We raise fruit trees in our yard, but because we live in the desert, we are limited to citrus for the most part. Our trees require a lot of water and that can get expensive. That doesn’t mean that we cannot enjoy a fresh peach, plum, or apple right from the tree. To get that fresh fix we like to visit a local orchard during this time of year to pick fruit to our hearts’ desire and our budget’s limitations. It is a sweet and rewarding experience.
The pesticide-free orchard we visit sells “you-pick” fruit by the pound, but allows you to eat whatever you like in the field for free. I must say that there is not much that tastes better than a ripe, warm peach fresh off the tree. But this family adventure is about more than fresh, healthy fruit and affordable produce. It is an opportunity to teach your children about where their fruit comes from, the concepts of sowing and harvesting, and a chance to get them excited about healthy food choices.
The orchard we visit also grows plums, apricots, and apples. In addition, they have a farm that grows a plethora of vegetables and also holds seasonal festivals. If you have never done anything like this, take the time to research what farms or orchards in your area are open to the public. This is one activity your children will love.
Does your family enjoy freshly picked fruit? How do you teach your children about growing and harvesting food? Feel free to leave a comment. Share and let’s talk about it.
About Janice
We love to go peach picking! And you are right, there is nothing better than a warm, fresh peach right off the tree!
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Neat! I'd love to grow our own fruit. Is your orchard like a CSA or do you just pay per visit?
Just so you know, there's this strange sentence in your post (on my Firefox browser screen anyway!!):
"In addition, they have a farm that grows a plethora of vegetables and also holds
Technorati Tags: family activities,picking fruit,family harvest
seasonal festivals."
Neato! I've never been peach picking before, but I've bought from local farms. So yummy!
Thanks Lori Ann! I fixed it…the post tags got put in the wrong place somehow!
The farm we visit is called Schnepf Farms.
http://www.schnepffarms.com/
They started as a family farm and changed to keep up with the times.
That would be so fun! I wonder if there's an orchard around here…
Looks really yummy. To wet here for citrus trees. Make me some peach preserves, please! Love and miss ya.
I followed you so please follow back 🙂
Thanks, http://mimilovesall8.blogspot.com
Hi, I'm visiting from Social Parade. I "followed" your blog and would love a follow back. Thanks, Mary
http://www.redo101.blogspot.com
Looks like fun! We have peach and nectarine trees in our backyard, but the crazy weather this year destroyed almost all the fruit. I guess we'll have to head out to a u-pick place for fresh fruit.
Fun blog! I am kinda partial to redheads, since I have a couple of my own, so I'll be following along.
http://www.suitcasesandsippycups.blogspot.com
We are a big Peach community! So fun to go picking!! Happy Sunday! I would love for you to stop by and check out my blog as well! If you like it you can follow back! Thanks! Hope to blog with you again soon!
http://heavenlysavings.blogspot.com
Yum!
I have to take the kids somewhere like that this summer!
Stopping by from One Smiley Monkey http://www.onesmileymonkey.com from the RMR Blog Hop
There is nothing like eating a piece of fresh fruit just picked by your own hands!! I am a new follower from Lucas' Journey!!
Michele aka MikiHope
http://www.MikisHope.com
there's nothing more rewarding than eating something you've grown. we have orange trees and an avocado tree in our yard, plus pineapple, string beans, carrots, collard greens, potatoes, and lettuce in the garden. i'd love to go to an orchard!
following thru the finding friends hop.
my blog is mainly a style blog, but i'm a mom of two and love connecting with other moms 🙂
rockoomph.blogspot.com
@rockoomph
Yummy! I love taking the kids out picking fruit! Following from Lucas`s journey
http://www.canadiancouponmom.ca
I am actually here twice today!! This time from Real Mom's Alexa hop–My Grandparents had a summer house where they grew all kinds of veggies and had fruit trees as well–I remember distinctly toddling over to the green beans and picking them and eating them–that and the raspberries lol–no one worried–we grew them–no pesticides!! It is strange how some memories never leave you–I am now 60–and still remember!!
Michele aka MikiHope
http://www.mikishope.com
I love fruit trees!!
Stopping by from the Lower your Alexa Hop ~ Thanks!!
Karen
~Mommy's Moments~
http://www.avonbykaren.blogspot.com
Looks yummy and fun! We've never gone picking yet, but we really should visit an orchard this fall.
Thanks for visiting from the Lower Your Alexa hop!
http://confessionsofafrugalmind.blogspot.com/
Looks like some great family fun!
I always enjoyed going to orchards back home
http://caffeinatedarmywife.blogspot.com/
Looks like a great time… coming to you from the Alexa Hop… http://adventuresofmyfamilyof8.blogspot.com/2011/06/kids-say.html
I work in the upper state of SC, I pass so many peach farms. I would love to stop and grab one lol.
http://www.couponsavingsinthesouth.com, stopping by from the alexa hop.GFC, will not let me leave comments so I have to be anonymous lol.
hi,newest follower! stopping by from the monday mingle! I'm also going to be a part of blog bash! would love a visit and follow back
http://www.bragallaboutit.com/
Including the kids in gardening is wonderful and so much fun