Riverford Farm Field Trip

Wow. It would be tough to accurately describe the Riverford farm trip with starting with a "Wow". The farm is an all organic one which is dedicated to pretty much doing it as well as possible in the most environmentally and socially responsible way.We had the day off from classes, so it was pretty much a field trip (not really epected in grad school). We arrived and greated by Darren, who brought us on an incredibly informative farm tour. From breaking down the farms background and philosophy, to simply sharing his expertise about the fruit and veg, he was great. It was obvious that he not only worked there, but truely bought into their ideals.They basically are set up to deliver organic fruit and veg to local people through a "box" plan, in which you can have boxes of fresh produce delivered to your doorstep weekly. Amazingly enough, it only costs about 10% more than what you would pay at the typically grocery store.
Did we get to try some? Yeah we did! Walking through the fields we picked and eat black currants (nice and tart), gooseberries (my first time, but very good), broad beans (surprisingly nice), basil (incredible fragrance), and probably the best tasting cherry tomatoes and cucumbers that I have ever had.

And then we had lunch in their field kitchen. Simply put, this was a far cry from the British food to which I have become accustomed. An amazing spread (check out the full menu in the photo). It just makes me want to live right near a farm again. Oh, and one last really cool side note. They have worked it out with the local school so that they provide the ingredients and prepare the school lunch. These kids are so hooked up! And what's more, they work with the school to get the kids out into the fields on occasion to learn about farming and nutrition.

Check them out at http://www.riverford.co.uk/. And you can see a nice slideshow at
http://www.riverford.co.uk/flash/about_riverford/