Articles | Patience Fruit & Co https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:54:58 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 New Name, Same Great Taste: Patience Becomes Fruit d’Or! https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/patience-becomes-fruit-dor/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:53:21 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=53975 We have some big news to share with you.
After growing together for many years, the Patience brand is evolving and…

Cet article New Name, Same Great Taste: Patience Becomes Fruit d’Or! est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
We have some big news to share with you.
After growing together for many years, the Patience brand is evolving and will now be known as Fruit d’Or.
  Nouveau logo Fruit d'Or  

Why the change?
Because Fruit d’Or has been our home from the very beginning. It’s the family-owned company behind Patience, one that grows, transforms, and shares its small fruits with the world, in more than 50 countries.

Local small fruits, grown with you in mind

Fruit d’Or is a proudly Canadian company celebrating its 25th anniversary. Behind every juice and every berry, there’s a story rooted right here: Québec fields, passionate families, and now a second generation of owner-operators stepping in to continue doing things with heart. And the most important part hasn’t changed one bit: we’re still delivering the same great taste, made with the same quality ingredients you know and love.

We keep innovating to bring you the best of our small fruits. Every day, we work on creating products that are simple, delicious, and made to fit into your life, your recipes, your lunch, your hike, or your backpack. We love exploring, testing, improving, tasting (lots of tasting), all with one goal in mind: bringing out the very best in our cranberries and wild blueberries.

 

The product line is growing and so is the fun

Here’s another piece of good news:
we’re expanding our lineup with the addition of three new conventional products.

bleuets-sauvages-seches-dried-wild-blueberries canneberges-sechees-entieres-whole-dried-cranberries canneberges-sans-sucre-dried-cranberries-no-sugar

Why? To make our small fruits accessible to even more Canadian families, while continuing to support and celebrate the organic products that are at the heart of who we are.

What stays the same:

  • the same care
  • the same growers
  • the same quality
  • and of course, the same great taste

So yes, more choice for you, but always with the same Fruit d’Or signature.

Patience becomes Fruit d’Or, but the real story continues

In short, the name is changing, but we’re still us.
The same values. The same team. The same joy of creating products made with patience and passion.

 

Thank you for being here, for loving our small fruits, and for being part of the journey.

Cet article New Name, Same Great Taste: Patience Becomes Fruit d’Or! est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Unveiling our Sustainable Development Plan 2024-2026 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/unveiling-our-sustainable-development-plan/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:47:39 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=52403 From the beginning, Fruit d’Or, the parent brand of Patience, has been founded on a…

Cet article Unveiling our Sustainable Development Plan 2024-2026 est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
From the beginning, Fruit d’Or, the parent brand of Patience, has been founded on a deep respect for nature and driven by a sincere desire to promote kindness towards all living beings. We believe that the future of the planet and its people is everyone’s responsibility.

To bring our vision to life, we are launching our first Sustainable Development Plan today, which sets out specific commitments and actions. Focused on three pillars, these commitments will enable us to truly make a difference for the planet, people, and the communities around us.

This plan has been developed in collaboration with our employees, customers, suppliers, research centers, certification bodies, and more, to address concrete issues. We are not interested in making meaningless commitments; we want to have a real impact. Each pillar of the plan includes specific actions and key performance indicators that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

main_canneberge_champs_durable_hand_cranberry_sustainable

Here are some examples of our commitments:

Identify innovative and eco-responsable packaging solutions that will minimize our environmental impact

Achieve 65% of products in the retail brand portfolio that are sugar-free or reduced in sugar.

Reduce by 49% our GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by September 2030 compared to 2023 (intensity)

To learn all about our commitments and better understand our approach, you can read our plan right here.: Sustainable Development Plan🌍💚

Cet article Unveiling our Sustainable Development Plan 2024-2026 est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Everything You Need to Know About the Cranberry https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cranberry/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:44:15 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=42878 Do you also love our red cranberries that are emblematic of Quebec? As delicious as they are beneficial, they can…

Cet article Everything You Need to Know About the Cranberry est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Do you also love our red cranberries that are emblematic of Quebec? As delicious as they are beneficial, they can be enjoyed on any occasion and at any time of year. At Patience Fruit & Co, the cranberry is a story of passion, love, and sweetness.

