We asked Walt Webb, part of the team at Lewis Nursery and Farms, “What do you do with ‘ugly’ produce?”
When you visit the grocery store, it’s easy to assume that every berry harvested looks perfect. In reality, Mother Nature doesn’t grow fruit to fit a marketing standard. Many berries develop small blemishes, unusual shapes or minor imperfections that have no effect on their flavor or quality.
At Lewis Nursery and Farms, these “ugly” berries are given a delicious second life by flavoring the homemade ice cream served to customers at our pick-your-own farm. Their natural sweetness and fresh-picked flavor make them ideal for creating memorable treats.
Facts & Stats
Farm Facts: Food Waste
Learn more about food waste in North Carolina and how to help lessen it.Other berries are sent to the processing market, where they’re transformed into products like jams, jellies, juices, baked goods, frozen fruit and other foods. By using nearly every berry we grow, we reduce food waste, support sustainability and ensure every harvest has a purpose – because every berry has value, no matter what it looks like.
About the Farmer: Walt Webb is a part of the team at Lewis Nursery and Farms, a third-generation family farm in Rocky Point. He also serves as a New Hanover County Farm Bureau board member.
