Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm

Sis. Imani & Ras Obadiah
 

I am an August baby so I definitely love the heat of summer.  However, I absolutely love the beauty and the energy that autumn brings.  Last Sunday, I took my usual stroll, entering Prospect Park through the Parkside Ave. entrance taking our son, Sage to the Imagination Playground.  On the way there I was intrigued by an African American flag flying near a haystack showcasing painted pumpkins.

 

 

Sage began to squeal with delight, pointing frantically and yelling, “Apoo!” letting me know that there were apples in sight.  As we approached the farm stand, Sage grabbed an apple and took a bite.  So much for washing, peeling and cutting the fruit.  The couple at the stand gave a warm smile and handed him another, “apoo.” The lovely couple, Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani bring farm fresh, organic produce to Prospect Park.  They travel directly from Vermont every Sunday morning through November.  Their harvest includes seasonal squash, potatoes, string beans, root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, carrots and a seasonal mélange of other hearty crops.   Ras Obadiah engaged us in great conversation sharing the history behind his, Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.

 

 

 

Some 30 years ago, Ras Obadiah left the concrete jungle of New York City for the verdant forests of Vermont.  Despite its urban splendor, Ras Obadiah explained the urge that he felt to leave New York and experience the sustainability of farming.  His passion for understanding the rich cultural history of the African American plantation experience brought him to the notable Daisy Jessica Turner’s homestead in Grafton, Vermont.  The daughter of former slaves, Daisy JessicaTurner was a storyteller and civil rights activist who kept her family story alive through oral tradition.  Ras Obadiah had the privilege of learning how to farm under her instruction.  He was Turner’s agricultural apprentice until she passed away at the glorious age of 104.

Whether it is to puree food for your baby or feed your whole family, farm fresh foods are about as good as it gets these days in the urban jungle.  With last week’s $10 stock of apples I made two apple pies, 2 jars of apple sauce, apple pancakes and apple cinnamon oatmeal.  I will be headed later for, “A Grass Roots Connection to the Organic Revolution,” to see what Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani have in store.  It’s worth a trip to Brooklyn to enjoy the day.  Enter at the Parkside Avenue entrance to Prospect Park and, African Zion Organic Roots Farm, is planted next to the Drummers Grove.  Bring the family, enjoy the drumming, get your produce, visit the playground, and stroll through the foliage.  I will see you at Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.  (Sundays  12pm-8pm now through November 2013)

For more information:

afrikanzion@gmail.com         H: (802)896-3443 or C: (802)579-0579

Check out more about Brooklyn’s CSAs (Community SupportedAgriculture)