To learn more about their cultivation method, their benefits, and their uses in cooking, discover our guides on cranberries.

Cranberry cultivation

Are you wondering where cranberries grow, and what makes them such a delicious and versatile fruit? It all starts in the cradle: the earth that offers us its benefits in multiple forms. In Quebec, the cranberry takes root thanks to the nature of the soil, which is particularly suited to it.

Here are the answers to your questions about cranberry cultivation:

Where do cranberries grow?

Originally from cold and humid lands, the cranberry can primarily be found in bogs, which is why it has chosen to take up residence in Quebec! Its best-known and most-used version, Vaccinium macrocarpon, comes from North America (Canada and the United States). It can also be found in its wild state in these areas, along with its cousin, Vaccinium oxycoccos, in certain parts of Europe.

The cranberry flourishes in acidic and cold areas

Its growing method requires infrastructure that allows large volumes of water to be moved easily. Indeed, the cranberry needs water for several cultivation operations, such as irrigation to protect it from frost and drought, as well as flooding to defend against insects and for the harvest. Fortunately, the farms are closed circuits and recycle their water.

Did you know that Quebec was one of the world leaders in cranberry exports? In our province, the largest cranberry production happens in the Centre-du-Québec region. Furthermore, the Fruit d’Or, the company that founded the Patience Fruit & Co brand, is now the world’s leading producer of organic cranberries.

When are cranberries harvested?

Like many fruits, cranberries are harvested at the end of summer or the start of fall. At the start of summer, the flowering period of the plants begins. At this stage, the cranberry pollinators come together in the field to pollinate the flowers. Their work is essential, because it will allow for more berries on the same stem as well as larger berries, and therefore a better yield over the current year.

The fruit is green at first. It becomes whitish before turning red. As soon as it has achieved a ruby colour, it is ripe and ready to be harvested! In Quebec, the harvest period generally extends from late September to late October.

Does the cranberry grow in water?

During the time of harvest, cranberry producers rely on a very specific method: flooding the fields. Against all expectations, cranberries don’t grow underwater! In fact, cranberries grow in sandy soil.

This idea comes from the well-known images of submerged fields where we see the bright red berries floating. Flooding is used multiple times over the seasons. It helps:

  • After the harvest, often in late December, to create ice that will protect the plants from extreme winter cold.
  • At the start of summer, usually around early June, to defend against insect pests.
  • In the fall, for the harvest.

How are cranberries harvested?

At harvest time, cranberry producers once again submerge the fields. The fruit has four air cells that give it the ability to float on the surface of the water. This technique therefore makes it possible to harvest it much more quickly and easily in the fall without damaging the fruit!

Once the cranberry field is flooded, growers use a thresher to stir up the plants. The berries then detach naturally from the plants. They are then collected and pumped into trucks that take them to sorting and processing centres.

The cranberry: nutritional value and preservation

Now that you know more about cranberry cultivation, do you know all the benefits of this berry? Consumed in multiple forms, the cranberry never ceases to surprise with its many beneficial effects on your diet. Learn more about these virtues to demystify the cranberry and enjoy them with every bite!

What are the benefits of cranberries?

Containing no fats and boasting a low protein content, cranberries are a high source of fibre. They therefore contribute to proper digestion! Cranberry juiced, frozen or dried, you enjoy a variety of properties with each form!

How are cranberries preserved?

Fresh cranberries can be preserved in different ways:

  • Refrigerated cranberries: You can store them for up to 3 months in your fridge. In this case, they must be stored in an airtight bag to preserve their freshness.
  • Frozen cranberries: Once frozen, cranberries can be kept for up to 3 years. Bags of cranberries can be frozen as is in the freezer. And for even fresher fruit, we recommend freezing the berries in an airtight bag.

