CHEW: "Future Fruits of Wisconsin?," Nov 5th @ 7:15 PM

Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin (CHEW)

"Aronia, Ubileen, Saskatoon, Sea Berry: Future Fruits of Wisconsin?"
Presented by Dale Secher

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 7:15 PM

On November 5, Dale Secher will talk a bit about the trials and tribulations of fruit farming in Wisconsin and a lot about the research being done on his farm to bring fruits you have never heard of to market.

For decades, fruit farmers Dale and Cindy Secher have been bringing traditional fruit crops of strawberries, raspberries, grapes, plums and pears to the Dane County Farmers Market, as well as offering U-Pick on strawberries, apples and grapes. But behind those traditional trees, vines and bushes, something else is happening at Carandale Farm near Oregon. Fruits with funny names are testing the Wisconsin soil and climate, and several of them are finding it to their liking. Aronia, Sea Berry, American Elderberry and European Black Currant have been standouts and have already found there way to the Carandale market stand. With dozens more in the Carandale test plots, the Sechers are leading the way in researching unknown, little known and overlooked fruits that might thrive sustainably in a variety of Wisconsin growing areas and find mainstream markets in the region. Learn more about Carandale Farm at http://www.carandale.com/.

The meeting will be at the Willy St. Co-op Community Room (1221 Williamson St.).

Important: CHEW meetings attendees may not park in the Willy St. Coop lot; that is reserved for customers. There is on-street parking on all streets surrounding the co-op. The meeting is open to the public.