Gilstrap Truck Farm is a family-owned business that specializes in growing fresh fruits and vegetables. Located in the heart of a small town, the farm has become a popular destination for families and food enthusiasts alike. With a commitment to using sustainable farming practices, Gilstrap Truck Farm offers its customers the freshest produce possible while supporting the local community. From juicy peaches to crisp apples, visitors can expect to find a wide variety of seasonal offerings, all harvested at the peak of ripeness. Whether you’re looking to stock up on pantry staples or simply enjoy a leisurely day out with family and friends, Gilstrap Truck Farm has something for everyone.
History of Gilstrap Truck Farm
Gilstrap Truck Farm has been a well-known agricultural gem in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina since the early 1900s. The farm is situated in Anderson County, near the small town of Pendleton, and is owned and operated by the Gilstrap family.
The Gilbert Homestead
The farm is built on land that was once the homestead of the Gilbert family. The Gilberts were some of the first settlers in the area, and they farmed the land for generations. In the early 1900s, the Gilbert family decided to sell the property to the Gilstraps.
Transition to a Truck Farm
Until the 1960s, Gilstrap Farm was primarily a dairy farm, but the family decided to switch to truck farming, which meant they began growing fruits and vegetables for commercial sale. The farm’s proximity to Greenville and Anderson made it an ideal location for a truck farm, and it wasn’t long before Gilstrap Truck Farm became a local institution.
The Farm’s Sustainable Practices
Gilstrap Truck Farm has always been committed to sustainable practices, long before it became a buzzword. The farm employs crop rotation, uses cover crops, and practices integrated pest management to minimize the use of chemicals. They also use drip irrigation to conserve water and prevent soil erosion.
Produce Offered by Gilstrap Truck Farm
Gilstrap Truck Farm sells a wide variety of produce throughout the year. In the spring, they offer strawberries and asparagus, followed by squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes in the summer. Fall sees the arrival of pumpkins and a variety of winter squash, while winter brings collards, turnips, and other leafy greens.
The Farm’s Farm-to-Table Connection
Gilstrap Truck Farm has a strong connection with the local farm-to-table movement. They have built relationships with numerous chefs in the Greenville and Anderson areas, and many of their products can be found on the menus of some of the best restaurants in the region.
The Farm’s Community Involvement
Gilstrap Truck Farm understands the importance of giving back to the community. They frequently donate produce to local food pantries and participate in events that benefit the community, such as farmers markets and charity fundraisers.
The Farm’s Agritourism Activities
Gilstrap Truck Farm welcomes visitors to the farm, with a range of agritourism activities to explore. They offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes in the fall, as well as tours of the farm that highlight the sustainable practices used to grow their crops.
The Farm’s Educational Opportunities
Gilstrap Truck Farm is committed to educating the next generation of farmers about sustainable agriculture practices. They offer internships to college students studying agriculture, and they also host field trips for local schools, providing hands-on learning opportunities for children.
Experience Gilstrap Truck Farm Today
If you’re in the Anderson or Greenville area, a visit to Gilstrap Truck Farm is a must. With its commitment to sustainable practices, involvement in the local community, and range of agritourism activities, the farm is a shining example of what it means to be a successful, family-owned business.
Gilstrap Truck Farm: A Brief History
Gilstrap Truck Farm has been a staple of the Greer, South Carolina area for over 60 years. Founded in 1955 by Roy Gilstrap, the farm has been providing fresh and local produce to the community ever since. Initially, the farm consisted of just 20 acres of land that was used to grow crops such as corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers. However, the farm has since expanded to over 200 acres and now produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
The Benefits of Buying Local from Gilstrap Truck Farm
Buying local produce has become increasingly popular as people become more interested in the quality and sustainability of their food sources. There are numerous benefits to buying local produce from Gilstrap Truck Farm, including:
1. Fresher produce
2. Better taste and flavor
3. Supporting the local community
4. Reducing carbon footprint
5. Knowing where your food comes from
6. Promoting sustainable agriculture
7. Better for the environment
8. Eating seasonally
9. Supporting small business
10. Encouraging food education
What’s in Season at Gilstrap Truck Farm
One of the great things about shopping at Gilstrap Truck Farm is that the produce available changes with the seasons. In the spring, you can expect to find crops such as strawberries, asparagus, and lettuce. Summer brings tomatoes, corn, and melons. In the fall, you’ll find pumpkins, squash, and apples. And in the winter, you’ll find collard greens, kale, and other hearty greens.
