Finally, summer is just about here and you know what that means! Get your baskets and bags ready because Upicks at the Food Love Farm (16200 Lake Vera Purdon Rd., Nevada City) are starting up for the season.
Now in its 7th year, this popular weekly event draws visitors every Tuesday for a special harvesting experience. This year the fun will start Tuesday June 4th and will run every week through the end of October. The Food Love Farm is Sierra Harvest’s educational site devoted to teaching kids and community members about growing and eating fresh, local food.
On Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30PM, the farm opens its gates to the public to share in the bounty that hundreds of local students helped to plant in the spring! Each week the farm has an abundance of seasonal crops available- starting with late spring favorites such as radishes, lettuce, arugula, snap peas and strawberries which slowly give way to hot weather summer fare like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions and tomatoes and basil- finally ending with cool season treats of kales, beets, carrots, pumpkins and winter squash. Additionally, the farm has lots of gorgeous cut flowers to make your own bouquets! If you’re ready to have your family eat more fresh, healthy, food this year-make it your new Tuesday tradition.
It’s a lovely family outing for people of all ages- there’s no minimum amount to purchase and it’s free to walk around, pet the chickens, make a wish in the magic tipi, nibble on new foods and enjoy being out in the garden together. There’s even a big beautiful picnic table if you want to bring dinner and eat alfresco! They say kids are more likely to eat food that they’ve planted or harvested. Put this to the test at Upick this summer; you’ll be glad you did.
The Food Love Farm hosts Upicks every Tuesday from June 4th to October 29th. To find out what’s on the menu this week, follow Sierra Harvest on Facebook. Bring your own baskets and bags and come connect with your family and your dinner! Make it part of your routine for a healthy summer and fall. For more information, contact Emily@sierraharvest.org
