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Cherry Blossoms21st Century, Circa 2008
Niagara Fruit Institute Orchards, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Niagara Fruit Institute
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Ripe Red Cherries on a Branch21st Century, Circa 2008
Niagara Fruit Institute Orchards, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Niagara Fruit Institute
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In 1921, Niagara Peninsula Growers shipped 1,550 baskets of cherries to Winnipeg under the supervision of government experts. The car was iced and the temperature monitored throughout the three-day journey. To maintain the correct temperature, the cars were loaded with ice at various stops. The cherries arrived in good condition and because of the initial success, more shipments were planned.Sweet cherries are the most popular for eating. Sour cherries are canned, made into pie filling and candied cherries, and fermented to make wine, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages.
Some varieties of cherries can grow almost anywhere and have a long growing season. Many home owners plant cherry trees because of the beautiful spring blossoms.
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Ripe Cherries21st Century, Circa 2008
Bridgman Farm, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Bridgman, Anne
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GRAPESThere are some varieties of grapes that are very characteristic of the Niagara Region. The most common in the area are the labrusca grapes, and vitis vinifera types. The labrusca grapes are native to the area and they include the Concord and Niagara grapes which are used mostly for making juice. The vitis vinifera and French hybrid types are grown in Niagara for wine making. Vitis refers to the vine family to which the grape vine belongs. Vinifera refers to the grapes that are cultivated and do not grow naturally in the wild. Most vineyards are located below the escarpment where the climate and soil provide ideal growing conditions.
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Grapes: All of the Very Best and Most Popular Varieties20th Century, Circa 1940
Helderleigh Nursery, E. D. Smith Property, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Donated by the Niagara Fruit Institute
Grimsby Museum Collection
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In the beginning, grapes were not the most popular fruit in the Niagara area, but winemaking has been documented in Niagara as early as 1811. Locally there are two men considered to be the pioneers of grape growing. Porter Adams of St. David's (1857) and John Southridge of Stoney Creek (1844) are considered to be the first local growers. John C. Kilborn of Beamsville was another early grape grower in the area. He wrote to the "Canadian Agriculturist" in 1860 stating "Three years ago, 4 of 5 barrels of wine (similar to port wine) were grown from a single vine in one season in the township of Grimsby."In the 1860's and 1870's grapes had climbed the ranks to third in importance among Ontario fruits. It was said that in 1881 just over 2,000 acres of grapes were planted in Ontario. Ten years later this acreage had doubled and the production of grape products had tripled.
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There are numerous varieties of grapes grown in Ontario and the Niagara region, but the grapes can be roughly grouped into the colours of white, red and black. 'White' grapes are actually green in color and were originally from red grapes that have changed over time.49
In 1882 the Niagara variety of grape was introduced and was under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Grape Company. This variety remained the most popular and widely grown white grape until 1981. Labrusca grapes were the most prominent types grown in the Niagara vineyards for over 150 years. During the 20th century, native grapes were increasingly replaced with hundreds of cultivated varieties. These new varieties were similar to the native grapes, but had better flavour, hardiness and value.50
Grapes Growing on a Vine21st Century, Circa 2008
Niagara Fruit Institute Orchards, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Niagara Fruit Institute
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BERRIESBerries are a very important crop for Ontario farmers, but have a high risk factor. Berries spoil easily and require careful attention when growing and harvesting. Berries continue to be harvested by hand due to their delicate nature. This means that attention to detail is mandatory as is a supply of readily available good farm labourers. Strawberries, brambles (blackberries, raspberries, black raspberries, tayberry, loganberry and boysenberry) and blueberries are all grown in Niagara, as well as currants, gooseberries and some cranberries.
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Berries: Outstanding Varieties of Raspberries and Blackberries20th Century, Circa 1940
Helderleigh Nursery, E. D. Smith Property, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Donated by the Niagara Fruit Institute
Grimsby Museum Collection
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Miscellaneous Small Fruits20th Century, Circa 1940
Helderleigh Nursery, E. D. Smith Property, Winona, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Niagara Fruit Institute
Grimsby Museum Collection
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TOMATOESOne of the most debated fruits/vegetables of all time is the tomato. Many that cook with tomatoes consider it a vegetable because of its versatility in cooking and its ability to mix with other vegetables. However scientists insist that it is a fruit. Whether a fruit or vegetable, tomatoes are popular to grow, especially in the home garden. The canning factories annually processed large volumes of tomatoes to meet the needs of the consumer at home and for the overseas market. During the 20th century, Ontario consumers made up the largest part of the market and much of what was produced in Grimsby was not exported but sold to Ontario consumers.
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