Dried, they can be kept for up to a year. Otherwise, they can be prepared in many ways to enjoy their benefits!

Cranberry-based recipes

In addition to being local and offering many properties, the cranberry is above all a highly versatile berry! In cooking, it never ceases to surprise with the multitude of culinary combinations that it creates. Discover a few ways to bring its benefits to all your recipes!

How can the cranberry products be consumed?

If you want eating ideas, this fruit is the perfect ingredient you need. You have plenty of ways to taste it, from cranberry juice cocktail to fresh cranberry sauce! With its tart taste, it also adds a sparkling touch to savoury dishes:

You can enjoy cranberry products:

  • For breakfast
  • In salads
  • In pastries
  • With your meats and in your slow cooker recipes
  • As a snack with your favourite mixed nuts
  • In your favourite cocktails and juices!

Whatever form you prefer, you can enjoy the cranberry in all its flavours and benefit from all its virtues!

Enjoy your favourite red berries in all kinds of sauces

Now you know the secrets of the cranberry and what makes it so famous! Take advantage of its benefits and experience its versatility in your kitchen. Patience Fruit & Co offers you its organic cranberries grown with love in Quebec.

To preserve their flavours and benefits, we have adopted a slower cultivation process at the rhythm of nature. From the flowers to harvesting the berry, we follow the natural process to offer you tender, tasty berries rich in many benefits!

Cet article Everything You Need to Know About the Cranberry est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
DIY: Cranberry garlands https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/cranberry-garlands/ Sun, 27 Nov 2022 18:14:58 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=11333 The big trend in holiday décor this year finds inspiration in the pared-down style of the Scandinavian countries. No fussy…

Cet article DIY: Cranberry garlands est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
The big trend in holiday décor this year finds inspiration in the pared-down style of the Scandinavian countries. No fussy frills – the buzzword is “minimalist.” Here’s how to create your Scandinavian-style décor, complete with step-by-step instructions for making garlands with…cranberries!

 

A Scandinavian Christmas

What makes this northern European style so special? It’s simple, literally, using natural materials, with wood all over the place. The colour palette is pale, with neutral tones like white, cream, or beige. To add a little zip, just accessorize with a vivid shot of colour. It all comes together to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, typical of a Nordic Christmas.

 

Key elements

Tree branches, boughs of fir, and pine cones look great against a white tablecloth. Under the tree, the gifts are simply but elegantly wrapped in Kraft paper. Filtered light and a few candles create a lovely ambiance. The final touch: soft blankets on the sofas for guests to wrap themselves up in.

 

Cranberries… in the Christmas tree!

To add contrast and pizzazz to our Scandinavian décor, try our favourite holiday fruit. Sure, cranberry sauce makes a yummy side dish with turkey, but you can also use cranberries to make gorgeous garlands and delight the eyes as much as the belly. Here’s how to make a cranberry garland in a few easy steps.

Cranberry garlands look great on the tree, on your festive table, or looped around light fixtures for a simple, cozy Scandinavian-style look.

 

Materials:

  • 1 sewing needle
  • Dental floss
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries for each 3-ft. length of floss
  • ½ cup fat-free popcorn and/or pine cones for each 3-ft. length of floss
  • Spray-on acrylic sealant

Cet article DIY: Cranberry garlands est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
How to cook fresh cranberries: 7 recipes to try https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/how-to-cook-fresh-cranberries-7-recipes-to-try/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:11:45 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=41500 Are you wondering how to use up fresh cranberries? Delicious in all kinds of sauces, cranberries can be eaten fresh…

Cet article How to cook fresh cranberries: 7 recipes to try est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Are you wondering how to use up fresh cranberries? Delicious in all kinds of sauces, cranberries can be eaten fresh in many ways! To enjoy their benefits and discover them in a new light, we’ve prepared 7 of our favourite cranberry recipes. Made with fresh cranberries, from breakfast to dessert, to enchant your kitchen with new flavours!

