There is something particularly wonderful about eating something fresh from the garden in Summer.
A strawberry: nature’s freckled bonbon, warm and juicy from being allowed to ripen completely in the sun. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The quest for that very experience drew us to Tanaka Farms in Irvine, California.
A country oasis in the suburbs of Irvine, family owned since 1970, this 30-acre organic farm offers U-Pick wagon rides during strawberry season. With visions of strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie, and chocolate covered strawberries dancing in our heads, we went on line and thankfully, we were able to secure a reservation for just a few days later.
Our designated time finally arrived and we checked in for our tour. We were given our plastic containers and were directed to where our chariot awaited: an open-air wagon pulled by a tractor.
We climbed into the wagon, joining our small group of fellow harvesters: mostly families with kids, but also a handful of seniors and other couples. Once all seated, we headed off down the gravel road, passing the farm windmill, and tidy rows of sunflowers, raspberries, and curly kale on our way to what we would be picking this day: strawberries and brussels sprouts.
The tractor wound its way around the acreage and our guide gave us a bit of the farm’s history and noted how farming success depends on irrigation, cultivation, climate and technique. “And a bit of luck.” He added with a wink.
Brussels Sprouts
Our first stop was the brussels sprouts patch. Our guide extolled the benefits of eating this member of the cabbage family, explaining that this vegetable protects against certain types of cancers and helps to stave off other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. The best part is sprouts are also tasty!
I had never seen a brussels sprout plant before. The stalks, brimming with sprouts, stood tall with their large outer leaves extending outward as outstretched hands, offering up their bounty.
We plopped ourselves down on the ground between the rows and began harvesting. We received instructions on how to properly harvest the sprouts: “twist them off of the stalk.” They were fairly easy to pick. The buds released with a satisfying snap as we twisted them off of the stem. It felt good to be close to our food source, getting our hands into the dirt and communing with nature. It was enjoyable, however, I know farming and harvesting is hard work and proper respect to those who do this for a living!
Soon enough, our guide called us to finish up. We got up, brushing the dust off of our jeans as we climbed back into the wagon and began heading for the picking we were most looking forward to: strawberries!
It was really fun to see the kids on our tour, some of them chanting, “Straw-berries, straw-berries. . . “
Their excitement was contagious.
We rolled along, honeybees and butterflies circling around us as we passed a hillside of flowers planted for them and the other pollinators that visit the farm.
Strawberry Picking
Rounding the last corner of the tour, the air was filled with the sweet, pink smell of strawberries and . . . onion?
As it turns out, the farm plants Maui onions alongside their strawberries as a natural pest deterrent.
Once again, we were given instructions: only pick the ripe, red berries and leave the little white flowers. Our guide also suggested we keep a bit of the stem on the berries as they will last longer in the refrigerator. Husband and I looked at each other and giggled – we’d be lucky if the berries survived the drive home. We were also advised not to wash the strawberries until just before we prepared them.
As our group fanned out among the racks of berries, I looked around and noticed most of them were picking close to the wagon, attracted immediately to the nearest plants.
We skipped to the back and at the end of the row we found lots of sizable, ripe and ready berries awaiting us. We spent a glorious quarter hour picking – and some of them even made it into the basket!
With our berried treasures in hand, we hopped back onto the wagon. As we rolled out from the fields, my brain was actively cooking up ideas for a dinner featuring brussels sprouts and finishing with a strawberry dessert.
The Barnyard
The last stop on our tour was the Barnyard Educational Exhibit. We walked into the makeshift barn with chickens, a horse, sheep, the majority of which are rescues, all tended to by volunteers.
We were lucky enough to visit the farm at a time when there were baby goats, huddled up for a nap in the back of the barn.
While the other visitors gathered around the kids, cooing and fussing, I noticed a white goat in the neighboring stall, patiently waiting for his turn to be adored. I wandered over to the goat, the sign on the fence gave his name: “Adonis”.
Adonis the Friendly Goat.
I reached through the slats and gave his chin a gentle rub. He pressed tight against the enclosure as I pet his wiry hair.
“Everyone’s making a fuss over the babies.” I told him, “Don’t they know you’re the real star of the show, aren’t you Adonis?”
Husband walked up to us and said, “I suppose you want a goat now.”
Produce Market Stand
After a quick hand wash, we strolled over to Tanaka Farms’ Produce Market Stand. Never one to pass up a Farmer’s Market of any kind, we left with our bags of kale, more strawberries, banana bread, a strawberry plant and a Maui onion the size of a cantaloupe.
Among the fruit and vegetables were racks of recipe cards. These looked good –
But I had something else in mind.
Click below for an awesome strawberry ice cream recipe:
https://thetravelingdelanys.com/the-best-strawberry-ice-cream/
Everything is seasonal at the farm, including their special events. As Summer transitions into Fall, pumpkin season commences – usually beginning mid-September. There are more festivities planned for the holiday season, including their festival of lights. A new and different experience every time you visit!
We cultivated some sweet memories at Tanaka Farms and we will be back!
5830 ¾ University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
949-653-2100
Sounds like a blast !
It was really fun!
TTD