Gluten Free Jersey Girl: Welcome to Shangri La Farm: Heaven on Earth

One of the most important lessons we can teach our children about nutrition is to understand and appreciate where our food originates. It might sound silly but it brings me joy that my kids know that olives and apples grow on trees, watermelon and pumpkins on vines, eggs come from chickens, and cheese from cows, goats, and sheep. It makes me happy that my children love to grow and pick the strawberries and cucumbers in Grandma's garden and devour their harvest before they make it back inside. Sometimes, over dinner, my husband and I will make a game out of quizzing the kids on the origins of the various foods on our plate. This is fairly easy when you cook and prepare foods that are whole, unprocessed, and in their natural state. However, try this same quiz over a bag of Doritoes and it might be a little more difficult.

One of the great tragedies of the standard American diet today is that most of the food (which is not really "food" in my opinion) is so denatured, processed, and far removed from its original state, that we have no idea where it comes from and most of the time cannot even pronounce the ingredients. These processed foods are made in laboratories and factories, mostly comprised of chemicals, preservatives, and other harmful additives. Contrast this to food grown on local, organic farms that can literally be plucked directly from the earth and go right to our mouths for instant nourishment and enjoyment.

By shopping local farms, you can get quality, organic food at a fraction of the cost that you would pay in a supermarket, more nutritious produce (supermarket produce often has travelled long distances and time, which causes it to lose much to all of its nutritional value), and most importantly, you have the opportunity to support your local farmers and economy. What could be better?

Today the kids and I had the unique pleasure of visiting a local, organic farm for an authentic, hands-on lesson about food growing and sustainable living. Shangri La Farm in Howell, NJ is owned and operated by Elaine Taylor and Rick Pier. On their website, the farm's mission is outlined: "We want to live a sustainable life. Grow and share nutritious food for ourselves and others. Keep livestock in a healthy and humane way. Offer others the opportunity to learn a sustainable lifestyle by educational programs and hands on training."

I stumbled upon Shangri La Farm after a friend gave me the tip about a local farm that sells delicious, organic, free-range eggs. Because I am always looking to support the local farmers, I decided to drive out with the kids to check it out. When we pulled up, the barking of some of the family dogs signaled our arrival, and Elaine came out to greet us with a smile. After purchasing a few dozen eggs from her, she quickly offered to show us around. The kids, of course, were elated, and while it was rather impromptu, I was excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at farm life too.

As we walked the grounds, Elaine pointed out the various crops and explained the different harvest seasons to us. We got to see the gorgeous horses (Molly was my favorite!), goats, roosters, and rabbits. The kids got a kick out of the fact that all the animals ate carrots out of the farmer's hand. My three year-old giggled and said, "We eat carrots too, right, Mom?" And when we came across the yard where the chickens were free-roaming, my son was quick to remark that the eggs we had just purchased came from those same "happy chickens." Very cool if you ask me.

At one point we were among the gardens, and the kids noticed and commented on the broccoli that was growing. Elaine reached down, clipped a few small heads, and gave them to the kids to try. Without hesitation, Tyler took a big bite (yes, my kids like raw broccoli) and declared that it was "so good!"

On the way back to the car, Elaine and I had a chance to chat some more. She told me how she makes different teas and other products by hand, and how she even created an all-natural insect repellant that is now sold in Whole Foods! We also talked about the importance of sustainable living and supporting local farmers. I told her that from now on, I will be buying my eggs from her.

It was truly a wonderful experience to be able to provide my children with a real glimpse of the day-to-day workings of a local, organic farm, and I have a feeling that our trip to Shangri La Farm is going to be the highlight of their week.

For more information about Shangri La Farm or to contact Elaine, go to shangrilafarmllc.com. Shangri La Farm is also at the Asbury Park Farmer's Market on Thursdays from 4-7PM. To purchase organic, free-range eggs or other produce, stop by the farm at 1055 Maxim Southard Road in Howell, or catch Elaine at the farmer's market. Be sure to tell her Gluten Free Jersey Girl sent ya!