 Open year round 6 days per week 604 823-5547 www.anitasorganic.com

34345 Vye Road Abbotsford Ph: (1) 604 504 4716 Email: Visit.Fraservalley@gofishbc.com www.gofishbc.com

Huge Selection of Antiques Our farm is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley on Sumas Prairie. We believe that we house the largest single private collection of antiques in the entire province of British Columbia. If you feel like bringing your lawn chair & a picnic basket you are more than welcome. If coming with a large group please phone ahead.

Granny & Grumpa’s Antiques

Open Daily 10-6

ABOUT

37936 Wells Line Road, Abbotsford | 604.854.1033 or 604.308.1918

Rondriso Farms The Tamis family has been farming in Surrey B.C., since 1958. When Ron and his wife Pam took over the family’s beef operation in 2001, they continued the family tradition of raising natural beef for their local community. The farm became SPCA Certiﬁed for their beef in 2010. This farm’s SPCA Certiﬁed Beef is available directly from their farm along with their fantastic produce! Beef is sold by the 30lb family packs or by the 1/4’s or 1/2 sides.

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8390 172 Street, Surrey

604.574.5585

www.rondriso.com

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Taste of the Valley

Corking & Cooking

Wine Wine Wine Grape growing got its start in the Fraser Valley (which then became a credible wine production region) around 1991, when Domaine de Chaberton Estates opened south of Langley, close to the US border. Wine BC states there are climatic variations across the Fraser Valley, with certain areas receiving lower rainfall than others. July and August can be very dry, and growers must practice irrigation. This can be a challenging

Chef’s Creation

You’ve bought all your delicious goodies in the Fraser Valley; now it’s time to make a delicious meal of it. (Or, you can also find ingredients at Granville Island Market). Edible BC president Eric Pateman’s recipes are always sure to please, and here is his Fraser Valley specialty (www.ediblebritishcolumbia.com):

100 Mile Scallop Tartar Ingredients: 6-9 Qualicum Bay scallops (depending on size – one large per person) (Seafood City) 1 Fraser Valley Granny Smith apple (or Okanagan if you can’t find them), cut into very small dice – half the size of the scallops (local farmer or the Apple Guy) 1 Tbsp Agassiz Wasabi, finely grated (South China Seas) 2 Tbsp Agassiz Hazelnut Oil (Canadian Hazelnuts or Edible BC) 1/2 C young Fraser Valley wild greens (local farmer or Louie the Mushroom Guy)

climate - with limited degree days resulting in potential lack of ripeness in certain vintages, particularly with late ripening varieties. Wineries in the area include Blackwood Lane, Blue Heron, Isabella, Lotusland, Neck of the Woods, St. Urban, The Fort Wine Co., Township 7,Westham Island, Wellbrook and several others. Lulu Island Winery is the newest and largest winery of the area, located in East Richmond. It produces many quality wines including red and white

table wines, fruit wines and Canada’s very own icewines. All of Lulu Island’s quality wines are produced on site, shipping in the best grapes from the Okanagan. The best berries from the Fraser Valley make their raspberry and blueberry selections delectable to the palate. Dedicated to the production of flavourful and aromatic wines, Lulu’s owners are proud to sport the VQA stamp on all of their bottles. The winery is at 16880 Westminster Hwy, Richmond; Tel.: 604-232-9839; www. luluislandwinery.com.

2 Tbsp toasted Agassiz Hazelnuts, coarsely crushed (Edible BC) 1 Tbsp C smoked sea salt (not 100 mile, but made in False Creek) (Edible BC) Directions: Remove the muscle from the scallops and the chop into small 1/4-inch cubes. Place the chopped scallop in a bowl with the apple, wasabi and hazelnut oil and toss gently. Place a small amount of the wild greens on a serving spoon (soup spoon) and then place a quenelle of the scallop mixture on top. Top with some of the crushed hazelnuts and the smoked salt.