Farmer’s markets and CSAs (community supported agriculture) are wonderful opportunities to support local farmers, eat fresh, nutrient rich foods, and include seasonal elements in ones diet. However, they still remove the consumer from the food’s origins. Picking your own food helps connect people to the source of their nourishment.

On a recent family vacation to Southern California, I stopped by Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark. With a second location in Somis, CA, Underwood Family Farms is part country fair, part outdoor market. (For more information on their farming practices, click here.) Upon arriving guests are greeted by the produce stand which carries a variety of fruits and vegetables grown on the grounds. For $3 on the weekdays and $5 on the weekends (or $32 for a season pass), anyone over the age of two can peruse the grounds. (Under two and you are free).

Of primary interest was the farm’s “Pick Your Own” section. Armed with containers and bags ready to be filled with the earth’s bounty we headed off toward the raspberries. Although one can bring their own reusable bags, there are some available if need be. After picking through the remnants of the raspberries, the blackberries provided a wealth of ripe fruit. In a different section of the farm we collected strawberries, which sprang from every plant. This mix of fruits served as the basis of our berry crumble dessert that evening.

Before exiting, my family had picked zucchini and yellow squash, which we grilled four hours later. They also yanked beets and a head of red leaf lettuce from the ground. We roasted the former and served up the latter in a salad. Last, but not least, a few choice sunflowers (see the post’s picture) were cut to adorn our outdoor dining experience. This was by far the freshest meal I had ever prepared. Short of growing herbs or eating from my in-laws’ garden, picking the fruits and vegetables that served as the basis of our meal is as close as I’ve come to truly starting from scratch.

For those who are disconnected with their food, where it originates, and what it looks like before harvesting, take a stroll over to your local “pick your own” farm and connect with the source of all life.

[Image by author]