By Shawn Dick, Tulalip News
On a warm, sunny day, Tulalip citizens, employees, and patients of the Health Clinic were invited to join the annual U-pick harvest in Silvana. Participants filled buckets with fresh blueberries, enjoyed time outdoors, and learned about healthy food choices during Harvest Day at Hazel Blue Acres on August 5.
For many, the harvest provided a hands-on experience that connected them directly to the food they eat. They moved through rows of blueberry bushes, filling their buckets with freshly picked berries and occasionally stopping to eat a few straight from the branch.
The event is one of several U-pick gatherings hosted by the Tulalip Health System and the Diabetes Program throughout the summer. These monthly outings promote healthy eating, physical activity, and community engagement while also providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Walking through the rows of bushes, for some, sparked conversation about what they planned to do with their blueberries. Answers were plentiful, ranging from putting them in their morning cereal to baking with them.
Laverne Ledford, who attended with family, hoped to leave with 15 pounds of blueberries. “We are going to freeze them and keep them for healthy snacks,” she said.
Tulalip tribal member Carlotta Davis added she planned to share her harvest with family and use some of the berries in homemade treats. “I am collecting blueberries to bring some to my dad and plan on making muffins,” she said. “I also want to make blueberry crisp.”
Blue Acres owner, Karen Fuentes, demonstrated ways to incorporate blueberries into everyday meals. Including recipes for blueberry salsa and blueberry syrup. Her presentation showed participants how easy it is to use fresh ingredients to create healthy, flavorful dishes.
In addition to being a nutritious summer fruit, blueberries offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of vitamins C and K.
Just by showing up, each participant received a bucket capable of holding up to five pounds of blueberries. Thanks to the berry size and abundance, many buckets filled quickly.
An additional highlight of the event was the celebration of the 43rd birthday of Food Sovereignty Coordinator, Rudy Madrigal. Rudy owns Zumba Fresh, a fruit distribution company, and also works for the Tulalip Tribes Diabetes Care and Prevention Program. Coworkers and community members lauded his efforts to bring fresh fruit and affordable prices to the community.
“I thought it was an awesome gesture as every year I joke around about how my mom abandoned me on my birthday because she travels to the canoe journey and we share our birthday parties together,” Rudy said jokingly.
The harvest provided an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about making nutritious choices. The next U-pick event is scheduled for September 9 at Garden Treasures in Arlington.