The Best Produce to Buy at Gilstrap Truck Farm
With so many options available at Gilstrap Truck Farm, it can be hard to know what to buy. Some of the best produce to look out for includes:
1. Sweet corn
2. Tomatoes
3. Peaches
4. Strawberries
5. Blueberries
6. Watermelon
7. Honeydew melon
8. Squash
9. Cucumbers
10. Bell peppers
The Future of Gilstrap Truck Farm
As Gilstrap Truck Farm continues to grow and expand, the future looks bright. The farm is committed to continuing to provide fresh and local produce to the Greer community for years to come. They are also dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and educating people about the benefits of buying local. With a loyal customer base and a commitment to quality, Gilstrap Truck Farm is sure to continue to be a staple of the Greer community for years to come.
Visiting Gilstrap Truck Farm
Gilstrap Truck Farm is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm. They are closed on Sundays. The farm is located at 257 Gwinn Mill Rd in Fountain Inn, SC. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of fresh produce, as well as friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Recipes Using Gilstrap Truck Farm Produce
If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration using fresh produce from Gilstrap Truck Farm, look no further. Some great recipes to try include:
1. Fresh salsa using tomatoes, peppers, and onions
2. Grilled peaches with honey and cinnamon
3. Blueberry pancakes
4. Caprese salad using fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella
5. Summer squash casserole
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture at Gilstrap Truck Farm
One of the main goals of Gilstrap Truck Farm is to promote sustainable agriculture. This means that they prioritize environmentally friendly practices that support soil health and biodiversity. Some of the sustainable practices they use include:
1. Crop rotation
2. Cover cropping
3. Composting
4. Integrated pest management
5. Reduced tillage
6. Water conservation
7. Organic farming techniques
The Importance of Supporting Local Farms like Gilstrap Truck Farm
Supporting local farms like Gilstrap Truck Farm is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it stimulate the local economy, but it also helps preserve farmland and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, buying local produce ensures that you are getting the freshest and most nutritious produce available.
Becoming a Member of the Gilstrap Truck Farm CSA
For those who are interested in supporting Gilstrap Truck Farm on a more consistent basis, becoming a member of their CSA program is a great option. CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, allows members to receive a weekly share of fresh produce from the farm. This not only supports the farm financially, but also ensures that members have access to the freshest and most nutritious produce available.
Products at Gilstrap Truck Farm
Gilstrap Truck Farm is a well-known farm located in the town of Blairsville, Georgia. The farm has been in existence for over 70 years and has become a popular destination for tourists visiting Georgia. The Gilstrap Truck Farm specializes in a variety of fresh produce and products, including fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, and much more.
Fruits and Vegetables
Gilstrap Truck Farm is best known for its fresh fruits and vegetables. The farm grows a variety of crops, including apples, peaches, tomatoes, corn, squash, green beans, and much more. Visitors can purchase these fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm’s market right after they are harvested.
Jams and Jellies
Apart from fresh fruits and vegetables, the farm is known for its homemade jams and jellies. The products are made using fresh fruits right from the farm. Some of the most popular jams and jellies available at the farm include strawberry jam, blueberry jam, and peach preserves.
Honey and Syrups
Gilstrap Truck Farm also produces its honey and syrups. The farm has beehives located throughout its orchards to ensure that the products are pure and natural. The honey and syrups are available for purchase at the farm’s market.
Bakery Products
The bakery at Gilstrap Truck Farm is famous for its delicious homemade pies, cakes, and bread. The bakery uses fresh ingredients from the farm to make these products. Visitors can buy bakery products directly from the farm’s market.
Flower and Plants
Gilstrap Truck Farm also specializes in growing and selling a wide variety of flowers and plants. The farm has greenhouses where they grow different plants all year round. Visitors can buy different flowers, including sunflowers, roses, and daisies, and plants like basil, thyme, and oregano from the farm’s market.
| Products | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | A variety of fresh produce, including apples, peaches, tomatoes, corn, squash, green beans, and much more. |
| Jams and Jellies | Homemade jams and jellies made from fresh fruits right from the farm. |
| Honey and Syrups | Pure and natural honey and syrups made from beehives located throughout the farm’s orchards. |
| Bakery Products | Delicious homemade pies, cakes, and bread made from fresh ingredients from the farm. |
| Flower and Plants | A wide variety of flowers and plants, including sunflowers, roses, and daisies, and plants like basil, thyme, and oregano. |
With such a wide variety of fresh produce and products, Gilstrap Truck Farm is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves fresh food. The farm’s location in Blairsville, Georgia, makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. So head over to the farm today and experience the freshest produce you’ll ever taste!
Homemade Pies
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Thank you for visiting Gilstrap Truck Farm!
We hope you have enjoyed learning about our family-owned farm and the fresh produce we offer. Our love for farming has been passed down through generations and we take pride in providing our community with high-quality fruits and vegetables. We welcome you to visit us again soon to experience the taste of farm-fresh goodness. Don’t forget to bring your family and friends along for the ride!