Fruit Varieties for the Roadside Market in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Varieties are of importance in any planting, but when the grower is marketing his own crop at the roadside, the choice may influence his whole operation. Since the customer usually buys on appearance, size and attractiveness should be a major consideration. To encourage repeat sales quality must go along with appearance. Adaptability of varieties to local conditions, and their ability to produce commercial crops regularly could make the difference between profit and loss.

Varieties for special purposes may have a place on the roadside market. Good freezing varieties often can be featured, since they are not always available through regular channels. There are varieties with high quality that are too soft for shipping a distance that would attract customers.

Quality cannot be stressed too strongly. It should be possible to offer fruit much closer to maturity on roadside markets than in supermarkets. This is a distinct advantage in that the customer can come to the roadside market and purchase fruit of higher quality than is available anywhere else.