Trail Mix: A Tour of Fruit and Nut Orchards
Sunday, October 6, 2013, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Autumn is the perfect time to walk through orchards and learn all about the fruit and nuts that are harvested this season. On this farm tour, see grapes being sun-dried into raisins, get a first-hand look at fruit and nut orchards, and eat lunch in the walnut orchard.
Our first stop will be Capay Canyon Ranch in Esparto, where we’ll stroll through the vineyard and almond orchard. Farmer Todd Barth will talk about the process of growing almonds and grapes, and then he’ll show us the trays of their grapes drying in the sun. We’ll also see the machinery they use to process almonds. In addition to operating the farm, Capay Canyon Ranch processes and markets almonds from other growers around the state. Their famous flavored almonds will be available to sample and purchase.
At our second stop, K & J Orchards in Winters, Aomboon Deasy will show us a season in transition, with the last of the farm’s stone fruit and the start of its walnuts and pomegranates and persimmons. We’ll walk around the orchard and learn about the different trees growing at the farm. We’ll eat a lunch made of farmers market ingredients beneath the walnut trees.
The tour is geared toward adults. Young people who are interested in attending with their guardians and who are likely to enjoy the tour without causing disruption are welcome. Please use your discretion and call if you have questions.
Where to meet: Meet at the Ferry Building (in the front, south side of the clocktower). Be there by 8:40 am; we leave at 9 am. Please be prompt! We cannot wait for stragglers.
Note: The weather could be very dry and hot, or it could be cool and windy. We will spend time both outdoors and indoors. Please wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes.
What to bring: Water bottle, sun protection, layered clothing, and a hat. Also consider bringing snacks, a camera, a book or other entertainment for the bus, and cash for purchases.
We will do our best to return by 5:30 pm, but traffic conditions can be unpredictable and we can’t guarantee punctual arrival.
This tour is organized by CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture), as part of our mission to cultivate a sustainable food system. CUESA organizes 6 tours each year to Ferry Plaza Farmers Market farms and artisan food businesses in order to give eaters a first hand look at where their food comes from and how it is produced. For more information or to sign up for our weekly email newsletter, visit www.cuesa.org.
We sincerely thank our farm tour sponsor, First National Bank of Northern California, for underwriting tour costs and Coach 21 for providing a discount on the bus charter fee.