Oh, hey there, August! Back to school time already? August always seems to be a busy season full of excitement about creating a new year of family routines. Below are a few berry-filled snack routines. Incorporate them into this school year to put you right on track!
A trip to the local berry patch offers fruit at the peak of freshness, great prices and a whole lot of family fun. Pick in bulk and freeze your harvest to use for months to come.
I had the opportunity to talk with Niki Harris of California Heritage Farms (californiaheritagefarms.com) about their U-Pick berry patch in beautiful Fort Jones, CA. Their patch includes strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and other less common berry varieties they add each year. Learn more about their family farm enthusiasm and the fun offerings they have for visitors in the following responses.
What prompted you to start the berry patch?
We were lucky enough to inherit it when we bought the farm. We continue to build and grow the berry patch because it’s an amazing way to connect with our community and offer something unique to our area.
What are your favorite things about the berry patch?
We have four small kids, aged six, five, and three and three, and tons of cousins, so it’s an amazing environment to raise children. All summer, our friends come in and out to pick berries, and the kids play, eat berries and get dirty. It’s a dream. I also love the new-ish farm stand where we showcase and sell a variety of goods local to our region! Every year Rich brings in something new to grow so now besides berries, we have U-Cut flowers, watermelons and tomatoes. Who knows what’s next!
What are your days and hours?
We are open seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm June through August followed by weekends through September and October.
Any tips for guests coming to visit the patch?
Bring sunscreen and water! It can get hot out there picking. Bring your own containers and feel free to pack a picnic and enjoy the day. Everything is on the honor system. We take cash, checks or Venmo.
Do you have any favorite berry recipes?
I would love to include a favorite berry recipe, but that would just be me lying. Our berries get eaten before they even hit the kitchen.
What is the best way for guests to contact you?
Email us hello@caheritagefarms.com, or you can find us on Instagram @californiaheritagefarms
Raw Cookie Dough Balls
1 can chickpeas, rinsed
½ cup nut or seed butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup berries
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Process all ingredients except for berries and chocolate chips in a food processor until smooth. Stir in berries and chocolate chips. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to make round dough balls. Eat immediately or store in the fridge. Snack on them throughout the week and add them to lunch boxes.
Kefir Pops
1 cup whole milk kefir
2 cups berries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays and place in the freezer. If using ice cube trays, find mini popsicle sticks and place in the middle of each kefir ice cube after 30 minutes in the freezer. Return to freezer and allow to freeze completely before serving.
Berry or Fruit Skewers
2 cups fresh berries
1 cup whole milk yogurt
½ cup nut or seed butter
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instruct your skewer crew on how to safely handle pointed objects and then begin sliding berries onto the skewers. Pour yogurt into a large shallow dish and dip berry skewers in, coating at least one side. Place dipped skewers on a plate or cookie sheet, drizzle with nut butter and sprinkle with chia seeds. These can be eaten immediately or placed in the freezer to enjoy as a frozen treat later.
For a simpler, less messy version that is lunchbox friendly try fruit and cheese skewers. Two pieces of fruit to one piece of cheese. Eat immediately or refrigerate for later.
Localicious is a monthly column celebrating food in the North State. If you would like to suggest a food-related business or organization, email us at localicious@northstateparent.com.
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