Living in a province with rich, fertile soil gives you the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of fresh berries during the summer. Whether you visit a scenic U-pick berry farm or purchase berries from a retail store, understanding a few key facts can help you make informed choices for both produce quality and your health.
1. Review the Brand or Farm’s Website Before You Buy
If you decide to purchase fresh packaged berries from a retail store, it is always a good idea to become familiar with the brand. With ongoing concerns about pesticide residues and food safety frequently appearing in the news, consumers are becoming more aware of where their food comes from. However, it is difficult to evaluate a product’s quality simply by looking at the package.
A simple way to learn more is by visiting the official website of the brand or farm. Many growers provide valuable information about their farming practices, quality standards, and sustainability initiatives.
For example, I appreciate Naturipe Farms’ “How We Grow” section, which explains the company’s commitment to sustainability through water conservation, pollinator habitat protection, regenerative agriculture, and other environmentally responsible practices.
Another example is South Alder Farms. According to its website, the farm undergoes multiple third-party audits each year covering the entire production process, including growing, harvesting, packing, storage, and distribution. This level of transparency helps consumers feel more confident about the quality and safety of its products.
2. Look for Food Safety Certifications When Buying Frozen Berries
When purchasing frozen berries, it is recommended to choose products that are certified under recognized food safety standards such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) or SQF (Safe Quality Food).
These certification programs help ensure that the manufacturing process—from harvesting, washing, drying, packaging, and freezing to storage and distribution—is carefully monitored and managed to maintain food safety and product quality.
Improper handling, such as accidental thawing during transportation or storage, can affect product quality and safety. A case involving Valley Select Foods Inc. and Lloyd’s Insurance, as reported by the Mission Record, involved allegations that frozen blueberries had thawed during storage and raised questions regarding insurance coverage. The plaintiff argued that the loss should be covered by insurance, while the defendant disputed the allegations. Regardless of the outcome, the case highlights the importance of proper temperature control, traceability, and quality management throughout the frozen food supply chain.
3. Explore Different Berry Varieties
When choosing blueberries, sweetness, firmness, and color are all important factors that influence flavor and overall eating quality.
Beyond conventional blueberries, consumers now have more options than ever, including organic blueberries and specially bred varieties such as Sweet Selections and Mighty Blues. Thanks to ongoing breeding and variety development, these blueberries offer different flavor profiles and textures to suit individual preferences.
So, the next time you’re shopping for blueberries, don’t just grab the first package you see. Take a moment to explore the different varieties and learn about where they come from—you may discover a new favorite. Happy berry picking, and enjoy the taste of summer!
Disclaimer: The examples in this article are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements of any specific company or product.
References
- Naturipe Farms – How We Grow: Sustainability
https://www.naturipefarms.com/how-we-grow/sustainability/ - South Alder Farms
https://www.southalderfarms.com/ - Mission Record – Valley Select Foods Inc. court case
https://missioncityrecord.com/2023/07/07/abbotsford-company-seeks-almost-2-5m-after-loss-of-2m-pounds-of-blueberries/ - Naturipe Farms – Blueberries
https://www.naturipefarms.com/fresh/blueberries/
