With rows of trees that stretched infinitely through the San Joaquin Valley, I reached my hand inside a tree and seized a piece of fruit.
I peeled the orange and with the tangy aroma released beneath the sweltering sun, I took a bite of the sweet fruit.
Last week, I went on vacation to Visalia, located in the central valley of California. It was the first time I had ever seen an orange tree, let alone picked a fruit right from its branches.
It was a mouth watering – and eye opening – experience.
I dare say I am probably like the masses who hustle into the grocery store each week and grab my apples, oranges and onions from a cardboard box that was imported from hundreds of miles away. It’s easy to carry on so when you don’t know what you’re missing out on.
While I was on vacation, my fiance and his family drove me through Visalia, known as the Crown Jewel of the Valley – and for good reason. It was field after field of orchards – a cornucopia of orange and lemon groves, grapes, olives and more. The region is known as the most productive single agricultural area in the nation and produces more than 250 different crops.
In fact, agriculture drives Visalia’s economy. During my trip, I stopped at a roadside farm stand and bought cherries, walnuts and lemons the size of fists. I chatted with the local farmers who said business was good that week, especially with the seasonal spike in tourists.
The produce I purchased was fresher than anything you see in the supermarket and it felt good to support the local farmers.
The benefit of buying locally grown food may not be as visible in Kirkland, but it’s here. We have two outstanding farmers’ markets.
The Kirkland Wednesday Market runs from 2-7 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 13 at Marina Park. The KWM boasts the highest quality vendors, in addition to loads of farm fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers, honey and more. Everything at the KWM is made or grown right here in Washington.
Stop by to chat with the 30-plus local farmers, including Andrew Stout and Wendy Munroe, who own Full Circle Farm in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Our community also has the Friday Night Market at Juanita Beach, which runs from 3-7 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 8 at 9703 N.E. Juanita Drive. The markets hosts more than 35 vendors, selling: fresh organic fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, bedding plants and herbs, seafood, beef, honey products and other tasty treats.
I encourage you to check out both markets, meet our local farmers and find fresh, flavorful produce. Buying directly from family farmers is also a great way to support our local economy.
Who knew that standing beneath an orange tree in California I would find my inner “locavore” (someone who eats locally-grown food). I hope you’ll take the opportunity to find yours, too, here in Kirkland.
