Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What are the best times to visit the Okanagan in order to see the fruit trees in blossom or to harvest fresh fruit?

Blossom Dates: Harvest Dates:
Apricots - April 15 Cherries - late June to mid-July
Cherries - April 30 Apricots- mid-July to mid-August
Peaches- May 2 Peaches- mid-July to early September
Apples - May 10 Pears- late August to end-September
Apples- late August to end-October

Blossom and harvest dates may be altered by up to one week because of varying weather conditions.



What are the most popular syrup flavours?
Blueberry, raspberry, apricot, peach and strawberry.



How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 1962.

A tasty suggestion

Does the original family still own the business?
Yes, the family owns and operates Summerland Sweets.



How long does your syrup and jam keep unopened?
The syrup will keep five to seven years unopened. The jam will keep three to five years unopened.



Why do you keep the fruit on the tree longer than they do when picking for the fresh market?
Fruit that is allowed to fully ripen on the tree develops more intense natural flavour and a higher natural sugar content than when it is picked before it is fully mature.



Can the fruit syrup be used in baking?
Yes! Our fruit syrups make wonderful additions to cheescakes and pies and can even be used for barbequing! Here is a prize winning pie recipe that uses Summerland Sweets Maplapple Syrup.

Fall Harvest Pie
3 McIntosh apples
3 Spartan apples
2 Golden Delicious apples
2 pears
1 green tomato
(peel and remove seeds)
1 cup Summerland Sweets
Maplapple Syrup
1/2 cup crushed Corn Flakes
1 lime (juice only)
sugar, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg
1 double pie crust recipe

- slice apples, pears and tomato and sprinkle lime juice over.
- sprinkle Corn Flakes in the bottom of the pie shell.
- arrange fruit in pie shell and pour syrup over all.
- sprinkle with a little sugar and spices.
- weave pastry in a lattice over top of fruit.
Bake in a 350 degrees oven until brown and bubbly.
Approximately 40 - 50 minutes.