What to Know
- Irvine; Reservations are required ($20 per person)
- There will be berries to pick during the U-Pick Wagon Rides on Jan. 8
- The produce offerings on the U-Pick Wagon Tours can and does change, so consult the Tanaka Farms site before you go
The baked goods that festoon the start of a young year can run the gateau-glorious gamut, with Three Kings Cakes, and all of their jewel-like candied fruits and nuts, and glitter-glam goodies, the sort of sparkly sweets we eat on New Year's Eve, catching both our eye and appetite.
And, of course, all of the yummy mid-winter offerings, from SnoBall-inspired snacks to richer fare, like Red Velvet.
But for fruit fans, it will always be about a confection that captures our fancy as winter winds down and bright red berries appear on the shelves of the store's produce aisle.
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It's the shortcake we speak of, and true Southern California shortcakeans, either those who love to make it or those who love to eat it, keep a watch on regional growers, to see when the good stuff will start sprouting.
Well, here's a springful sign: Tanaka Farms will have strawberry picking on its U-Pick Wagon Rides on Saturday, Jan. 8.
Spaces? They're limited (which is no surprise). Reservations? They're required. Tickets? They're $20 each, and tours leave at specific times (you can find all the information here).
But wait: There is always something delicious happening with the destination's U-Pick Wagon Rides, and though the produce offerings may change, the quality remains.
In addition to strawberries on Jan. 8? You can also gather radishes, for those zingy year-starting salads and healthy dips.
Remember, do make your reservation before heading for Irvine, and check back on the Tanaka Farms site, to see the other outdoor activities, U-Pick Tours, and seasonal happenings that are coming up as the weather grows brighter.
