Sherbrooke Village Gardeners noticed all the apples from trees in our neighbourhood being thrown out in the autumn of 2010 and decided to rescue and use them. We created pies, preserves and applesauce and the Fruits of Sherbrooke brand was born. The arrival of spring 2011 heralded the harvesting of rhubarb from gardens and lanes and the birth of Rhubarb Rhapsody with over 15 varieties of rhubarb preserves. The Rhubarb Rhapsody line of preserves now includes Vanilla Rhubarb, Rosemary Rhubarb, Sambuca Strawberry Rhubarb, Chutney, Steak Sauce, Rhubarb Ginger, Strawberry Rhubarb with Pepper Vodka, Rhubarb with Oriental Five Spice, Red Grapefruit with Rhubarb, Rhubarb Orange Jelly, Jalapeno Rhubarb – you get the idea!
Free Tastings. With so many offerings it is hard to decide, so the Fruits of Sherbrooke has free tastings every Monday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at the community league hall – 13008 – 122 Avenue until Thanksgiving weekend. These tastings will showcase the new products as they are created as well as some of the popular standards that are still available. After you make your selections (it is hard to pick just one!), you can take your purchases home with you. Preserves are sold in 250 ml jars and are usually $5 each and $6 for those made with alcohol.
All fruit is picked within walking distance of the hall and has been watered and nurtured by Mother Nature – thus is chemical free. The preserves are made locally – again without chemicals. As the growing season brings new fruit and garden resources to our hands – new products will evolve regularly. Look for jams and jellies with herbs, garlic, raspberries, high bush cranberries, pears, sour cherries, and finally our apples and crab apples. These are all grown in our neighbourhood!
Our mandate is growing as we learn. We respect the earth and her bounty by using what we grow in our own neighbourhood. By learning and teaching how to preserve this bounty through canning, pickling and drying methods we reduce waste, feed ourselves and others, and connect to the urban farmer within us. We cannot easily live the 100 mile diet but we can use what already grows here. Funds raised go towards greening initiatives in our community.
We welcome volunteers to assist harvesting, we teach preserving courses in a hands-on manner and invite referrals to local fruits that need picking.
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