I must confess that I’m not a huge fan of berries, but that changed after eating fresh strawberries picked off the bush this past weekend. That sweet, plump and juicy berry was unlike anything I had ever tasted from the grocery stores. About 19 years ago I had my first “pick your own” experience, but that was for apples and tomatoes and to be quite honest I can hardly recall the experience. However, this past Sunday I visited Murphy’s Country Produce in Binbrook Ontario as part of our promise to cover a wide variety of things to do locally and my new love for fresh strawberries began.
Situated about 25 minutes from the core of Hamiltom, the drive to Murpy’s Country produce gives you brief glimpse into country life without having to drive too far from the city. As you drive though the compound you’re greeted by the friendly staff at the main gate, who goes though the prices (providing you’re opting for the pick your own) and explains where the fields are that are currently being harvested, with the use of a very detailed map of the entire farm. You then head up a gravel road to the parking area where you’re greeted by other friendly staff you guides you to the best berry picking areas and are willing to answer any question you may still have.
Basically it’s strawberry picking time now, (see tips below) as you work your way from bush to bush searching out those little nuggets of juicy berries. Remember this is not a race so take your time and enjoy the moment, especially if you’re doing this as a family. Remember to pack a bottle of water with you to rinse of the berries to eat while you harvest. If you’re worried about getting muddy or dirty, it’s minimal. Since the road leading to the fields are all paved with gravel and the fields themselves are protected with hay/straw, so you’re never walking on exposed earth.
WARNING! You’ll be in an open field so wear a hat, use sun block and do take drinking water as it does get pretty hot, even on a cloudy day.
Some Tips!
Unripe berries will not ripen once picked, so make sure you only harvest the bright red ones.
Always call before you go to the farm – strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON! So my advice is to arrive early.
Murphy’s furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but there is a small charge you for them.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
When you get home:
DON’T wash the berries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you’re going to make jam right away)
Besides having strawberries on this day, they also had peas and in a week or 2 they’ll have raspberries in season. Here’s a list of what you can pick your own and pre-picked fruits, vegetables and cut flowers you can get at Murphy’s.
Strawberries: Spring - Usually Father’s Day is the busiest time of the year.
Peas and Fava Beans: June
Rasberries: Late June
Sweet Corn, Eggplant, Musk melon, Romano Beans, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shepherd and Bell Peppers: August.
Cut flowers (Glads and Sunflowers): August
Pumpkin and Squash: September
Once you’ve had your full, you work your way back down the gravel road to the main entrance (exit as well) where you meet with the staff at the stall (if he’s not busy you’ll see Brain (owner of Murphy’s Country Produce helping out customers) where you pay and if you wish you can by pre picked strawberries, refreshments and even some of that wonderful looking homemade jam (see pics in album above).
Overall a wonderful experience that I highly recommend you give a try. I fully support local grown and hope that you see it fit to support the farmers in our area and enjoy the wonderful produce they provide on a yearly basis for us. I must mention that the berries were a bit smaller than the ones you’d get at the grocery store, but as far as quality goes these fresh picked ones are hands down.. the best you’ll ever enjoy. NOTE: In one of the pictures above you’ll see the prices, but I do recommend that you give them a call before you drive out to confirm not only what’s in season, but for an updated price list as well.
Special thanks to Brian Murphy for allowing access to his farm and for the welcoming / friendly way they treat everyone who comes though their gates.
Murphy’s Country Produce
2040 Guyatt Road R.R. #1, L0R 1C0, Binbrook Ontario, Canada
Phone: (905) 692-5733
Fax: (905) 692-0921
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Remember to phone for an up-to-date crop report and produce orders!