 

Breakfast recipes

To start your day off right, there’s nothing like stocking up on vitamin C. Did you know that cranberries are an excellent source of this vitamin? Add a few of them to your favourite breakfasts, or experiment with one of our breakfast recipes made with fresh cranberries.

 

1. Cranberry jam

An essential on the table in the morning, jam is naturally our first choice when it comes to preparing a fruity breakfast! With our cranberry jam recipe, enjoy waking up sweetly with new flavours. To be enjoyed without moderation on bread, in your breakfast bowls, or in any other jam-based dish.

 

2. Cranberry and caramel brioche

Baking with cranberries is possible! Brioche is always welcome on the breakfast table. You weren’t thinking of adding a little fruit to it, were you? However, we can assure you: it’s a real treat!

With this caramel brioche recipe made with fresh or frozen cranberries, add a touch of novelty to your breakfasts or during brunch with this secret ingredient!

 

Appetizer and main course recipes made with fresh cranberries

The cranberry is a very surprising berry. It goes just as well with sweet and savoury dishes! Thanks to its sweet yet tangy taste, this fresh fruit pairs wonderfully with your meats, fish, vegetables or even soups.

 

1. Orange zest and cranberry bruschetta

An appetizer enjoyed by all, bruschetta constantly reinvents itself to vary the pleasures and delight your guests. In this delicious bruschetta recipe with fresh cranberries, treat yourself to a unique and delicate blend of flavours. Start your meals off right with this colourful dish!

 

2. Melted brie with cranberries and walnuts

To heat up winter days or enjoy as an appetizer to be shared with friends, here’s an original recipe for melted brie with fresh cranberries! A few simple base ingredients, a few minutes in the oven at medium heat, and you’re all set.

 

3. Butternut squash curry with fresh cranberries

Don’t know how to prepare your butternut squash? We have the ideal fresh cranberry and squash recipe for you! Enjoy a gentle sweet-savoury blend of festive flavours and—above all—a hefty helping of comfort with our vegetarian curry recipe with cranberries.

 

Prepare juices and desserts with your fresh cranberries

Finally, to enhance your dishes made with raw cranberries, a multitude of cranberry juice and dessert recipes should be tried at home. Here are two ideas for enjoying sweet flavours with just a few simple, healthy ingredients.

 

1. Chocolate bark

Feel like a dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple to make? This delicious blend of chocolate, fresh cranberries, nuts, and spices is a little bit of happiness in every bite-size piece. A fresh cranberry and chocolate recipe that will satisfy both young and old!

 

2. Cranberry kombucha

Are you a fan of fermented beverages? This homemade kombucha recipe is for you! Create your favourite drink yourself with a brand-new fresh flavour.

This recipe with fresh cranberries enhances the taste of kombucha. It will also allow you to take advantage of its benefits in an original beverage. Happy tasting!

 

Your favourite berries from Quebec in all kinds of sauces

Now you know what to do with fresh cranberries! From September to December, head to your grocery store to take advantage of them. Try one of our recipes made with fresh cranberries.

Fans of these little red berries, stay tuned: we regularly offer you new dishes to try at home. Sign up for our newsletter to be informed about our latest culinary discoveries.

Cet article How to cook fresh cranberries: 7 recipes to try est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Cranberries don’t grow underwater https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/cranberries-dont-grow-underwater-2/ Wed, 24 Aug 2022 17:41:17 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=41318 As the star of the holiday table and the perfect complement to a dark chocolate dessert, cranberries have made their…

Cet article Cranberries don’t grow underwater est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
As the star of the holiday table and the perfect complement to a dark chocolate dessert, cranberries have made their mark when it comes to nutrition. Rich in vitamins and versatile in the kitchen, this red berry can be enjoyed in all kinds of sauces!

Indeed, the consumption of the little tart berry has taken off in the past decade in Quebec. Although we might be familiar with how strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are grown, how do cranberries grow? Here is a little guide to help you understand how cranberries grow and what the misconceptions are about this berry!

