Locally Produced Fruits, Vegetables Continue To Grow In Popularity Here

    Local farms have begun to bring their fall crops to market, giving locals the opportunity to procure locally-grown produce. Both Graham Farms and Sunsational Farms in the past week have begun to offer seasonal favorites that allow local shoppers the chance to enjoy fruits and vegetables, and more, that have been grown in Lake County.
   Perhaps the most unique of all the local seasonal offerings is the 100% natural orange juice that is a staple at Sunsational Farms. Squeezed and sold at the farm’s retail shop on Fletcher Road outside Umatilla, the juice offers a non-pasteurized option for juice lovers seeking the ‘fresh from the grove’ taste of days gone by.
   “The juice just started,” said Brian Faryna of Sunsational Farms on Monday. Made from local oranges of the Hamlin variety harvested from local groves, the 100% juice is sold by the 1/2 gallon and has grown in popularity for its unique flavor and ‘pure juice only’ ingredient. Only available during the citrus harvest, Faryna said it is his hope that even in the challenging citrus environment the juice will be available for several months.
   “We should be good through the season, the hard part is stretching out the Hamlins,” Faryna said, noting the hope of stretching until the Valencia crop comes in during the spring. If all goes well, the juice will last through May, a possibility that will no doubt bring cheers from the product’s many fans.
   While juice is the star this time of year at Sunsational Farms, it isn't the only locally-produced item available. The farm grows its own strawberries, bell papers, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and lettuces, which are all currently available. In the near future, shoppers should expect to see broccoli, cauliflower, and more coming online.
   “Kale should be coming very soon,” Faryna said.
   Those who need their kale fix now can head to Altoona, where Graham Farms' annual fall UPick crop is up and running. Located just east of SR 19 on CR 42, the farm currently is offering kale, collard and mustard greens, broccoli, beets, and strawberries. On the way are cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leeks, Swiss chard, onions, lettuce, spinach, and fennel.
   “It will all be coming throughout the season,” said Mary Graham this week. Graham was busy over the weekend helping locals pick their favorites, as the operation is enjoying sizable growth during its second season.
   The farm is seeing an influx of new offerings this year thanks to a retired farmer who just can’t give up the soil.
   "A dear friend who has been growing plants most of his life has retired his farm-fresh vegetable barn," Graham said. "But he just cannot stop growing things! So, when his plants are ready for the ground, he gives us a call. We are grateful for the blessings God is sending our way."
   And that’s not all. The farm is also currently hosting a UPick citrus season at its main location west of Umatilla.
   “Oranges are available at the peach farm,” Graham said.
   The Graham UPick farms are open Wednesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
   Sunsational Farms is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.