Makin’ Jam & Building Community

Hi friends,

Granpappy came to the farm on a mission to make jam. His grandson had been treated for leukemia and in the process lost his appetite for everything but farm fresh strawberries. To preserve the season and put some weight back on this young boy, Granpappy had the idea to make jam. Peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches. Tasty and nutritious. It worked. The boy loved the jam. Couldn’t get enough of those peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Now Granpappy makes dozens of jars of jam for his grandson every year.

This week I delivered jars of my strawberry jam, strawberry syrup and elderberry syrup to NC State for testing. As soon as our recipes are approved we’ll be able to get our kitchen at the farm inspected and start making and selling these products. Enjoy a strawberry soda at the farm, buy some jam to make gin and jam cocktails, get that elderberry syrup to support your immune system.  

What we’re building here is community supported agriculture. It doesn’t work without you showing up at the farm to pick berries. By doing so you’re helping a small business grow and keeping farming alive in Durham. We’re creating a space for community. A place for traditions to be made and preserved. Thank you for choosing to visit Heeks Farm. Whether you’re here cause your favorite farm is closed this year or you live down the road and just saw the sign. Welcome. Let’s pick some ripe red berries, make some jam, fill the freezer, and celebrate this glorious season.

We’ll be open Saturday May 10 at 8am. As always, “Call before you come”.

Your Farmer,

David Heeks

P.S. Blackberries should be ready sometime in June. Are you interested in u-pick blackberries? If so, please email me. The blackberry patch isn’t huge and depending on demand I might need to create a lottery or offer a limited number of tickets.