I had a hard time choosing which “S” plant to choose today, because there are SO MANY that grow in Alberta. Like sugar beets, which of course, produce sugar. The Rogers Sugar plant is even located in southern Alberta.
I could have also chosen strawberries—which is apparently the largest commercial fruit crop in the Canadian prairies. Yum. Strawberries. They’re delicious! (Even though, I can’t seem to keep more than a few plants growing in my planter…the bugs seem to find them tasty as well!)
So…I decided to go with Saskatoon berries, which, despite their name, don’t ONLY grow in Saskatchewan. They’re actually the second largest fruit crop across the prairies…including Alberta.
Saskatoon berries look like blueberries in size and colour, but actually contain more protein, fibre, and vitamin C—they’re even considered one of those super foods I’ve been talking about throughout the A to Z Challenge.
The berries grow in clusters, and are generally harvested all at once, usually in mid to late July. Last year, Grandma and I went to one of those U -Pick places where we filled buckets of Saskatoon berries so she could make jam, various baked goods, and—one of my favourites—pancakes topped with fresh Saskatoons.
If you’ve never tasted a Saskatoon berry, you’re in for a treat. They’re so delicious that at the U -Pick, I had to RESIST eating them. Talk about temptation! It took all of my willpower to put them in my bucket instead of in my mouth.
I’m relieved Saskatoon berries are so nutritious though, because my very favourite way to eat them is straight out of the bucket—after they’ve been washed, of course. (Occasionally, I add ice cream…shhh…)
Speaking of nutrition, have you read CUT! TO THE CHASE…? It’s a re-telling of the famous Aesop Fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, and the sixth book in the Chase Superman Duffy series. You know the drill—comment below, or on any of my social media links to WIN a copy.
Gotta jet! Back tomorrow with the letter T.
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