The myth of the aquatic plant

Despite the well-known images of flooded fields, cranberries are falsely believed to be an aquatic plant. They actually grow on land and require no more water than your lawn! So why do we so often see cranberry farmers wading in pools of ruby fruits up to their knees? Because cranberries have a characteristic unlike any other small berry: they float!

This detail doesn’t influence the growth of the cranberry, but changes everything when harvest time comes.

Flooding the cranberry fields for a better harvest

Cranberries are not picked manually. There’s a much more efficient method to harvest the fruit: flooding the fields. After submerging the cranberry bushes, a machine comes around to detach all the berries, which then float to the surface. Next, the water level is increased further, which allows the floating berries to be pushed to one end of the basin using tools called booms

The cranberries are then sucked into a pump and onto trucks to be transported to the sorting and cleaning centre, where they are packaged or processed. At Patience Fruit & Co, all the steps of this typical cranberry harvest method are done right here, in the Centre-du-Québec region. 

Remember that water is used only for harvesting, not ripening, so the cranberry fields are flooded only for a few days during the cranberry harvest period. This is a completely brilliant trick used by our farmers!

 

How do cranberries grow? Characteristics and conditions

To better understand cranberry cultivation, let’s start at the beginning. Did you know that there are several varieties of cranberries?

  • The one that is common in North America, vaccinium macrocarpon in latin, is the cultivated cranberry, which produces large berries.
  • The other, Vaccinium oxycoccos, which is found in Europe (particularly in northern France), is known as the wild cranberry.

The North American cranberry tree is a fruit-bearing shrub that usually does not exceed 30 cm. It has small, green evergreen leaves and produces pink flowers as soon as spring arrives. Grown in cold temperature areas, it requires careful water management and meticulous monitoring each season to allow it to bear its beautiful berries in the fall.

During the winter, the plants are immersed under inches of water to protect them from frost. They are submerged again in the spring to protect the plants from pests, then again in the fall to facilitate the harvest.

During the flowering period, the pollination of the cranberry flowers begins. Honeybees and bumblebees also take part in the effort. Pollination allows the current season’s fruit to be tied. The better the flowers are pollinated, the larger and more seed-filled the fruit will be.

 

Where do cranberries grow?

Cranberries thrive in bogs with damp, acidic peat soils. They can primarily be found in Canada, the United States, and certain parts of Europe.

The cranberry is a perennial plant that is highly resistant to cold (even harsh winter months), which is why it can be found particularly in Quebec, a pioneer and leading producer of organic cranberry cultivation!

 

Simple cranberry growing conditions

So, if cranberries don’t grow in the water, how do they grow? To allow them to grow to their full potential, cranberries need sandy soil with low pH. Also, they just love the sun! If cranberries are given the light they need in the ideal environment, they will thank you with a nice, flavourful berry harvest.

It’s preferable to plant this plant rather early in the spring, when the temperature is still cool, because it should not be subject to heat stress while it’s taking root. So, since cranberry crops don’t need tons of water, why not make them a part of your garden?

 

When to harvest the cranberries

The cranberry harvest usually takes place in the fall, from September to October. As soon as the berries turn red, and their colour becomes bright, they are ready to be harvested! However, it’s necessary to monitor the outdoor temperature, because cranberries cannot withstand temperatures below -4 °C.

The fresh cranberries can then be added to your favourite dishes and juices, or frozen to be eaten later.

Since the cranberry isn’t very fickle, why don’t you try to grow your own crimson berries? You can plant a new cranberry plant in the spring!

 

How to grow your own cranberries: 6 steps

Now that you know how cranberries grow, you’re ready to grow them yourself!

There are a few simple steps you should follow to start your own individual cranberry farm. First, note that fruit won’t appear before the third or fourth year of the plant’s life. Also, the cranberry bush grows more easily in acidic soil, but you can also plant it in a pot for pretty foliage.

