Taste of the Valley

wednesday, july 14, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW17special advertising feature

fraser valley Offers Bounty of freshness

on 48th Avenue

Next MarketSunday, July 25

Join thousands ofvisitors and make a

day of the market!

An Event for thewhole family

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Sundays 10am-4pmJuly 25

August 8 • August 22September 12

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

www.ladnervillagemarket.com

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

16880 Westminster Hwy.Richmond, BC604-232-9839www.luluislandwinery.com

by Helen Peterson

I 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

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

Bcfarmfresh.com is the direct market-ing 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 gar-den 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 pro-duce the diversity of agricultural prod-ucts 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 Fra-ser Valley comprises less than three per cent of B.C.’s agricultural land.

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.

Looking for pesticide-free fruit and veg-gies? 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.

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

“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 coun-try is definitely an agri-tourism destina-tion.”

See inside for all the details...

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

Taste of the Valley

Now that’s Fresh!Did you know...

Canada Grade ‘A’ eggs from the Fraser Valleyreach your grocery store within 2-4 days

of being laid by our flocks?

Thanks for supportingyour local BC Egg Farmers

EW18 The VancouVer courier wednesday, july 14, 2010

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 [email protected]

3. canadian Hazelnut 6682 Lougheed (#7) Highway 604-796-2136 [email protected]

4. the Back porch 6116 Golf Road 604-796-9871 [email protected]

5. the farm House natural cheeses 5634 McCallum Road 604-796-8741 www.farmhousecheeses.com [email protected]

6. limbert Mountain farm ~ simply fine foods 5493 Limbert Rd., Agassiz 604-796-2619 www.limbertmountainfarm.com [email protected]

7. Kilby Historic site 215 Kilby Road604-796-9576 www.kilby.ca [email protected]

seasOnal

a. sparkes corn Barn Drive Thru June-Sept Hwy #9 turn off to Agassiz 604-819-3078 www.chilliwackcorn.com [email protected]

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 only604.796.3496 [email protected] www.tulipsofthevalley.com

tHe tOur

Taste of the Valley

All in GoodTaste

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

Cherry PitterThis convenient device makes easy work ofpitting cherries. Simply place thecherry in the recessed holder andsqueeze the handle to press out the pit.The spring-loaded hinge pops back openafter each use, and a handle lock keeps itclosed for compact storage. Made of zincalloy with chrome plating, it measures about53/4Й and is dishwasher safe. It is also effectivewith some types of olives. EV109 $9.95

Kobra V-SlicerThis 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 andprecisely, even slicing through fresh

tomatoes. A dial knob adjustsblade position or closesthe blade opening forsafe storage. The

41/2ЙК10Й polymer resinbase and 4Й soft-grip plastic

guard clip together for compactstorage. EV136 $59.00

Herb KeeperThis 103/4Й tall herb storage containerhas a base with a removable plug onthe spout, making it easy to fill withwater. It keeps herb bunches straightand tidy, while an internal basketdoubles as a strainer for rinsing herbs.Just 6Й wide and 23/4Й deep, it isslim enough for a fridge door orwindowsill.HK340 $27.50

Ratcheting Garlic PressThe hopper on this garlic press is capable of holding upto six cloves of garlic, and the ratcheting press requireslittle hand pressure to operate. Garlic is pressed througha stainless-steel screen, crushing it to a fine and evenconsistency while leaving the skins behind. Thescreen is removable and the plate swings out,exposing the hopper for easy cleaning byhandor inthe dishwasher. HK332 $22.50

While we are best known forour gardening and woodworkingtools, we also have a penchantfor beautiful and practical toolsfor the kitchen. Our line ofculinary tools is a fusion of thetraditional and innovative, allselected to make cooking athome an appetizing endeavor.

Apple PeelerThis ingenious hand-cranked devicewill peel, core and slice an apple inabout 5 seconds. Comes with a vacuumbase for a solid grip on smooth surfaces.The blades are adjustable foroptimum cut. Ruggedall-metal construction.EV120 $29.50

Prices valid untilAugust 31, 2010.

wednesday, july 14, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW19

Taste of the Valley

A 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 participat-ing 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 commu-nity brochure/map directs you to about twelve venues. All are related in some way to agriculture and the area’s farm-ing 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 com-munity, 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-8pmHosts 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 Lim-bert Mountain Farm for the freshest artisan lunch.

Visit five distinctly different farms start-ing 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

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

Note: FarmFolk / CityFolk has offered a bus trip tour through the Valley, depart-ing 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 lOcalnow 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: [email protected] or phone: 604-532-3515.

take a self-guided tour

chilliWack’s historic MuseuM (top) and kilby FarM in harrison Mills (beloW) delight tour-goers.

EW20 The VancouVer courier wednesday, july 14, 2010

Taste of the Valley

Rondriso FarmsThe 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 Certifi ed for their beef in 2010.

This farm’s SPCA Certifi ed 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.

8390 172 Street, Surrey604.574.5585

www.rondriso.com

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Huge Selection of AntiquesOur farm is located in the heart ofthe Fraser Valley on Sumas Prairie.We believe that we house the largestsingle private collection of antiques inthe 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 Antiques37936 Wells Line Road, Abbotsford | 604.854.1033 or 604.308.1918

OpenDaily10-6

Catch the Fun at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery

Catch the Fun at the Fraser Valley Trout HatcheryFun for the whole family! Drop in for a self guided tour of our hatchery Visitor Centre and live fi sh displays. Or register for one of our very popular and hands on Learn to Fishprograms!

34345 Vye Road AbbotsfordPh: (1) 604 504 4716Email: Visit.Fraservalley@gofi shbc.comwww.gofi shbc.com

Bring in this ad for 10% OFF of your purchase at the Mill Store.Anita’s Organic Grain & Flour MillA family-owned Fraser Valley operation Our focus is premium-quality Certifi ed Organic cook-ing & baking elements: fresh fl ours & whole grains, cereals, healthy snacks & baking mixes, plus great recipes, useful product info, and knowledgeable staff . Visit us at Anita’s Organic Mill Store! 43615 Yale Road • ChilliwackSituated just off of Hwy 1 at Exit 116Open year round6 days per week604 823-5547www.anitasorganic.com

no Kidding! Happy Days Goat Dairy has been pro-

ducing goat milk prod-ucts 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 trotJ.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 sausag-es, 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-boreeThere’s plenty of honey to go around in the Fraser Valley. It’s also a mecca for homemade jams, jel-lies 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

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

rise ‘n shineAt Anita’s Organic Ground Flour Mill in Chilliwack (www.anitasorganic.com), they produce fresh stone-ground flours, ground on-site for both the novice and skilled artisan bakers. Friendly, knowledgeable market staff will help you find gourmet cooking ele-ments: 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.

tasty treats… and More

wednesday, july 14, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW21

Taste of the ValleycHef’s creatiOnyou’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.edible-britishcolumbia.com):

100 Mile scallop tartaringredients: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)

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.

Wine Wine WineGrape 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

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.

corking & cooking

Taste of the Valley

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