On August 28, Greater Temecula Valley AYLUS member Adora Xiao (2hrs) helped a local farm wrap up the harvest season.
Tomatoes are a diverse branch of fruit (let the debate ensue), and contain approximately 10,000 varieties. These can range from small marbles bursting with flavor to 4-7 pound Bic Zacs, more than enough for the family to share.
Zucchini, cucumbers, and onions were beginning to dwindle and their seasons passed. What remained were fields of red tomatoes begging to be picked. The larger varieties of tomatoes were dwindling in quantity, however, there were plenty of tomatoes of a smaller size ripe for harvesting. Members first started with the smallest variety, a marble size called cherry tomatoes with thinner skin. Because of this, the tomatoes had to be picked carefully to minimize injury to the fruit. The amounts on the branches were impressive, and a fair amount of tomatoes picked were cherry tomatoes. Next were the Romas, similar in quantity but a fair bit larger. These were also picked carefully and then placed into crates for easier transport.
Because the summer season was ending, many summertime crops were extracted. The tomatoes were no exception, and after the tomatoes were picked clean off the branches, the plants were uprooted and discarded. Many tomato plants still had unripe and growing tomatoes, so yellowish tomatoes and larger green ones were picked to be set aside to ripen on the countertop to minimize waste.
Greater Temecula Valley AYLUS is honored to help with harvesting vegetables and fruits to donate to those in need. With the summer season unfortunately over, we look forward to the future and opportunities it brings!
