Hours after arriving home from a nearby “pick your own” farm, I type with hands dyed a deep rouge — evidence of the 3 pounds of deliciously ripe Blackberries I picked under the sunshine. Mmmmm. I also picked 5 juicy yellow peaches, and took home 2 gorgeous heirloom tomatoes and an ear of sweet corn (already picked). All for … drumroll … $11!

Affordable, fun, wholesome, and delicious — what more could one ask for, really?

Nine of us departed from Mt. Pleasant in two cars mid-day for a painless 23-mile jaunt to Homestead Farm, in Poolesville, MD. Though surrounded by McMansions, the confines of the farm were gorgeous, and the produce delicious. Each year, the farm opens in May with strawberries, goes strong through summer with berries and veggies, offers a wide variety of apples and other autumn produce (and pumpkins!) in fall, and closes with Christmas trees.

Unfortunately, the farm is not certified organic, though this fact certainly didn’t stop us from imbibing sickening quantities of unwashed berries. We also munched on fresh-picked peaches, which probably was not the smartest idea, considering peaches are #1 on the list of the “dirty dozen” fruits and veggies — those that contain the highest pesticide load Anyone have a recommendation for a nearby organic farm?

Even with the high price of gas, the experience was extremely affordable. Let’s face it: the berries alone would have cost at least $20 at Whole Foods or a farmers market. For less than $9, I have fresh blackberries for days, and a freezer bag full of frozen ones to use in smoothies for the next few weeks.

But best of all was the experience (and you can’t put a price tag on that). In a society greatly disconnected from its food, picking produce from the source is incredibly satisfying, and a wonderful outing to share with friends, family or a significant other. If you have a car, good company, and a pretty day, I highly recommend finding a place to pick some summer produce before this fruitful season wanes. A truly simple — and delicious — pleasure.

“By Golly, these are some darn good berries.” — Gwen

Zeke got a belly ache