Pembroke ranch seeing a strong start to blueberry season

Wild weather earlier this summer had some farmers nervous, but it’s turning out to be a great start to the blueberry season in eastern Ontario.

Blueberry season is underway and ready to be picked.

Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch in Pembroke kicked off their 48^th pick-your-own blueberries season this weekend.

Hundreds of families from across the region visit the ranch daily to pick fresh berries.

“We usually make it a family thing. I used to bring my grandkids up with me too. Now, this year it’s just mom and I,” said visitor Melinda Lafleur.

For siblings Terrilyn Herrick and Michael Herrick, it’s their fourth year coming to pick blueberries at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch with their families.

“It’s kind of a tradition. We always meet up here every summer,” said Terrilyn Herrick.

“We did stuff like this when we were younger,” said Michael Herrick. “We like to take full advantage to see each other whenever we can.”

Owner Brian Hugli says he was concerned about a dry fall and a harsh winter, but says the season has been good so far.

“The rains we’ve been having have been coming at just the right times. The berries are nice and big and the sun and that heat we had has made them nice and sweet. It’s really good picking right now,” Hugli said.

Pick-your-own blueberries are $9.50/kg and already picked blueberries starting at $9.95.

“We make pies and blueberry cheesecake,” said visitor Beverley Heeney.

The ranch also produces blueberry products for sale such as jams, jellies, syrups and juice as well as desserts like crumble pie, oatmeal muffins, scones and lemon tarts.

For Irem Burrows, visiting the ranch for the first time, it’s different than just going to the grocery store.

“You actually get to pick which ones you want and it’s a good little experience,” said Burrows. “They also have desserts here. That’s the main reason why I was also coming here. They have a really good bakery.”

The ranch has 18 different varieties of blueberries to pick from. The season runs through to September.

Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch is filled with other family fun and entertainment including a petting zoo, games and activities.

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