About West Coast Canada

The West Coast is known for its majestic mountains, lush rainforests, vast coastline, and vibrant food scene. West coast cuisine is highly centered around local and responsibly sourced ingredients, deeply rooted in the region’s rich history and culture. From tree fruit and wild game to seafood, dairy, wine, and mushrooms, Canada’s West Coast is an impressive mountainous landscape with much to offer!

farming on the West Coast

Agriculture has long been an important part of the economy in this region and it’s ideally suited to growing a wide range of crops and livestock. Let’s explore two of the region’s most delicious commodities: apples and mushrooms.

BC Tree Fruits

Rooted in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia since 1936, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is comprised of hundreds of passionate, local grower families. The region provides ideal growing conditions for delicious apple varieties. In addition to apples, growers also tend to cherries, pears, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, and table grapes.

For decades, the BC Tree Fruits leaf has guaranteed flavourful food grown close to home using natural and sustainable methods — this is about as local and fresh as it gets.

Ambrosia apples were discovered growing as a chance seedling in an orchard in BC in the early 90’s, and is now the reigning champion of new apple varieties.

Meet Apple Grower

Steve Brown
Farm Name: Happy Valley Harvest
Farm location: Summerland, British Columbia
Approximately how many acres are under your care?
15 acres
How long have you been farming?
Over 20 years
Is Happy Valley Harvest a family farm?

Yes, we are a 2nd generation farm. My Dad purchased the property as more of a retirement project, but quickly realized that it was going to be a full-time job!

Why did you choose to grow apples?

I have always loved horticulture. Apples are a commodity that almost everyone likes, and are a challenge to grow.

What do you enjoy most about being an apple farmer?

Farmers have to have knowledge in many aspects of life… from fixing machinery, to dealing with large crews of workers. Being able to shift on the fly always keeps things exciting. There is never a dull moment!

Beans + Apples =

A Tasty Treat

Try These Beans + Apple Recipes

Mushrooms Canada

Canadian mushrooms are grown from coast-to-coast, so they never travel far to get to your local grocery store or supermarket. Mushrooms’ year-round availability also makes them a valuable and reliable food source. With seven varieties of mushrooms grown in Canada, there is something for everyone. Some offer a mild flavour; some are a little bolder. The beauty of cooking with mushrooms is that they go with the foods and recipes your family already loves.

They might seem basic, but mushrooms contain nutrients essential to your immune system, including B-vitamins, folate, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

Mushrooms grow quickly, doubling in size every 24 hours!

Meet Mushroom Grower

Bryan Madden
Farm Name: Champ’s Mushrooms
Farm location: Abbotsford, British Columbia
How long have you been farming?
Over 20 years
Is Champ's Mushrooms a family farm?

Founded in 1998 by the Quach Family, Champ’s Mushrooms began with little more than a packing room, a few trucks, and a handful of experienced, quality-conscious mushroom growers. Although small in size, our commitment to providing our customers with a steady, year-round supply of farm-fresh, local mushrooms was anything but. Over the past decade, our pioneering efforts — along with a passion for technological innovation — have helped our farming operations to grow nearly as fast as our mushrooms.

Why did you choose to work on a mushroom farm?

After my wife and I had our first child, we very quickly realized that we needed to make a career change that would give me more time with my family. I had heard about mushroom farming through my extended family and I was aware that it was a growing industry that offered a lot of future opportunities and further development. Stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something different really allowed me to use my existing talents in new ways. That decision could not have worked out any better, and my wife and I are now raising 4 future mushroom growers on the farm.

What do you hope to see as the future of mushroom growing in Canada?

I believe that mushrooms truly are “the answer.” From technology that allows mycelium to be used in everything from packaging to leather to being a nutrient-dense food that can fill the plates of hungry Canadians who have been impacted by the rising food costs, mushrooms are in a unique position to help the world in many ways.

Beans + mushrooms =

Meaty Magic

Try These Beans + Mushroom Recipes

Cooking on the West Coast

From fresh seafood and wine to mushrooms and apples, the West Coast has a reputation for its vast offering of locally grown foods, which means, there’s no lack of ingredients for cooking at home! See how our featured foodie likes to cook with local foods, including Canadian beans, on the West Coast.

Meet

Sean Bromilow
Blog Name: Diversivore
About Sean: Sean Bromilow is the writer and educator behind Diversivore, a science- and culture-focused food blog launched in 2015. His work is focused on exploring and explaining underappreciated culinary subjects, and on helping cooks of all levels become more confident and enthusiastic in the kitchen. He lives in British Columbia with his wonderful wife and three always-hungry kids.
Why do you choose Canadian beans?

I choose Canadian beans because they’re a high-quality, diverse, affordable, delicious, nutritious food that’s grown close to home. Honestly, why NOT choose Canadian beans?

What is your favourite thing about beans?

In addition to being a fantastic source of plant-based protein, beans are endlessly customizable, lending themselves to a wide range of dishes. You can do so much more with beans than many people realize, and I’m excited to help my fellow Canadians explore the world of bean-based possibilities.

Do you have any other favourite bean recipes?

I cook beans pretty regularly, and I’m always adding new recipes to my repertoire. For a couple of my favourites, check out my Mexican-meets-Middle-Eastern Shakshouka Rancheros, and my richly spiced Chili Mole.

Get Cooking with Beans!

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