We have really embracing the gorgeous weather here in Florida since moving.
It’s great to be active and outside, which is something that really drew us to moving.
We went blueberry picking last weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was great to spend time with my family plus picking fresh, delicious fruits and veggies is just awesome.
Plant City, located a short 20 drive outside of Tampa, is filled with farm after farm of farms of various sizes producing all different kinds of fruits and veggies. A lot of the farms are commercial but there are several that are U-pick, or even both.
We ended up going to Blue Gold Growers, an operation that is run by the nicest family. Owner, Jorge, was so pleasant and welcoming. Everyone we met was.
Normally, their 2 gallon bucket is $25 but they were having a sale for Mother’s Day so the bucket was just $15. Regardless of sale, the buckets hold about 6 pounds of fruit, so it’s a terrific value to pick them yourself!
So loop the bucket around your waist with a bungy and get to work!
Autumn took to blueberry picking quickly. She understood to pick the blue ones and not the green ones that were not yet ripe, but she didn’t understand that you should not consume your weight in them while in the fields. ooph!
Blueberry season is winding down here in Florida, but there were still so many bright blue berries to be picked, as well as plenty of green ones that will ripen and get picked.
No matter where you live, I highly suggest going out and picking your own fruits and veggies. It’s great to have something very fresh, but I love supporting small businesses. Plus, I think it’s great to teach kids where the food they eat comes from, besides just from the grocery store!
The fields are rather large and we only went through a few rows of the property and managed to find great fruit on the bushes. They even had different varieties of berries, but since we knew we’d eat most of the fresh, we opted for the sweeter berries, compared to the slightly tarter variety, which is great for jams and baking.
Hand fun after handful we filled up the bucket with plump, juicy blueberries. The process was quick and fun. And, all that ‘hard work’ resulted in some of the best blueberries I’ve ever eaten.
We are looking forward to going back to Blue Gold Growers this weekend for more blueberries that we can eat fresh and freeze for smoothies.
To note: I suggest wearing sneakers to avoid fire ant bites- I learned that the hard way! They only have porta potties so just keep that in mind. Also, wear your sunblock!!
Blue Gold Growers
5646 W.O. Griffin Road
Plant City, FL 33567
813.748.5817
Jorge Salmeron- Owner
bgg1983@hotmail.com
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And some blueberry recipes for all those berries you pick!
Lemon Ricotta Waffles with a Fresh Blueberry Sauce
Blueberry Banana Blast Smoothie
I can honestly say these had to be the best blueberries I have ever had. And I could not believe how many they brought home. I am also glad that Nicole, Price and Autumn feel this is the best move for their family. They are totally fitting in and doing things that I have not done in the almost 6 years I have lived her. I know they are anxiously awaiting for the construction to start on their new home.