  1. Mark out a 60 x 60 cm square in your garden and dig a hole 20 to 30 cm deep.
  2. Amend your patch with a mixture of equal parts peat moss and sand.
  3. In the early spring, plant your seedlings, which should be between 1 and 3 years old.
  4. Water your garden when necessary: the soil should always be damp (without bogging, of course).
  5. For the harvest, pick the berries in the fall once they’ve turned bright red!
  6. A 60 x 60 cm plot should allow you to harvest one kilo of cranberries if you take good care of the plant.

You can find cranberry plants in most nurseries. It’s an easy challenge for the gardener within you, or the one you hope to become!

Berries from Quebec, grown with patience

Now you know how cranberries grow! This plant takes root well in the soil, not in the water as one might think. Strong and resistant, it gives us beautiful, tart red berries that are ready to complement our drinks, dishes, and breakfasts in the fall. 

Patience Fruit & Co offers you a range of delicious cranberry-based products to let you discover all the versatility of this berry! Coated in chocolate, mixed with other nuts and dried fruit, or juiced, enjoy your favourite little berry in all its flavours.

Cet article Cranberries don’t grow underwater est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Cranberry vs. Bilberry: What Is the Difference? https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/en-cranberry-vs-bilberry/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:25:37 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=40960 Did you know that cranberries and bilberries are two different fruits? Often confused, these two little red berries have many…

Cet article Cranberry vs. Bilberry: What Is the Difference? est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Did you know that cranberries and bilberries are two different fruits? Often confused, these two little red berries have many differences. These cousins of the heather family have a variety of tastes, origins, and shapes to explore.

To better separate these little red berries, Patience Fruit & Co explains the difference between the cranberry and the bilberry. 

Two similar yet distinct berries!

These two red berries are confused for a reason: they both originate from the Vaccinioideae subfamily of the Ericaceae family. They grow on small shrubs that produce red berries. Both are perennial.

Although they look alike, the cranberry and the bilberry are distinguished by their leaves, their fruits, and their taste!

Cranberries and bilberries: 4 differences

To learn to distinguish the two plants, here are the primary features that differ between them: 

1. Origin 

While the cranberry is mainly grown in North America, the bilberry can be found mostly in the mountainous regions of Europe.

In its wild state, the cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccos or Vaccinium macrocarpon, grows in marshy, acidic soil. It can be found in peat bogs in cold regions. Indeed, the northern regions in America are more favorable to the cranberry cultivation because of the cold winter which allows the plants to rest (dormancy) and to reduce the presence of insects and diseases which are more prolific in southern regions.

The bilberry, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, can be found in the tundra, plains, and mountains. In its wild state, it grows in leafy and coniferous underbrush, and sometimes in peat bogs. This bush requires a dry and cold climate, which is why it is mainly found in Scandinavian countries.

2. Shrubs and leaves 

The bilberry can be recognized by its bushes measuring around 5 to 40 centimetres. The leaves have a waxy appearance and are thick, rounded, and pointed at the tip. They are dark green on the front and light green on the inside. 

The cranberry grows as a ligneous plant up to 30 cm. Its small leaves are long and pointy. They are green on the outside and white on the inside.

3. Flowers and fruits

The flowering period of the cranberry runs from end of June to July. Its flowers can be recognized by their oval shapes and pinkish colours. The bilberry shrub flowers from May to June, and its flowers are white and red and come in bunches. 

With respect to the fruit, cranberries and bilberries are distinguished first of all by their size. In effect, the cranberry is twice as large as the bilberry. In addition, the fruits don’t grow in the same way. The bilberry grows in bunches, while the cranberry fruits are single, numbering from 1 to 4 on the fruiting stems.

Bilberries ripen from August to September, and the fruits are round, shiny, and juicy. The berry has a sweet-and-sour, slightly bitter taste.

For its part, the cranberry harvest generally takes place from late September to late October. The fruit is bright red and can be recognized by its firm texture. Its taste is tart and tangy.

4. Conservation and consumption

Fresh bilberries keep for several weeks in the fridge as is, pureed, or in water. For longer conservation, you can dry them, freeze them, or turn them into jam.

In cooking, the bilberry can be used as an accompaniment to meat or in sweet dishes (in oatmeal, pastries, juice, or syrup). 

