Teens Learn About Food Production At Local Farm-to-Fork Camp
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS13) – A group of high school students is tasting their way around Sacramento as a part of the farm to fork initiative with the Sacramento Visitors bureau.
"Well, I learned that the purple ones turn green when you cook them," said 14-year-old Abby Mendoza, while learning about string beans at Fiery Ginger Farm. "I thought they would stay purple!"
The teens have come from all over Northern California and even Oregon to visit local farms and businesses and learn about the industry. From poultry to produce, the program gives the kids an in-depth look at what Farm-to-Fork really means.
"It's now a matter of helping them get that produce in their hands and know what to do with it," said Nicole Rogers, Farm-to-Fork Initiative Director.
Zoey Colquitt, a 17-year-old high senior, told CBS 13 learning the tips of the trade was great preparation for a career in the culinary world.
"Chefs actually connect with farmers and they actually buy foods from them," she said. "I feel like it will really help me once I get into culinary school or once I want to start my own business. It would help me a lot knowing what to do or knowing which ones taste the best for which type of foods."
"When they are not ripe, they are green and purple," said farmer Hope Sippola. "When they are ripe, they will be red."
When it comes to understanding nutrition, Mendoza is surprised more people her age don't care about what they eat.
"I feel like we should and I think that this class has opened my eyes to that," the 14-year-old said. "We should be able to know what goes into our food and we should care what goes into our bodies."