Best of the Farm

Hit the road this summer and discover and experience dozens of u-pick farms across the province.  Before you set out, here are some helpful tips.

1. Make a plan.  Map where you want to go and where you want to stop.  Take a road map so you don’t get lost.  You want to save your time for picking not searching. Some farms have websites with maps – print them out before your trip.
2. Call ahead.  Make sure the u pick is open when you want to visit.  Ask about their produce selection and when it’s available.
3. Bring a cooler.  Keep your fresh products fresh with an ice-filled cooler. 
4. Wear comfortable loose and weather appropriate clothing.  Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent.
5. Visit www.albertafarmfresh.com for a list of the u-pick farm close to you. Or call 1-800-661-2642.

Try this recipe with your freshly u-picked strawberries.

Strawberry Crisp

¼ cup (50 mL) old fashioned or quick cooking rolled oats

¼ cup (50 mL) flour

¼ cup (50 ml) packed golden brown sugar

¼ tsp (1 mL) ginger

¼ cup (50 mL) butter, melted

2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped toasted almonds, optional

4 cups (1 L) quartered strawberries

1 tbsp (15 mL) sugar

Ice cream, optional

To prepare crumb topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar and ginger in a bowl.  Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly.  Stir in almonds.  Combine strawberries and sugar.  Spoon into a greased shallow 2 quart (2 L) baking dish. Sprinkle with crumb topping.  Bake at 350 degrees (180) for 25 minutes or until juices are thin and bubbly and topping is golden brown.  Serve warm with ice cream.

Reprinted with permission from ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen.