No. However, Barrie Hill Farms is committed to producing the finest quality fruits and vegetables in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Read more about our green policy here.

Yes. Cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard are accepted methods of payment.

Yes and No. Vaping and smoking of marijuana are both prohibited. Smoking of tobacco cigarettes is permitted in the parking lot area only. For fire safety and food safety reasons, no smoking is permitted beyond the parking area.

No. Most of our customers change their babies in the comfort of their own vehicle.

No. For everyone’s safety and in compliance with food safety regulations, pets are not permitted in the picking fields or the market area. A working service animal (a service dog, in harness for example), is the exception.

We are not located on a busy highway. Customers traveling with their pets are able to walk their pets (and give them a “pit stop”) very comfortably on our quiet country road or in our designated pet exercise area. There are also plenty of shady parking spots where pets can wait while their owners are picking.

Yes. While coolers and picnic lunches are not permitted in the picking fields, we have picnic tables located in a shady area near the main entrance. Cold water and soft drinks are available.

New, unused baskets are included in the cost of the produce you purchase upon entry. 

Yes, you can bring your own baskets (from last year or any basket clearly marked 1L, 2L or 4L). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency states that there is currently no evidence that food or food packages can be a source or route of transmission of COVID-19. You will receive a $1 discount off for each 2L or 4L basket you bring. No discounts are offered on 1L containers.

Always sort and use any bruised or damaged berries as soon as possible in sauces, purées and jams.

Refrigerating

Strawberries: Store uncovered or loosely covered in refrigerator. Wash and rinse. Hull just before serving or freezing.

Raspberries: Remove from container, place on flat trays in a single layer in refrigerator, enjoy within 2 days. It is important not to wash until just before serving.

Blueberries: Best stored in a shallow well ventilated container, they will last 1 week or longer. Wash just before serving.

Freezing

Fruit: All berries can be placed on flat trays in a single layer and placed in your freezer. Be sure to hull the strawberries first. When frozen, place in freezer bags, seal, label and date. These berries can even be used individually, if desired for special desserts, smoothies, or on cereals all year long.

Vegetables: Peas and beans can be frozen. Wash and cut the ends off snow peas and green and yellow beans. Take the regular peas out of their pods (or have them shelled in our automatic shelling machine)! Blanche the vegetables in boiling water for about 1 minute. Place in freezer bags and draw out the air. Seal, label and date bags and place in freezer. Use throughout the year or on their own, in stir frys, soups or stews.

#1 are straight, more uniform in appearance and have tighter tips.

#2 are crooked or bent, more variable in size, and have slightly open tips

Flavour and freshness are the same.