Local Food Connections Field Day at Berry Hill Orchard

Local Food Connections Field Day at Berry Hill Orchard

The field day will be an open house event from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, August 8, at Berry Hill Orchard near Fertile, IA.  The family-owned and -operated orchard specializes in naturally grown Aronia berries. Husband and wife, Tom Morse and Tonya DeVries-Morse, have been in the Aronia business for about 5 years.

The Aronia berry shrub is native to North America, and grows well in Iowa’s climate. Both the National Institute of Health and Iowa State Extension Service report that the berries are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, properties that help reduce risk for many diseases. Those health benefits are one of the main reasons Tonya and Tom chose to raise Aronia berries.  “Everyone knows someone who has had cancer, heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes. Those health issues have touched both sides of our family. After research, we chose to raise Aronia berries because studies have shown them to be such a healthy fruit,” explain the couple.

Tonya notes that the berries have a unique flavor. “When eaten fresh, they taste sweet at the first bite, then astringent at the end, like a dry wine. Many people like to sweeten them with honey or sugar.” The couple add berries to many foods daily, like oatmeal and yogurt, as well as include them in recipes for smoothies, cookies, and salsa.

The berries are only harvested once a year, but freeze well. Most people who use them regularly pick/buy enough to freeze and last the whole year. Berry Hill Orchard also provides berries to Taste restaurant in Osage and Fat Hill Brewing in Mason City.

At this field day, Tom and Tonya will give tours of the orchard and explain the process from planting to harvest. There will be educational materials about the health benefits of Aronia berries, recipes to take home, a children’s activity, and refreshments.

Although the berries will not be ready to pick on August 8, there will be information about the upcoming u-pick event, as well as about purchasing berries pre-picked. Learn more at the Berry Hill Orchard LLC Facebook page!

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The North Iowa Local Food Connection is a network of local farm and food businesses and friends building relationships, collaborating, learning together, creating connections that build business and productive communities.

Curious about North Iowa local food businesses? This series of events will provide an excellent opportunity for everyone from farmers to eaters. Get a behind the scenes peak at what makes these North Iowa entrepreneurs tick! Please join us!

JUNE

Sat. June 5 3 – 5pm
Hilary Kollasch and Family
Kollasch Family Farms
300 Hwy 18 Whittemore, IA, US 50598
County: Kossuth County

AUGUST

Sunday, Aug 8, 3:00-5:00p.m.
Tom Morse and Tonya DeVries-Morse
Berry Hill Orchard
24221 Apple Avenue, Fertile, IA
County: Worth

The family-owned and -operated orchard specializes in naturally grown Aronia berries for about 5 years. Tom and Tonya will give tours of the orchard and explain the process from planting to harvest. There will be educational materials about the health benefits of Aronia berries, recipes to take home, a children’s activity, and refreshments.

Saturday, Aug. 21, 3:00-5:00pm
Mervin and Cherlyn Beachy
Red Rooster Ranch
1247 430th St., St. Ansgar, IA 50472
County: Mitchell
The Beachys believe in sustainable methods, focusing especially on healthy, balanced soil. They raise grass-fed beef, all-natural pork and pastured chicken, as well as eggs from pastured laying hens. They will tour their farm and share their story.

These events are part of the North Iowa Local Food Connections program, a partnership of Healthy Harvest of North Iowa and local food and farm businesses. Support provided by USDA Rural Development.