Fresh cranberries keep very well in the fridge (several weeks or even several months), or they can be frozen. They can be enjoyed fresh, dried, pureed, or juiced, and there are many ways to prepare them! Check out our cranberry recipes to explore their multiple uses in cooking.

Discover organic cranberries grown with Patience

Now you know the major differences between the cranberry and the bilberry. As you can see, the local version is the cranberry! Patience Fruit & Co lets you discover these delicious, versatile berries grown in Quebec. Explore our selection of fresh or dried cranberries and cranberry juices to enjoy them in all their forms.

Cet article Cranberry vs. Bilberry: What Is the Difference? est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Interview with Florence Rivest, illustrator https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/interview-with-florence-rivest-illustrator/ Thu, 09 Jun 2022 12:01:15 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=40229 The name behind the illustration on our SourCran cotton bags is Florence Rivest. When consulting her Instagram…

Cet article Interview with Florence Rivest, illustrator est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
The name behind the illustration on our SourCran cotton bags is Florence Rivest. When consulting her Instagram page, we enter her universe made of magnificent scenery and interesting characters. To learn more about her life story, we asked her a couple questions:

 

 
 
 
 
 
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Une publication partagée par Florence Rivest (@flo.rivest)

When did you start having interest in art, and how did that develop?
My interest for arts developed pretty early on, with drawings on my room walls at around 2 years old. Since then, I haven’t stopped exploring new media and supports where I could express my creativity; from my desk in high school to, just recently, drawing in canoes!

You often have outdoor scenes in your illustrations. What inspires you the most about the outdoors?
I find nature provides us with the most beautiful metaphors to talk about human emotions in a sensitive way. And that for me is really important to remind us we belong in nature, and shouldn’t be separated from it.

Which technique do you use for your illustrations?
Most of my illustrations are made of gouache.

Where does your love for the outdoors come from?
I had the chance to be initiated to the great outdoors pretty early. Both my parents are also outdoor lovers, so it was obvious I would also be one myself!

What is your greatest memory spent outside?
Very difficult, I have so many! Hmm, I would say a midnight swim in the St-Lawrence river, while swimming with a bioluminescent plankton and my best friend. The water would illuminate while we were swimming, it was surreal.

Where did the idea of such colorful scenery come from for our reusable bag?
It’s inspired by the first time I saw a cranberry field, in Abitibi!

  illustration_sac_SourCran  

Cet article Interview with Florence Rivest, illustrator est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
5 Things to Know About Cranberry Pollination https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/cranberry-pollination/ Mon, 30 May 2022 13:02:59 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=40155 Are you interested in cranberry cultivation and the role of pollinators in the process? From the start of the…

Cet article 5 Things to Know About Cranberry Pollination est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Are you interested in cranberry cultivation and the role of pollinators in the process? From the start of the flowering period, the meeting of the bees and the cranberries is essential to ensure an abundance of berries during the following season.

To better understand the cranberry pollination process, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about this subject.

 

1. Why is cranberry pollination important?

The cranberry is a plant that has low spontaneous fruiting. It needs to receive pollen from other flowers to create more berries. Pollination is therefore important to make the production of the fields profitable. 

 

2. What methods do you use to pollinate the flowering plants?

To ensure the pollination of the cranberries, growers rely on beekeepers when the plants flower. In organic farming, they rent honeybee hives to allow for pollination. These are quite rare and sometimes come from far away (Ontario).

Organic fields experience another obstacle: the presence of insect pests that are harmful to bees. The use of pesticides in conventional farming makes it possible to keep the bees on the farms longer. On organic fields, the bees stay 10 to 14 days, while in conventional farming, they stay there for nearly 21 days.

To overcome these issues, we also set up common eastern bumblebee hives in the fields. These are also used to pollinate blueberries, which flower earlier.

 

3. How do you attract natural pollinators to the fields?

To attract natural pollinators, in 2018, we set up flower islands, shrubs, perennial plants, and trees in our fields. From May to September, these plants blossom on our farms and bring in different natural pollinators that take part in the work!

