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Pansy Pointers

Pansies and violas are a great additions to your fall or spring gardens – they’re one flower that thrives in cool, wet weather. There’s no better treat in the garden than seeing their bright, cheerful faces boldly confronting our unpredictable … Continue reading

Why are cucumbers fruit and rhubarbs vegetables?

Apples, blueberries and pears are fruit. Broccoli, carrots and cauliflower are vegetables. That seems pretty simple, right? But in the world of fruit versus vegetables it’s not always that straight forward. For botanists the distinction between fruit and vegetables is … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Stories

Valentine’s Day is coming quickly; this year the day falls on the Tuesday right after our Family Day holiday. What could be better than a long week-end followed by romance? To help you remember to celebrate this special day and … Continue reading

Cuddle up with Kale

You may have forgotten, but before 2013 the biggest use of kale was not for its incredible nutritional value, but for its decorative value in salad bars and main dishes. Yes, most kale was routinely thrown out at the end … Continue reading

Win a basket of BC Farm Fresh products at the Pacific Agriculture Show

BC Farm Fresh would like to invite you all to the Pacific Ag Show this week. It’s taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Tradex in Abbotsford. The hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM each day. It’s a … Continue reading

Health Benefits of House Plants

The past many weeks of cold weather and snow may have kept us indoors more than normal. For those of us that miss the outdoors and our gardens, we can fill our homes with flowering plants and tropical foliage plants. … Continue reading

Lovely Leeks

Leeks are cousins to onions, but rather than forming a tight bulb like the onion, leeks produce a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths. The part of that is underground remains tender and white, while the part exposed to the … Continue reading

FVFDMA’s Top ten New Year’s Resolutions

Warning: this blog provides a very slanted view on life! It’s almost the end of the year and the start of a whole new year. A great way to mark the New Year is to make resolutions for personal improvement. … Continue reading

Turkey Tales

As many of you celebrate Christmas with your families, we thought we’d provide some turkey tidbits perk your interest and to amaze your family. You can entertain you friends and family with some tall turkey tales! The prehistoric turkey Researchers … Continue reading

Just How do Santa’s Reindeer get the Job Done?

We came across this great article and had to share it with BC Farm Fresh! Have you ever wondered how Santa’s reindeer can make that monumental journey on Christmas Eve?  Let’s look into some key facts about reindeer that may … Continue reading

The History of Christmas Trees

When it comes to Christmas trees; what type of family are you? Does your family believe that it’s never too early to put a tree up? Or do you prefer to wait until two weeks before or one week before … Continue reading

Poinsettia Fun Facts

Poinsettias are another great Christmas tradition. These brightly coloured flowers are sure to brighten up any home through all our dark our December days. Our local poinsettia growers buy cuttings in mid-summer and carefully grow them until November/December. These poor … Continue reading

Choosing and caring for your live Christmas tree

Nothing says Christmas like a live Christmas tree. Their wonderful fragrance can fill the whole house. We’re lucky in the Fraser Valley to be able to choose between many different types of trees with different colours, fragrances, and needle shape. … Continue reading

Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs?

With Christmas just around the corner, at BC Farm Fresh we got to wondering why we’ve never seen fresh turkey eggs offered for sale at our local farms or in the local grocery stores. Statistics Canada estimates that the average … Continue reading

About beeswax and candles

Every wondered about beeswax. The Honey Bee Centre has a great article on beeswax and candles. Just in time for your Christmas shopping.   What is Beeswax? Honeybees are the only creatures that make their own home construction materials. When … Continue reading

Spaghetti squash – have you tried them?

Have you ventured into the world of spaghetti squash yet? This is an amazing vegetable that when cooked, produces thin, translucent spaghetti-like strands that can easily be scraped out with a fork. After all our experience with carving pumpkins, it’s … Continue reading

Onions – fun facts you never knew

After a serious look at onions last week, now it’s time to learn some funny details about them, some tips on using onions, and the answer as to why onions make you cry.         Fun Facts Our … Continue reading

Get to know your onions

Ever wondered why some recipes call for a particular kind of onion and whether another can be substituted in its place? We certainly have at BC Farm Fresh. After some taste tasting, cooking, and research, we found that all onions … Continue reading

Pumpkins and the history behind Jack-o-lanterns

Ever wondered about the history and origins of carving pumpkins into what we call Jack-o-laterns? Well, at BC Farm Freesh we did some internet investitating. The practice of making jack-o-lanterns at Halloween goes back for centuries. Stories say the practice … Continue reading

Pumpkin fun facts

Fall is a time for colours, fog, jack-o’-lanterns, and pumpkin pie. Pumpkins are one of the classic symbols of the season, and spooky jack-o’-lanterns have become a staple of Halloween celebrations everywhere. But long before pumpkin spice lattes became the … Continue reading

J D Farms’ Turkey 101

Thanks to J D Farms Specialty Turkey Store for sharing their information on turkey. Ordering When ordering, plan on 1 lb of turkey for each adult and 1/2 lb of turkey for each child. This will provide enough meat to … Continue reading

How to choose the perfect pumpkin?

