Let’s Get Picking!
A fun activity this summer to do with the family is to pick your own fruits and vegetables! Not only will it be enjoyable for the whole family, but it is also a great way to promote healthy habits. When the seasons change, the fruit and vegetables available also change; so make sure to pick the produce that is in season. Below is a chart showcasing a couple months indicating which fruits and vegetables are in season for the Pennsylvania area.
www.healthymepa.com/
There are many farms around this area that let you pick your own all year round. Fruitwood Farms, Indian Orchards Farm, and Hallock’s U-Pick Farm are just a couple of the many farms in the area.
Fruitwood Farms: Located in Elk Township, NJ, this farm has been operating since 1951. Growing, Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, and Cherries. They have now branched out and grow other fruits such as Strawberries, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes and Wine Grapes. On the U-Pick-U-Select site, the fruits and vegetables in season that are available for picking are listed. The site also has good tips on how to get the most out your picking.
http://fruitwoodorchardshoney.com/pages/U-Pick-U-Select-Fruit.htm
Indian Orchards Farm: Located in Media, PA, Indian Orchards Farm is an organic family run orchard. Since 1913, Indian Orchards uses organic methods for families to pick the freshest fruit from June-November. They are open daily from 10am-6pm. On their pick your own page, each month is listed accompanied by the fruits and vegetables that are ripe for you to pick! The fruits and vegetables available to pick in July are: blueberries, raspberries, peaches, blackberries, bell peppers, cucumbers, and hot peppers – tomatoes show up sometime in July).
http://indianorchardsfarm.com/pick-your-own-fruit/
Hallock’s U-Pick Farm: Located in New Egypt, NJ, Hallock’s has been a family run farm and greenhouse since 1949. It has a total of 269 acres of which 265 is cropland. They also have 70,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space. Part of Hallock’s mission is to preserve farmland for future generations. On their Pick-Your-Own page, all of their crops are listed with the approximate picking dates for each. Cabbage, Swiss chard, potatoes, tomatoes, and squash are some of the few listed that are available till fall. Hallock’s is open seven days a week!
http://www.hallocksupick.com/pick-your-own/
So, make sure you plan a fun pick your own day with your family so that you can enjoy all the fresh fruits and vegetables this summer has to offer!
Marissa Gratz, Syracuse Intern