Cranberry flowers contain a great deal of pollen (protein), but little nectar (sugar). To provide the necessary nutritional balance to the hives, the chosen flowers contain a large amount of nectar. They therefore don’t have to go any further to bring the nectar to their queen!

 

4. What are the differences between the pollinators?

Honeybees are the main cranberry pollinators. More skittish and sensitive to inclement weather, however, they don’t leave their hives when it’s rainy or cold out.

Bumblebees have the advantage of being more resistant. On the other hand, the hives are less populous. They contain 100 to 300 inhabitants on average. A honeybee hive, meanwhile, contains 70,000 bees on average!

Bumblebees also don’t fly as far (up to 200 feet), while honeybees cover a two-kilometre radius.

Finally, natural cranberry pollinators allow larger berries to be produced. Indeed, they take longer to pollinate, which leads to larger cranberries with more seeds.

The balance between these different pollinators is therefore beneficial to ensure optimal production on our cranberry farms.

 

5. Organic or conventional farming: the same challenges?

Whatever the cultivation method, cranberry pollination requires the same process! The fruiting requires the participation of natural or domestic pollinators that allow the cranberries to emerge during the following season. 

In addition to allowing us to enjoy delicious fresh cranberries in the fall, these pollinators require our full attention. They are experiencing a particularly difficult season, which is compromising the pollination of cranberries and other summer fruits in Quebec.

To preserve these precious allies, you could decide to plant flowers this year! This will allow the bees to gather pollen and nectar. With this small gesture, you are helping to preserve biodiversity, which is crucial for the entire food chain!

 

Organic cranberries pollinated with love and patience

Now you know more about cranberry pollination and the valuable work of pollinators.

Patience Fruit & Co is a story of passion, attentiveness, and love of cranberries. Starting in May, it’s the season of flowering fields and pollinators! Thanks to the valuable work of our foragers, we get ready for the following season to prepare fresh cranberries for you. 

The rest of the year, enjoy all our products made from these ruby-red berries! Dried fruit, crunchy chocolate bites, fruit juices, or bundles… enjoy all our sweets derived from cranberries. The fruit of precious work carried out by our loyal pollinator squads!

Cet article 5 Things to Know About Cranberry Pollination est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Simple and Delicious Cranberry Recipes https://www.patiencefruitco.com/en/the-patience-club/cranberry-recipes/ Fri, 18 Mar 2022 11:35:07 +0000 https://www.patiencefruitco.com/?post_type=articles&p=39413 Simple and Delicious Cranberry Recipes

Do you like cranberries a little, a lot, passionately, madly? So do we! That’s why…

Cet article Simple and Delicious Cranberry Recipes est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>
Simple and Delicious Cranberry Recipes

Do you like cranberries a little, a lot, passionately, madly? So do we! That’s why we’ve explored all sorts of dishes for you, from breakfasts to desserts, featuring Patience Fruit & Co products.

Enjoy original recipes tailor-made for berry lovers in Quebec!

Versatile berries

Did you know that berries can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes? Enhance your appetizers, salads, or dishes with these little bites of pleasure, and you’ll discover a whole new world of flavours to explore!

By adding these sweet or tangy touches to your favourite dishes, you can also take advantage of their health benefits. A pleasure for the taste buds and the body!

A cranberry recipe for every occasion 

Do you prefer a fruity oatmeal, a tangy sauce to go with your meat, or a cocktail to liven up your evenings? Our cranberry recipes offer you new concepts to explore in your kitchen!

Patience Fruit & Co has devised some ideas for you for all occasions and times of day:

Explore our recipes by diet, dish, or product, and discover the cranberry in all its facets!

Have you already explored most of our recipes? Stay tuned! Our team of epicureans regularly develops new ideas to savour. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to discover our new cranberry recipes.

Cet article Simple and Delicious Cranberry Recipes est apparu en premier sur Patience Fruit & Co.

]]>