By Copper Williams
There’s plenty of produce stands, farmer’s markets and countryside stores to go around here in the Central Valley. It’s safe to say that when it comes to getting our food fresh we’re pretty spoiled! But have you ever tried venturing out and picking your own prized assortment of fruits and vegetables? Prepare to step out and into the sun for high quality produce you’ve plucked from the vine yourself!
Arya Farm Produce
There’s a plethora of promise ready and waiting for you between Tracy and Mountain House! Using organic and GMO-free farming methods, the friendly folks at Arya Farm Produce work hard at providing only the finest fruits and vegetables for your enjoyment. What they can’t produce on their own they’re buying from other locally grown farmers just like themselves to bring to you! Visit them in the summer months to pick out your favorite grape bunches straight out of the vineyard! When you’re ready to hit the orchards in fall, wander on out amongst the trees to pluck some plump pomegranates! 21459 Reeves Rd., Tracy, aryafarmproduce.com
Jessop Farms
Ride the 99 freeway into Ripon to find a farm just ripe for the picking! Whether you enjoy bounding out and into the blueberry bushes or raking the rows of strawberries for the richest reds, Jessop Farms is more than happy to supply the acreage for those prepared to forage for their own fruit! Make a day-trip out of your farming experience by bringing the kids and enjoying the basketball court, putt-putt golf and more! Don’t forget to check out what other tasty selections Jessop Farms offers, but make sure you catch them between mid-May and July! 21386 S. Murphy Rd., Ripon, (209) 824-0341, jessopfarms.com
Lorina’s Edible Garden
Up in the Escalon region is a little patch of paradise that’s tenderly maintained. Lorina’s Edible Garden uses no pesticides when it comes to their precious plots of land. Instead, a little hard work substitutes for any chemicals. Stop by the website to schedule a visit and enjoy plucking a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. Learn the best ways to cultivate a hearty crop and so much more during Lorina’s demonstrations. When you’re done in the garden check out the variety of spa products and crafts up for sale! 17397 Enterprise Rd., Escalon, (209)402-7567, lorinasediblegarden.net
Double Dutch Farms
The sublime weather between May and October is the perfect time for a visit down at Double Dutch Farms! Open by appointment, the changing seasons provide rows of ripening cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and more. When the time is right, check out the citrus trees for something sweet or zesty to add to the menu! A little thirsty? Ask about their line of pomegranate juice! Don’t forget to visit the horse ranch to tour the equestrian scene or to pick up some eggs straight out of the chicken coop! (209) 599-7217
Alpine Blue Farms
Bring out the buckets and stockpile your picnic basket for a trip into Stockton! Alpine Blue Farms has all the blueberry bushes you’ll need to satisfy your fruit cravings! Head straight out and collect as much as you can before making a beeline for the picnic tables. Check out the stand for other freshly harvested selections like cherries, blackberries and more! 7490 E. Hwy 26, Stockton, (209) 931-4392, facebook.com/Alpineblue