With the opening of Klassen's Blueberry Farm to the public on July 18, you know that we have reached the half-way point of summer. I both dread and cheer this event. I know very few people in Windsor Essex who like to acknowledge that Labour Day and the onset of cool weather is only 7 weeks away. However you can drown you sorrow away with an orgy of blueberries.
The Klassen Farm is located on County Rd. 50, East of Harrow and just West of the Arner Townline. Through thoughtful planning, Klassen's is conveniently located in the middle of the Essex County wine route. So you can plan a real day trip. After a few tasters of wine, go right to Klassen's, you can pick your own blueberries, buy ones already picked (which is what I do), have blueberry ice cream, blueberry sundaes, blueberry milkshakes, blueberry tarts, blueberry pie and last but not least, you can sit at the picnic tables and enjoy the ambiance.
I don't want to spoil this, but blueberries, like wine, are good for you and only 82 calories for a full cup. Some researchers say blueberries can slow the aging process--that's why I eat them!
Blueberries are flowering plants or shrubs. According to Foodland Ontario, there are basically two kinds of bushes in Ontario, lowbush and highbush. Low bush grows wild but can be cultivated, and highbush plants can grow up to 6 or 7 feet tall. They are long-lived plants and have a lifespan similar to fruit trees. Blueberry plants like lots of sun; that is one of the reasons they do so well in Essex County.
Most cultivated blueberries are found in British Columbia. In fact, 95% of Canadian cultivated blueberry production comes from B.C., where more than 650 blueberry producers are located farming approximately 17,000 acres.
My favourite blueberry recipe:
- half a bowl of chilled blueberries
- topped with real fresh whipped cream (it only takes 4 min. to make)
- Pour 2oz. of lemoncello over ice in a tall chilled glass
- add six blueberries
- sip very slowly
