The berry season has arrived in the Waikato, producing blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and boysenberries. Amongst the popular strawberry farms close to Hamilton is Ruakura Berry Farm, the largest pick-your-own farm in the Waikato, and the Strawberry Farm in Tamahere, where two generations of the McMahon family are involved in the business of growing, selling and creating strawberry-inspired dishes.
Although a severe late-season frost impacted production at Monavale Blueberries near Cambridge, the farm has fresh fruit along with blueberry-inspired juice and wine, salad dressing, condiments, and blueberry powder for those smoothies as well as for baking.
Berry lovers looking for where to pick their own or wanting pick up a punnet or two of already harvested fruit - or find an eatery with berries on the menu - can head to Hamilton & Waikato Tourism's website, where there is a list of berry farms and an 'On the Menu' guide.
Source: nzherald.co.nz