Berry farm – from berries to juice cartons
At Hämeenniemi, berries are cultivated according to organic principles north of Heinola. The farm’s long history, its own berry fields, and further processing into juices form a complete chain in which berries become 100% juice with no additives.
The history of Hämeenniemi farm
Hämeenniemi is located north of Heinola. The farm’s history reaches far back into the past, all the way to 1553.
The current farm owner, Tiina, began running the farm in 1996. Before that, the farm was an Eastern Häme livestock farm with dairy cows, sheep, and more.
Today, the farm focuses on currant production and rural tourism.
Organic cultivation at Hämeenniemi
An organic agreement was made in 1998. Since then, berries have been cultivated according to organic principles, without artificial fertilisers or chemical pesticides.
Organic cultivation can be seen in the fields in many ways. The plant species have become more diverse, and nature’s own balance has strengthened over the years. A great deal of mechanical work is done in the cultivation, and the crops are cared for using natural methods.
Organic production requires precision, but at the same time it makes the cultivation transparent and gives the berries their authentic taste.
The farm left supervised organic production in 2022, and cultivation is continued according to organic principles without an official agreement. No artificial fertilisers, no pesticides. Special attention is paid to the biodiversity of the rural environment. We are happy to tell our visitors more about our production.
Berries grown on the farm
The farm grows blackcurrants, green currants, and green gooseberries.
Mortti was chosen as the blackcurrant variety, and Vertti as the green currant variety. Green currant has proven to be a practical and interesting crop, and its growing area has been increased over the years.
Green gooseberry is a newer addition. Its growing area is being gradually expanded using the farm’s own seedlings, so that production can be increased in a controlled way.
From berries to juice cartons
At first, the berries were grown under contract for the needs of the domestic wine industry. When the contract production eventually came to an end, a new way of using the harvest had to be considered.
Further processing into juice proved to be the solution. This is how Hämeenniemi began making its own berry juice for consumers. The green currant and blackcurrant juices were well received, and since then the idea of going from berries to juice cartons has been an important part of the farm’s operations.
The aim is to offer genuine Finnish juice that comes from the farm’s own fields and whose origin is known precisely.
How the juice is made
Harvesting is done on a rain-free day after the morning dew has dried. The berries are picked with the farm’s own harvesting machine, after which they are cooled in cold storage to around +2°C.
After cooling, the berries are delivered to the juicing facility to be pressed. The juice is made by cold pressing, allowing the flavour of the berries to remain as authentic as possible.
The finished juice is packed into bag-in-box pouches and brought back to the farm. There, it is packed into the farm’s own retail packaging for sale.
The yearly cycle on the berry farm
Winter
In winter, the fields rest under the snow. At the same time, preparations for the next growing season are carried out on the farm, such as processing pruning waste and controlling pests.
Winter is also a time for planning new things. Product development, packaging, and the practical work of the coming season are considered then.
Spring
In spring, cuttings are taken and new seedlings are rooted. At the same time, the beginning of growth, the condition of the bushes, and the upcoming flowering are monitored.
Spring is also an important stage because the weather has a major impact on the coming harvest. Frost and successful pollination can make a big difference.
Summer
In summer, the fields grow quickly and the spaces between rows are mown. The development of the berries is closely monitored, and maintenance work is carried out to support a successful harvest.
Summer is also a time when the farm strongly follows the rhythm of the seasons. The crops change quickly, and the ripening of the berries progresses stage by stage.
Autumn
Autumn is harvest time. The berries are picked, cooled, and delivered to the juicing facility.
After harvesting, care of the bushes continues. The crops are pruned by hand and prepared for the following year. This keeps the berry fields in good condition for future harvest seasons as well.
Packaging and product development
The packaging is our own design, and the materials use our own photographs from the farm’s berry fields. In this way, the appearance of the products also tells the farm’s own story.
We want to listen to our customers and develop products based on their wishes. The aim is for traditional Finnish currant juice to continue to taste good and find its place in more and more everyday moments and celebrations.
100% juice with no additives
Hämeenniemi juice is 100% juice. No unnecessary additives are added to it, and it is not transported from the other side of the world.
The starting point for the juices is simple: berries grown in our own fields, careful cultivation, cold pressing, and authentic taste.
Drop by the farm shop!
The harvest grown in Hämeenniemi’s berry fields continues its journey all the way into finished juices. Come and visit the shop and discover the farm’s own products on site.