I know it doesn't sound like the most glamorous way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but for some odd reason the idea of visiting these farms became the highlight of my week and to some extent, the inspiration for this blog. I'm not a stranger to the idea of sustainable agriculture. I've read the Michael Pollan books, supported my local farmers market, endured the Food Inc. documentary, but at the end of the day there's something special about walking the fields where your favorite tomatoes are grown, picking your own strawberries, even meeting the family pig!
This trip was made possible thanks to the CUESA (Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture) organization. They're the non-profit group that runs the Ferry Building farmers market here in San Francisco, along with a number of other great programs promoting sustainable agriculture.
Thirty dollars and a reluctant rise out of bed later, I joined about 20 others on a bus down to Santa Cruz to visit our first farm: Thomas Family Farms.
As we pull up I am floored by the acres (11 to be exact) of lush greenery and colorful flowers. Upon arrival we're quickly greeted by a fun loving black lab and the kind owners of Thomas Farms. I quickly learned that a few acres of land and just a couple pieces of equipment can really provide a plentiful means of produce and flowers for those interested.Located 80-something miles away from the city, they provide seasonal veggies and fruit including summer squash, garlic, potatoes, peaches, plums, apples, tomatoes, winter squash, and more to shoppers at the Ferry Building farmers market every Thursday, as well as a number of other locations.
I have to admit, I don't gush over flowers like most girls. I'd rather fill a vause with countless lemons or spend my money on a beautiful cut of steak. But I will say these flowers have always caught my eye at the farmers market and were absolutely gorgeous at home on the farm.
For anyone interested you can find Thomas Farm's gorgeous stems every Saturday at the Ferry Building. Enjoy!
Included in this visit was a fun lunch at the family's property just a couple miles away from the farm itself. We had a meal prepared by the CUESA chef using produce from the two farms we were visiting on this trip. So neat to see how the fruits and vegetables we'd just learned so much about could be directly translated in to a glorious feast for all of us to enjoy. We had a caprese salad, pumpkin and goat cheese medley, marinated beet salad, crisp green beans, warm acme break, the list goes on. So tasty!
For dessert I snagged an apple right off one of their trees. YUM!
Next stop: Dirty Girl Produce
I was most excited about this farm because I knew we'd be able to get our hands on some fresh tomatoes and strawberries. I love tomatoes! I bite in to them like apples, it makes my mouth water just thinking about that juicy red fruit. So early girl tomatoes, I soon learned, would become one of my favorite varieties. But NO joke, we get to this farm and while we were greeted by a very attractive farmer (young, tan, good build--the surfer type) nothing else about the farm was easy on the eyes. I was surrounded by rows and rows of tomato plants that seemed to be on their death bed. I had no desire to sneak that red fruit off it's vine, though I had the chance. Within the first couple minutes I had written this farm off thinking, "How in the world did this frat boy turned farmer get on this tour agenda?"
I soon learned that early girl tomatoes are dry-farmed. This means the plants are not watered after transplant, forcing the roots to grow deeper to seek out moisture, producing more "concentrated flavor" and hence explaining the deathly look of the vines. It finally made sense! The group was quickly directed toward the other side of the farm where the second cycle had begun and the vines were clearly thriving and the fruit was gorgeous. I wanted them all! In fact, I snuck a couple in my purse when no one was looking!
As we continued our tour I got to taste their delicious haricots verts, ride a tractor and learn all about the importance of the soil and how sustainable agriculture not only effects the quality of the produce, but the environment as well.
Then came the best part of the trip when we got to pick our own strawberries. I definitely ate my way through the rows of berries--one for me, one for the basket. You know when you bite in to a strawberry and its tart flavor leaves your eyes squinting and your arm reaching for sugar? Well not with these beauties. They are deliciously sweet and juicy, no sugar necessary. I had to fight myself from eating all the berries I'd picked on the bus ride home.
After my fun farm visit I discovered a new appreciation for our farmers, our farmers markets and local produce. I make it a goal to support sustainable agriculture and educate myself on the topic. When you can, swing by the farmers markets and get to know your local farmers and by all means find Dirty Girl Produce and give them a big ol' hug for me!
Sounds like fun! Next time you go on such an adventure, count me in; I love playing in the dirt!
Posted by: Michelle | 01/25/2010 at 07:47 PM
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
Posted by: MBT Shoes | 07/16/2011 at 02:22 AM