Travel is one of the few things you can buy that makes you richer, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on a plane ticket to the other side of the world to reap its rewards. Last Saturday afternoon I drove exactly 23.1 km along a roller-coaster highway to a land far, far away.
When I arrived at my destination, I stepped out of my blueberry Journey and into an enchanted forest.
As much a state of mind as a 100-year-old working farm, Gellatly Nut Farm borders Lake Okanagan, just below the town of West Kelowna, where it’s home to over 800 nut trees and shrubs. The annual nut harvest and fair takes place each autumn, courtesy of the Gellatly Nut Farm Society in partnership with the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, a ripe chestnut will shed its prickly burr before relinquishing a burnished nut to the grass below.
Walnuts still on the tree resemble unripe apples, but the wrinkly stone-fruit inside will eventually drop to the ground leaving its leathery shell behind.
Hazelnuts grow in clusters, then fall out of their papers husks when ripe.
Nuts are then gathered from the ground to harvest.
After a time, I wandered away from the foragers and deeper into the forest, admiring the many nuances of green while inhaling the scent of soil and sunshine.
I heard the tinkling sound of laughter floating towards me and turned my head just in time to catch a glimpse of a tiny wood fairy darting through the trees.
Then I followed a pair of unicorns out of the cool shade, curious to see where they would lead me.
I caught up with them at the harvest fair where local crafters and farmers displayed their wares.
The original juicer – I don’t think it’ll fit in my kitchen.
The freshly pressed juice it produced was the colour of strong amber ale, and even though the apples were sitting out in the hot sun, their nectar was still cool and refreshing.
In retrospect, I think I may have needed something a little stronger to clear the pixie dust out of my eyes. Something like this…
- 1 oz. Iceberg Vodka
- 4 to 5 oz. apple cider
- ground cinnamon
- sugar
- 1 apple
- caramel apple dipping sauce
- ice
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add vodka and apple cider. Add a few shakes of ground cinnamon.
- Shake well then strain into a microwave-safe container.
- Microwave until hot, but not boiling (about 30 seconds).
- Rim a coffee mug or other hot beverage glass with sugar. Transfer warm beverage to rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a second dash of cinnamon and an apple slice that has been coated with caramel apple dipping sauce. If you prefer it less sweet, skip the caramel dipping sauce.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
Charming!
Yes it was a lovely place. Thanks Mom
Sounds like a lovely experience. I never knew how chestnuts and hazelnuts grow. Never really thought of it, so the photos were cool to see.
Thanks Laura – A bit like a school field trip, eh? Before visiting the farm I knew what chestnuts looked like on the tree, but not walnuts or hazelnuts.
Really enjoyed this piece. May save the nut tree photo to yse as a screensaver, it is so ‘artistic’ & pretty. Do they bottle the Harvest Icebreaker?
Thanks Mary! Glad you enjoyed it. They don’t bottle it, but they should
I was surprised by the hazelnut tree – I don’t remember ever seeing one. And I’m very happy to see they are beautiful on the tree as well as in the mouth. This is great writing, Laura. I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks very much Trish. I enjoyed writing this little piece.
I had never seen a hazelnut tree before this either, but I also had no idea how the various nuts are harvested. I had always just assumed there was a ladder involved
I have been to the nut farm numerous times but of course never to the harvest fair. So much of life passes me by on a Saturday.
Ahhh but think of the pay-off you’ll be enjoying as a result of those missed Saturdays!
I am envious of all those nuts. The fair looks like great fun too.
Best,
Conor
It was a really nice afternoon escape. Thanks for stopping by
PS – Is it true that hazelnuts grow wild all over the Irish countryside?
Laura, what a great post. I love your writing Laura. It’s from the heart. The Okanagan has so much to offer, doesn’t it? I didn’t know about this nut farm and will make a point of attending next year (with you?). I can’t wait to explore more. I also had a question: as a cooking school expert, are you aware of any cooking schools / classes in Mexico? I found a couple, one in Merida (very expensive) and one in San Miguel de Allende. Just wondered if you have heard of any other places. I am going to be in Mexico for 2 months and wanted to attend classes somewhere reasonable.
Ciao,
Dina
Hi Dina,
The nut farm is open year-round and would make a beautiful spot for a picnic, or a scenic stroll after a nice lunch at the Bonfire Grill at the Cove (right next door). We could make a fun afternoon of it.
As for cooking classes in Mexico, here’s a list of five that were featured in Saveur’s Mexico issue just last week. I’m not sure how near they are to where you’ll be staying though.
http://www.saveur.com/article/travels/5-Mexican-Cooking-Schools?cmpid=fb
Cheers,
Laura