33 Thanks to our perpetual sunshine, Yuma exports over 91% of North America’s winter leafy greens, including lettuce, baby greens, kale and more. Summer crops include melons, wheat and Medjool dates — the quintessential crop that ushered in a new era for Yuma’s agricultural industry nearly a century ago. In 1927, Morocco's population of Medjool date palms was decimated by disease. Shoots and seedlings were imported to the American Southwest to save the crop. Today, date farmers in Yuma are the top producers worldwide, with over 15 million pounds of fruit grown, harvested and shipped around the world. Each winter, we celebrate the humble date with the Yuma Medjool Date Festival. With an abundance of date farm vendors, cooking demonstrations and community, this-much anticipated gathering is a locally loved way of kicking off the new year. Yuma’s date farms offer a compelling peek into the significance of our agricultural operation in the Sonoran Desert. You’re invited to discover the meticulous harvesting process while you treat your tastebuds to the sweet, sticky fruit that’s won hearts around the world. Martha’s Gardens Date Farm 928.726.8833 • MarthasGardens.com Date shakes, sandwiches, ice cream and an inviting patio surrounded by rows of date palms. Call ahead about farm tours. Reservations and admission fee required. Naked Dates Organic Medjools 888.374.2037 HealthyNakedDates.com Bistro and brewery with hearty lunch options and craft brewed Date Ale. Shop the farm store with handmade soaps, farm-fresh eggs and apparel. Call ahead to book walking tours for a small fee. Bring your travel companions — tours depart in groups of six. The Peanut Patch 928.726.6292 • ThePeanutPatch.com Homemade fudge, dried fruits, nuts and gifts plus free kitchen tours on select dates November through March. Save the Date(s) Discover date farms for tours, local sundries and date-infused delicacies: Date Palms Medjool Dates High Tanks Brewing at Naked Dates Dates are not only good in cookies and pies, they are simply awesome in smoothies, shakes and craft beer. Find seasonal Medjool date recipes at NaturalDelights.com
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