I recently had the chance to go on a Safe Fruits and Veggies Farm Tour, and it gave me so much to reflect on. From visiting strawberry fields to walking through the beautiful Limoneira lemon groves, the tour was packed with unforgettable moments, learning experiences, and plenty of laughs.
What struck me the most was how connected we all are to the food we eat. The farmers we met work tirelessly to produce safe and healthy foods, and we got to see firsthand the passion and dedication they pour into their work. We shared so many great conversations over delicious meals, talking about what we learned during the day, but also connecting over life, family, and the work we do as dietitians.
Here are some of my favorite highlights:
- Picking sun-ripened strawberries right off the vine at Good Farms and watching everyone’s faces light up.
At the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, we met some incredibly talented young scientists and grad students. Their dedication to improving farming practices gave me so much hope for the future of food production.
Dining at Pico, a cozy restaurant in Los Alamos, was a favorite moment. The pretty lights, long garden table, and farm-fresh dishes made for a perfect evening. We felt so special since they opened up the restaurant just for us!
Visiting Limoneira was a true highlight. Walking through their lemon groves and learning about the company’s rich history felt extra special. We also got to walk through the factory and see how all the citrus is processed and stored!
And we even sang along to karaoke on the bus ride back to the hotel! It was so fun and we got to learn so much about each other!
As I reflect on this amazing experience it’s clear how important it is for farmers to share their stories and for us to help spread the word. There’s so much misinformation out there, and these tours are a great way to highlight the care and commitment farmers have toward producing safe, nutritious food.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this tour and share what I’ve learned with all of you!
But before I go, let me debunk some common myths about fruits and vegetables!
Common Myths About Fruits and Vegetables:
- Organic produce is always safer and healthier than non-organic: Both organic and non-organic foods meet safety standards, and eating a variety of fruits and veggies—regardless of how they’re grown—supports a healthy diet.
- Non-organic fruits and veggies are full of harmful pesticides: Conventional farming practices are regulated, and pesticide residues are closely monitored to ensure safety.
- You need special washes to clean fruits and vegetables: In most cases, rinsing your produce with water is all you need to wash away dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues.
- You should avoid eating non-organic produce altogether: The most important thing is consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not. The health benefits far outweigh any small differences.
This trip was such an eye-opening experience, not just because I had the chance to meet incredible people and make meaningful connections, but because it gave me a whole new appreciation for the hard work farmers put in to bring us the freshest fruits and vegetables. Seeing firsthand the dedication, effort, and passion that goes into growing and harvesting food really made me realize how much happens behind the scenes before it even reaches our stores. It’s so easy for us to grab produce off the shelf, but now I’m more aware and grateful for the journey it takes to get there.