If you can’t beat ‘em, lick ‘em.
The annual Blackberry Bake-Off is Wednesday, Aug. 15 and offers the public a chance to sample all manner of sweet and savoury blackberry dishes.
The Langley Environmental Partners Society is getting to people’s brains through their taste buds.
“Since 2002, the Blackberry Bake-Off has combined community education about invasive species with an open house for the [Langley Demonstration] Garden, and of course, a fiercely competitive bake-off for the prestigious title of Langley’s Best blackberry chef,” said Emily Lorenz, LEPS demonstration garden coordinator.
The focus on blackberries gives the local environmental group a way to teach about invasive species.
“Invasive plants are those introduced to a habitat from a different one,” she explained. “While some struggle in a different environment – think of exotic plants in your flower garden – others thrive and will even aggressively take over native ecosystems, usually because they lack the natural herbivores or climatic conditions of their home ecosystem.”
Blackberries are one such successful traveller. Introduced by European settlers, the blackberry has run rampant and LEPS offers education on how to combat invasive species.
The event takes place at the demonstration garden, 212th Street on Fraser Highway. The event runs noon to 3 p.m. and the public can sample, and vote on, blackberry dishes. A panel of local judges also weigh in on the winners. Families will find crafts, live entertainment, a barbecue and more.