by Liz Revilla
Vertex Education Ambassador, Nutrition

The summer is just bursting with all types of fresh produce – from fruits like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches and watermelon to vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, summer squash, and zucchini. My mouth waters just thinking about it!

One great way to try new fruits and vegetables is to visit a local farm to pick your own produce. Here are five reasons that you and your family should try it this summer:

1. It’s a fun summer adventure!

Pack up your family and/or invite some friends and plan to spend the day at the farm. Enjoy a picnic lunch or purchase food if they have a market.

2. It’s the freshest produce you can get!

There’s nothing like picking fresh peaches in the morning and then biting into them that afternoon. It tastes like sunshine.

3. It’s an educational experience!

My kids are always amazed by learning where their food comes from, other than the grocery store of course. Take time with your family to ask questions of local vendors and try foods you’ve never tried before!

4. It’s a great way to support local farmers!

These are the hardworking people that work all year long to supply us with delicious food, and it’s fun to visit them in their environment and learn about the process.

5. It’s a great way to stock your freezer and pantry!

If you tend to pick way more than you can eat (like my family usually does), you can always freeze or can your leftovers to enjoy throughout the year.

I hope that you and your family make time to visit a local farm to pick your own produce this summer. If you do, please let us know how your experience was and what type of produce you picked!