One of our favourite fall images is a small child standing beside a giant pumpkin.  Seeing the wonder in their eyes, and the excitement in their step, is one of the greatest joys a farmer can witness.   And while … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Event – the End of Summer Give Away

It’s now almost October and we’re enjoying the fruits of fall. We’re in our last week of the sizzling summer give away.         This month we feature a great collection of prizes to get you ready for … Continue reading

Garden mums – fall winners!

While some people may be sad to see the tail end of the summer flowers; many of us are looking forward to fall garden mums. Hundreds of hardy cultivars provide a vast array of colors and bloom shapes. The blooms … Continue reading

Amazing Apples – Part Three

We continue to take a close look at apples; September is the start of the main apple harvest at BC Farm Fresh; to answer all your unasked questions, we have a three part series on apples for your entertainment. This … Continue reading

Amazing Apples – Part Two

September is the start of the main apple harvest at BC Farm Fresh; to answer all your unasked questions, we have a three part series on apples for your entertainment. This is part two.   Number trivia fun facts If … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Event – September Give Away

It’s now September and summer did come for a few weeks, but the weather really took a wrong turn the past week! We’re going to try with some more give-aways to heat up your summer and get you ready for … Continue reading

Dazzling Dahlias

A flower that’s been enjoying our recent sunny weather is the dahlia. A true garden dazzler with their many colours and many shapes. We thought this was a good week to take a closer look at this amazing flower. Colours … Continue reading

The Joys of Apples – Part One

We’re just starting off with another great apple harvest at BC Farm Fresh. Apples are fabulous to eat right off the tree and are great in all sorts of baking and cooking recipes. Apple pies, apple sauce, apple cider – … Continue reading

How to choose the right apple?

Did you know that there are more than 1,000 varieties of apples grown in North America and dozens grown in Southern British Columbia? To help prepare you for apple season, here’s an overview of the apples we grow at Taves … Continue reading

Corn – What’s in a Name?

At BC Farm Fresh we’ve been getting a few questions about corn; people looking for old favorite varieties and familiar names. We came across this great blog from Lepp Farm Market that’s a veritable corn-cyclopedia. Now you know the truth … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Give Away Continues

The Sizzling Summer Give Away continues! It’s now August and we’re getting really worried about summer ever arriving at BC Farm Fresh. We’re going to try with some more give-aways to heat up your summer and get you out of … Continue reading

Cooking sausages to perfection, every time – Tips from Urban Digs

Sausages are tasty, but unless they’re cooked properly, the results can be less than awesome. Cooking a sausage is no different than cooking a steak, if you rush, you’ll be disappointed, but if you take the care and the time, … Continue reading

Dive into the world of eggplants

Some fun facts to consider as you enjoy this deep, dark beauty. 1. Eggplants aren’t REALLY vegetables, they’re berries. Which isn’t that strange, considering other fruits are commonly mistaken for vegetables – like tomatoes. 2. Eggplants and tomatoes are actually … Continue reading

Our beef the environment and YOU

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There’s a lot in the news about beef production, particularly how it’s negative for the environment. It’s true that some producers have lost their way, but this doesn’t mean that all cattle producers are poor stewards of the land. At … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Contest at BC Farm Fresh

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We’re starting to give up on summer ever arriving at BC Farm Fresh, so we decided to heat things up with some give-aways over the next few months. This week we feature three farms in the Abbotsford area. We’ve got … Continue reading

Kohlrabi – space alien or vegetable?

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At BC Farm Fresh this vegetable is often the subject of many jokes; we’re fascinated by its strange looks. In apology to the jokes we’ve made at the expense of kohlrabis; today’s blog will feature this great vegetable. And we’ll … Continue reading

Is local food worth all the hype?

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Here are five reasons to consider. Local food: 1. Tastes and looks better. Crops are picked at their peak and farmstead products, such as artisan cheeses are hand-crafted and made in small batches for optimal flavour. With livestock processed in … Continue reading

Hydrangea Hysteria

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This is the time of year when hydrangeas really shine in the garden; in fact they’ve been looking amazing for several weeks. They are not one of the quiet, unassuming flowers in the garden. Their huge pom-poms of flowers say … Continue reading

Lepp Farm Market Sausage Masters making Hot Dogs

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Just in time for the long week-end; Lepp Farm Market would like to share with all our BC Farm Fresh supporters how they make hot dogs. Lepp Farm Market is a family-run, year-round farm market that specializes in locally grown, … Continue reading

Raspberry Razzle Dazzle

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Time to celebrate raspberries. BC Farm Fresh hopes that you’ve been enjoying this year’s great raspberries. Sweet, tasty, and good for you! Here are some raspberry fun facts to keep in mind as your enjoy these great berries. Botanical fun … Continue reading

Meet a new berry: Goji Berries

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Picture courtesy of Gojoy Berries Inc. The goji berry is native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, but it is now grown in many other countries as well. Gojis have been used for thousands of years in Tibet … Continue reading

Ever-bearing Strawberries vs. June Strawberries

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This article is generously provided by Lepp Farm Market. Originally posted May 27, 2016 Did you know that there are two types of strawberries? If you’re as old as I am, then you probably remember when we only had BC … Continue reading

