DiaryGame [09/01/2024] || An Agricultural Immersion at Ferme Chez Mario | Sainte-Madeleine, QC

_{Taken by my own smartphone}

Hello steemians,

Nature often calls us, and this weekend, I decided to answer that call by taking my family for a day of picking vegetables at Ferme Chez Mario, located in Sainte-Madeleine, QC. It was a great opportunity for us to leave the urban routine and reconnect with the land, while allowing the children to discover where the vegetables we eat really come from.

We hit the road early in the morning, taking the small winding roads that lead to the Quebec countryside. Along the way, the children, Yahya, were excited to spend a day on the farm. Their incessant questions about the types of vegetables they were going to discover showed their impatience.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a calming rural landscape, with a clear view of the Monteregian Mountains looming on the horizon. A light breeze was blowing, making the temperature pleasant despite the already strong sun. Ahead of us, a line of cars were waiting to park, a sign that the farm was a popular place.

Once parked, we headed to the reception where a large sign gave directions to the U-pick and kiosk. At the reception, we were met by very friendly staff who provided us with a map of the farm and instructions on the vegetables ready to be harvested. Unfortunately, the tomatoes we were hoping to pick were not yet ripe, but we were informed that green peppers and onions were in full season.

After picking up our baskets, we walked towards the pepper fields. The field was vast, with endless rows of plants, all filled with bright green chillies. The children were delighted. Skander, always curious, immediately started picking the biggest ones he could find, while Yahya, more methodical, carefully selected the ones that seemed perfect to him.

At one point, Yahya noticed a small ladybug sitting on a chilli. He was fascinated by the little creature, and we took the time to observe it before letting it go on its way. This small moment of connection with nature reinforced the importance of what we were doing: not only were we harvesting food, but we were also part of a larger ecosystem.

The chilli harvest was a success. Our baskets were full in no time, and we took a short break to admire the scenery around us. The green of the fields contrasted beautifully with the blue of the sky, creating an almost idyllic scene. After we finished with the peppers, we decided to head to the onion field, right next door.

The onions were hidden under a thin layer of soil, which made harvesting them even more exciting for the kids. They had to dig a bit to dig them out, which added a treasure hunt aspect to the experience. The red and yellow onions we dug up were huge and smelled fresh, promising tasty meals to come.

After we finished picking, we headed to the farm stand. The interior was charming, with a wide variety of vegetables laid out on wooden stands. The colors were bright, and the smell of fresh vegetables filled the air. The deep purple eggplants were particularly eye-catching, as were the red onions that were already sold in bags ready to go.

We also met an employee, an elderly lady, who kindly advised us on the different ways to preserve our vegetables to keep them fresh. She explained that the chillies could be kept in the freezer for future use, a tip that we found very useful.

With our boxes full of chillies and onions neatly stored in the boot, we set off for home. The children, tired but happy, began to discuss what they were going to do with the vegetables. They already had ideas for recipes in mind, and the excitement of preparing a meal with what they had harvested themselves was palpable.

This day at Ferme Chez Mario was a true immersion into farming life, an experience that reminded us of the importance of nature and local production. For the children, it was a practical lesson in where our food comes from, and for us adults, a welcome break from the hectic city life.

I am confident that this farm will become a regular destination for us in the future. Not only did we bring home fresh and tasty produce, but we also created unforgettable memories as a family.

---

Best Regards,
@kouba01