Richmond’s blueberry farms are well into harvest mode -- along with 600 other farms across the province.
Although Mother Nature had been unpredictable at the start of the season, this year’s crop is still bountiful and tastier than ever, according to the BC Blueberry Council.
Blueberry lovers have the next six weeks to enjoy the fresh and plump fruits.
Humraj Kallu, owner of CanWest Farms on Blundell Road, says their U-pick blueberries have “become more popular in the last two to three years (as) more people are catching on with the trend of an outing experience.”
The farm is hosting its ninth annual blueberry kickoff this Saturday starting at 11 a.m. There will be a free kids’ zone with face painting and an animal petting zoo, food vendors and even interactive African drumming and Chinese lion dancing.
“The event gets larger every year, and we are trying to gear it towards families and kids,” added Kallu.
Richmond offers a lot of U-pick locations, including Birak Berry Farms located on No. 6 Road, which has no entrance fee and charges $2.50 for every pound of blueberry picked.
“Our blueberries are nice and big this year and people love to bring their families and pick them themselves,” said Harminder Birak.
Along with U-pick opportunities, blueberries can be found at local grocery stores, markets and roadside sales. One can buy them pre-picked at Nijjer Berry Farms for $20 per 10 pounds.
Do not fret if you accidentally picked too many blueberries because you can always freeze them to snack on later in the year.
Whether you’d like to get on your hands and knees or buy the berries fresh, grab them before they are all gone by late August.
