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.

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!

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

Air Fryer White Bean and Mushroom Tartine

This warm, open-faced sandwich is made on crispy sourdough, layered with lemony white kidney beans, and topped with crispy sautéed mushrooms and melty mozzarella in the air fryer for an easy appetizer or comforting weeknight meal packed with protein!

Mushroom and Beef Tostadas

Mushrooms and beans should 100% be a staple in your kitchen! Because they have such a meaty texture, mushrooms and beans are a natural fit for extending ground meat. Eat these delicious tostadas with your hands, but have plenty of napkins at the ready, because things could get messy.

Pepper Burrito “Bowls”

Meaty portabella mushrooms add delicious texture and substance in these vegetarian-friendly pepper burrito bowls. Brown rice and beans make a healthy yet satisfying addition to the filling.

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!

Rajma Masala

Rajma masala (aka rajma chaval when served with rice) is a classic and comforting North Indian kidney bean curry. The prep can often be a bit time consuming, but this recipe simplifies things into a weeknight-friendly electric-pressure cooker variation with only a handful of steps. And for an even easier (and creamier!) curry, you can do all the chopping/mincing with a blender.

About West Coast Canada

farming on the West Coast

BC Tree Fruits

Meet Apple Grower

Is Happy Valley Harvest a family farm?

Why did you choose to grow apples?

What do you enjoy most about being an apple farmer?

Beans + Apples =

A Tasty Treat

Try These Beans + Apple Recipes

Apple Bean Cake with Warm Cranberry Sauce

Baked Beans with Chops

Deep Dish Pork and Bean Pie

Mushrooms Canada