About Us
The Stewart Family began farming in 1992 with just over 5 acres. The land had been dormant for a number of years although it had previously grown berries for a number of years.
In the early days, Ian planted a number of different berries, including strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, loganberries, marionberries, currants and gooseberries. A variety of berries was grown to lengthen the season and offer a range of selection. Finally after repeated requests from the farmer’s wife, Ian planted a “few” blueberry plants.
As the berry crops were replaced, Ian added more and more blueberry plants. This also provided an opportunity to choose different varieties and lengthen
the blueberry season. The focus is growing the best blueberries on the Peninsula.
About Blueberries
Blueberries are ranked Number 1 in antioxidant activity compared to 40 other commercially grown fruits and vegetables. That means a serving of blueberries provides the antioxidant power needed to fight aging, cancer and heart disease.
These round, dark blue berries offer more than just good looks and taste. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin A, containing more than any other fruit. One cup of blueberries is 84 calories and also provides nearly one-third of an adult's daily requirement of vitamin C. Blueberries are low in sodium and high in dietary fiber and contain no cholesterol or fat.
According to the B.C. Blueberry Council, there are about 17,000 acres devoted to growing almost 80 million pounds of blueberries in the province. This makes British Columbia the largest producer of highbush blueberries in Canada with production increasing steadily.
At Stewart's Berry Patch, our plants are highbush which means that at mature height, the plants are between 4 to 6 feet tall. The plants have been chosen for their growing season, flavor and size. Three early varieties, Duke, Reka and Sparton are generally ready in early July. The other varieties, Blue Crop, Nelson and Sierra are ready late, likely mid-month.
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