{"id":259,"date":"2023-11-27T12:10:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T04:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanfarmingshanghai.com\/?p=259"},"modified":"2023-12-03T18:37:17","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T10:37:17","slug":"community-project-farm-to-table-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanfarmingshanghai.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/27\/community-project-farm-to-table-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Farm to table experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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During our Urban Farming class, we dove into the fascinating world of growing food in the city. It’s about more than just planting seeds in limited spaces; it\u2019s a journey into understanding what makes food nutritious and how it brings people closer in urban settings. This kind of farming might not fix all the food challenges in big cities, but it certainly opens our eyes to the importance of healthy eating and builds a strong sense of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our team came up with the idea of harvesting fresh vegetables from our rooftop garden and cooking them for everyone to enjoy. Our goal was clear and simple \u2013 to foster a stronger community bond, to deepen our connection with the food we eat, and to savor the small, joyful moments that enhance our overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On November 10th, we all gathered in the rooftop garden. There, we shared stories about each plant \u2013 how they started as tiny seeds and grew with our care and attention. We discussed every step \u2013 seeding, mulching, setting up the right watering systems, and the daily care these plants needed. It was a learning experience for everyone, especially for our group of eight enthusiastic participants who had joined us via an online sign-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our harvest was a vibrant collection of fresh produce. Plump eggplants, bright red tomatoes, crunchy green onions, and spicy radishes. To add to our bounty, we had purchased fresh produce from a friendly local farm in Shanghai called Biofarm, a farm that the Urban Farming course had visited on a field trip to learn about organic ways of growing food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We then moved to the 4th floor, where Magnolia House awaited us. It was here that our makeshift kitchen came to life. The group split into dynamic teams, each buzzing with anticipation and joy. They huddled around their tables, scouting out the vegetables available and going back and forth, building on each other\u2019s ideas of what could be cooked with the vegetables on the table. The tasks were varied and engaging \u2013 some washed the vegetables, ensuring they were clean and ready, while others fetched essential ingredients like soy sauce from the cafeteria. Meanwhile, a few took charge of the cooking stations, ready to transform these fresh ingredients into delicious dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As the cooking continued, the aroma of our dishes wafted through Magnolia House, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers and friendly faces from the community. They were intrigued and delighted to see us turning our rooftop harvest into a feast. It was heartwarming to see their reactions and to share our home-grown food with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The different dishes that were created were colorful and varied.. Even though we had provided possible recipes participants could follow, the teams decided to get experimental which resulted in combinations such as sugar sprinkled on chopped up radishes for desert, and a salad made with radish, lettuce and tomatoes amongst other vegetables.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our event turned out to be a resounding success. It was a beautiful blend of gardening, cooking, and dining, all in one harmonious flow. This experience was enjoyable for everyone involved, as it showcased the full journey of food \u2013 from a tiny seed in the soil to a delightful meal on the plate. What makes urban farming so unique, particularly in a university setting, is its ability to foster experimentation and bring together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It’s a celebration of unity, learning, and the simple joys of growing and sharing food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watch the Reel made by University Communications:
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