10 Unique Christmas Gifts from the Fraser Valley Under $20

Looking for Christmas gifts? The article below features several of our Farm Fresh member  farms: Taves Family Farms Applebarn Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery Anita’s Organic Grain and Flour Mill Hopcott Premium Meats Golden Ears Cheesecrafters Canadian Hazelnuts Inc. … Continue reading

Week of November 10 – Gift Basket from The Local Harvest

Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win some of our amazing Fraser Valley gifts! Check back weekly! This week we will award a $25 gift basket from The Local Harvest Farm … Continue reading

Week of October 13 Social Media Prize – one-day family pass to Aldor Acres

This week’s giveaway is up on FACEBOOK – win by liking, following us on Twitter and retweeting! Get social with us! Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win amazing Fraser Valley … Continue reading

Week of October 6 – K & M Farms $50 gift certificate towards a fresh turkey

This week’s giveaway is up on FACEBOOK – win by liking, following us on twitter, and retweeting! Get social with us! Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win amazing Fraser Valley … Continue reading

Abbotsford Circle Farm Tour Dinner

It’s not every day that you get to sit down for dinner with the farmer who supplied the ingredients you are about to enjoy. Last week growers and producers who are members of the Abbotsford Circle Farm Tour were invited … Continue reading

Check out BC Farm Fresh farms mentioned in Vancouverscape

Last week, a group of Vancouver media and writers were invited to dine with the very farmers and wine makers that grew food and produced wine for a sumptuous, six-course long table dinner at Abbotsford’s Tanglebank Gardens and Brambles Bistro. … Continue reading

Week of September 22 Give Away – Willow View Farms’ Apples

This week’s giveaway is up on FACEBOOK – win by liking, following us on twitter and retweeting! Get social with us! Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win amazing Fraser Valley … Continue reading

Week of September 8 give away

This week’s giveaway is up on FACEBOOK – win by liking, following us on twitter and retweeting! Get social with us! Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win amazing Fraser Valley … Continue reading

Week of September 2 – Facebook and Twitter prizes – two dozen corn from Sparkes Corn Barn

This week’s giveaway is up on FACEBOOK – win by liking, following us on twitter and retweeting! Get social with us! Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win amazing Fraser Valley … Continue reading

Farm Fresh: Weekly Prizes on Facebook and Twitter!

  This week’s giveaway is up https://www.facebook.com/BCFarmFresh?sk=app_228910107186452   Each week, one of our Fraser Valley Farms will offer our followers the chance to win some of our amazing Fraser Valley produce!   This week we were awarded some beautiful blueberries … Continue reading

Local Foods Focus on Safety and Quality

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When you buy local foods, make sure you are also buying food quality and food safety. At Hopcott Farms, every generation since 1932 has taken pride in the farm and its products. Hopcott Premium Meats is a family-owned and run … Continue reading

Sustainability in the Kitchen

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We like perfection; straight carrots and symmetrical shiny apples.  However, our search for perfection has increased the use of pesticides and the amount of waste in our food system. Cosmetically challenged produce is culled and discarded. Thankfully the produce available … Continue reading

Family Farm Businesses Do Well

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At Hopcott Premium Meats, we are committed to bringing our customers nothing less than what we are willing to serve our own families.  Our store is located right on the farm, a farm that has been in the family since … Continue reading

The Resurgence of Canning

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Canning and preserving, activities once popular with your grandmother are now becoming popular again.   For this resurgence, we can thank the growing demand for fresh local foods, the interest in eliminating and reducing our carbon foot print and, mostly, … Continue reading

Best Wishes from the BC Ministry of Agriculture

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The Fraser Valley Farm Fresh Guide is the go-to source for anyone interested in fresh, locally-produced foods. A diverse list of farms, markets, gardens and even wineries can all be found within its pages. Likewise, the Province’s new Agrifoods Strategy … Continue reading

2012-2013 Farm Fresh Guide Is Out!

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We are happy to annouce that the new 2012 – 2013 Farm Fresh Guide is out on the streets. Don’t forget to get your copy today! We have also updated all the listings and products with www.bcfarmfresh.com for your browsing … Continue reading

Population Growth and Fraser Valley Agricultural Land

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Some who live on the land here have been eating purple sprouting broccoli and digging overwintered carrots and potatoes fresh from the garden since January this year! There aren’t many places in Canada where the combination of rich soils and … Continue reading

Farm Direct Markets Aren’t For Everybody

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The “good old days” when most people grew much of their own food, even canning and drying a lot of it for the winter months, are gone. The times when local independent grocers bought fresh local produce from local producers … Continue reading

Strawberries Announce Summer

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But They May be Around Longer Than You Think! Nothing announces the arrival of summer quite like the taste and aroma of juicy sweet strawberries. We expect local strawberries will be available by mid-June in 2011 and the quality of … Continue reading

Fun is Part of Local Too

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When you buy local food products you support local farmers. But you can have a lot of fun doing it too! One place to enjoy is Meadows Maze in Pitt Meadows. Meadows Maze is celebrating 12 years of entertaining families. … Continue reading

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