Rages Farm Port Alberni, B.C.

Patricia & Ivar Rage along with sons Gareth and John

Rages Farm is one of the staple family farms of Vancouver Island. It sits nestled in the scenic Beaver Creek are of the Alberni Valley along the Stamp River. Patricia and Ivar Rage started the farm back in the early 1960’s. They cleared and developed their 40 acres into a very successful farm which supplies local Islanders with their fresh, flavoursome produce. A total of 6 acres are dedicating to greenhouse growing. Their tomatoes and cucumbers tantalize the senses and truly illustrate the love that the Rages have for farming and their commitment to quality. It is not uncommon in the stores of Vancouver Island to hear people asking for “those Port Alberni tomatoes!”

Sons Gareth and John are continuing the tradition so we lucky Islanders will be enjoying Rages produce for years to come!

Chunky Salsa

7 lb tomatoes (20) med ½ chopped cilantro
10 peppers coarsely chopped ½ cup vinegar
3 Jalapeno or hot peppers 5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups onions, coarsely chopped 1tbs sugar
1 tsp each salt & pepper

Peel tomatoes (blanch in boiling water, dip in cold) coarsely chop, remove seeds, put in colander and drain for 30 minutes. Put into 8 quart pot, bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered 45-50 minutes or until thick and chunky. Stir frequently. Add remaining ingredients, return mixture to boiling. Remove from heat. Ladle Salsa into sterilized jars. Process in boiling water for 35 minutes.

Yields 12-15 pints