Kroeker Farms in southwestern
Manitoba, the largest producer of organic vegetables in Manitoba, has
branched out into food processing with the launch of a new jam product.
Kroeker Farms in southwestern Manitoba, the largest producer of organic vegetables in Manitoba, has branched out into food processing with the launch of a new jam product.
Kroeker’s Poplar Grove jam contains up to 70 per cent less sugar than traditional jams and is made through flash pasteurizing – a processing method that exposes berries to high, instantaneous heat that kills bacteria and seals in the flavour.
The Winkler-area operation introduced its new jams in Minneapolis in late April and in Winnipeg in early May.
Established in 1928, Kroeker Farms also grows potatoes, onions and other vegetables plus 55 acres of raspberries. The operation employs about 200 workers.
Farm president Wayne Rempel reports that Poplar Farms jam was two years in development, with help from the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie, Man.
The jams are available in three flavours – raspberry, a raspberry/strawberry blend and a raspberry/blueberry blend.
Rempel notes that Manitoba-grown berries have a distinct tart flavour not found elsewhere.
Because the Poplar Grove jams contain less sugar, he points out, their shelf life is more limited and they have to be refrigerated.
The jams are available in health food, organic food and higher end specialty food stores and retail for about 50 per cent more than regular jams.
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