Fraisière Duquette Strawberries
613-488-3284
Info@DuquetteStrawberries.com
2236 rue Champlain Road, Clarence Creek, Ontario
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Useful Information
Strawberries

The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds and have straw mulch around them. They also rot quickly when a customer leaves the partially eaten berry or, the calyx, within the plants (that partially eaten berry or, the calyx, starts to rot and then the spores go onto the other berries and then the field in full of rotting berries) and the season ends sooner than later.

- do the math and be careful not to over-purchase, as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.

- you can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash (if you must. I don't), cut the calyx off and pop them into a bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air. There are people who lay their berries out on a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer and once frozen, then they put them in a bag.

When you get home:

​- keep the fruit cool. Plan ahead to freeze, can, or make jam from the excess.
​- picking the best berries: Select firm, fully red berries. Berries DO NOT continue to ripen after they are picked! Ask us how
   to tell the difference.
​- U-pick berries are much healthier than store-bought and have a delicious taste.


What to bring with you

- if you are coming a distance to our farm, or if you have small ones with you, bring snacks, hand towels or disposable
    wipes and plenty of liquids to drink.
- containers for picking and for carrying the fruit home (smaller containers are better for children's smaller hands). We do
    sell baskets. If you bring your own containers, we will weigh them before and after you pick your berries.
- dress in old clothes and worn athletic shoes; you want to be comfortable and not worried about staining or tearing 
    your clothes! If the ground is wet, it will really ruin any nice shoes, so wear your beat up old ones or, boots!
- wide-brimmed hats help protect you from the summer sun; and in the Fall, extra layers to keep you warm. Don't 
    forget sunscreen for the back of your neck and exposed skin.
- pack a picnic lunch and snacks. You'll be gone for a while and all that picking and being outdoors will work up a big 
   appetite. Bring a cooler and pack it with your favorite lunch and snacks. Eating outdoors is part of the experience! 
    PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID, WE CANNOT ALLOW YOU TO STAY PAST YOUR PICKING
- don't forget the camera. You may want to capture those memories you're making. 

When you arrive at the farm, take some time at the beginning to explain to your kids on how to identify and pick ripe fruit. If you don't know, ask us.

Farm Rules

- note and follow all rules that are posted throughout the farm;
- place trash, including diapers, in proper trash receptacles or take it with you. Our wild life do not appreciate diapers and 
    trash left in their home;
- stay clear of parked or moving tractors, vehicles and equipment; 
- Health codes require NO PETS in the fields. So, please leave your pets at home where they will be more comfortable;
- always call in advance to find out if the fruit/vegetables you want are available, to get directions, check our opening 
    and closing hours;
-  walk in the rows, so you don't step on plants!
- don't allow children or adults to throw berries at each other as this spoils this precious fruit and you may be asked to leave 
    the premises
-  if you must eat berries while in your row, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE REMAINS INSIDE THE PLANTS, place them 
     in the row of straw, where you walk. Your leftovers will start to rot quickly and the spores will spread to the good fruit;
- drive slowly through the farm as there are children on the property and we would never want to lose one of our precious gifts.