Green Tokri - An Amazing Farm Tour

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored/promotional post. The views expressed here are my own.

Perhaps everyone of us living in Pune must have come across Green Tokri products in the market. As a family, we particularly love their salad leaves, basil pesto, tomato pesto, pasta sauce and strawberry jam. But after this farm tour, we have had the chance to come up close and personal with the farm itself and some of their other products that are absolutely lip smacking! Most importantly, we now know the source of these products and the kind of love and dedication that goes behind producing the same.

Green Tokri is a farm in the outskirts of Pune where all kinds of exotic vegetables like salad leaves, celery, fennel...you name it, are grown. Having been planning from a long time, we finally had a weekend date set for a farm tour, that we are all so looking forward to.

We needed to reach the farm ideally by 9:30 am, the tour begins at 10:00 am. From Kondhwa, we climbed the Bopdev ghat and onwards, following Google Maps all the way. You will be sent directions, once you book the tour. It did seem like the farm is in the middle of nowhere but we kept driving. Of course, it would have been helpful if there were some sign boards from the main road for visitors to follow. Anyway, once we reached (armed with caps, sun glasses, sunscreen etc), we were welcomed with a cool, refreshing strawberry drink. The Farm Manager, Mr. Khan (or 'K' as he liked to be called) began explaining the different types of salad leaves and herbs grown there. I didn't even know so many varieties of salad leaves even existed! K prepared a salad for all of us to taste which was lip smacking! Don't believe me? You've got to taste it to believe it! And then we went ahead with our tour.
                                   

Types of Salad Leaves

First stop, the Greenhouse. This is where cucumbers, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes grow in a controlled environment. Mr. K meticulously explained the process of cultivating, irrigating and pest control for the plants. Children were encouraged to pick cherry tomatoes to take home. 

The Greenhouse

There were a number of fruit trees outside the greenhouse. Among them were avocados. They grow a few varieties of avocados, we could see some up on the trees. We then headed towards the section where the salad leaves had taken over the landscape. These leaves are grown in open spaces throughout the year, irrespective of the season. The medley of colors of the leaves was beautiful. We were allowed to pick lettuce to take home. They have strawberries and during the season. Visitors can pick them too.

The next stop was the Nursery where K gave us a glimpse of  little salad leaves saplings and other vegetable saplings. He also explained how meticulously his workers work each day to ensure timely plantation. The children were then taken to plant a sapling each, while the adults shopped for some of the fresh produce available like celery, spinach, kale etc.

Exotic veggies for sale

It was around one in the afternoon by then and we were famished. Lunch was to be served in a different place. We were taken to a farm house in a tractor, yes you read it right, a tractor! The ride was fun, needless to say. Arriving at the farmhouse, our lunch was laid out and ready. What a scrumptious spread indeed! They had bread, Green Tokri dips, pickles, fruits and much more. As we were gorging on the deliciousness, K, ever so sweetly, prepared pasta for all of us with different combinations like pasta with basil pesto, with mayonnaise etc. We had our fill to the maximum! To think that you could actually feel full eating salad and veggies...well, it is something you should go visit and experience for yourself!

A small part of the scrumptious lunch!

After lunch, we were given two free gifts (Green Tokri products) for each ticket. Besides the gifts, we also purchased some of their other goodies too.

Green Tokri products for sale

The crowd then headed towards the playground area in the farm house which kept the kids busy, as we parents relaxed. It was around 3 at noon when we finally bid adieu to the lovely place and an amazing experience. Mr. K and his wife, Eliza were perfect hosts!

It is a unique experience, to visit a farm especially for children. In my opinion, Green Tokri is a revolutionary venture. They introduce exotic vegetables to our Indian homes and also encourage us to include a proper salad to our daily diet. Do try out Green Tokri products, especially their pickles. I honestly believe, the pickles have the power to transform a salad from dull to delicious! The products are tasty and healthy at the same time. All in all, highly recommended products and a highly recommended trip!

If you are interested in booking a farm tour, click here.

Visit their website here.