Welcome to Harvest of the Month
Experience the Harvest of the Month self-guided online toolkit brought to you by the University of California San Diego Center for Community Health School Wellness. The online toolkit offers elementary school educators step-by-step instructions and materials to implement monthly nutrition education lessons in the classroom.
Harvest of the Month provides lessons and activities for students, families and the community to engage in hands-on opportunities to explore, taste, and learn about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and being active everyday.
Steps to Teach Harvest of the Month in the Classroom

Harvest of the Month Interactive Seasonal Calendar-San Diego County
Click on a fruit or vegetable to access the materials to conduct the five steps. San Diego’s seasonal produce helps communities maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
Fall (September, October, November)

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Dried Fruits - Resources
Video: Dates
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Dates
• See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
• See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Dates
Suggested Sample: Provide each student with 1 date.
• Place 1 date on a napkin and distribute to each student.
• Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Figs
• See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
• See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Figs
Suggested Sample: Provide each student with 1 fig.
• Cut off the stem of each fig.
• Place 1 fig on a napkin and distribute to each student.
• Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
Kinder Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
1st Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
2nd Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
3rd Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
4th Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
5th Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
6th Workbook_DriedFruit PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Dried Fruits PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Dried Fruits PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Dried Fruits (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Dried Fruits (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Dried Fruits (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Dried Fruits (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Dried Fruits (Russian) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Persimmon - Resources
Video: Persimmon
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Persimmons
• See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
• See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Pérsimos
Suggested Sample: Each persimmon provides about 12 slices. Provide each student with 1 slice.
• Wash the persimmons.
• Slice and remove the top stem and any leaves.
• Cut the persimmon in half, starting at the top stem and cutting to the bottom.
• Lay the flat half on the cutting board.
• Cut the half into 6 slices.
• Place 1 slice of persimmon on a napkin and distribute to each student.
• Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
NOTICE: If you have downloaded workbook lessons prior to April 26, 2018, please replace with the current versions due to a bit.ly link that is easily misread and leads to an inappropriate site.
Kinder_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
1st_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
2nd_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
3rd_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
4th_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
5th_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
6th_Workbook_Persimmon PDF
Persimmons_Video_LAUSD_1112 WMV
Educator Newsletter
Ed_News_Persimmon PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Persimmon PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Persimmon (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Persimmon (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Persimmon (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Persimmon (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Persimmon (Russian) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Grapes- Resources
Video: Grapes
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Grapes
• See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
• See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Uvas
Suggested Sample: Provide each student with 2 to 3 grapes.
• Remove any stems.
• Wash the grapes.
• Place 2 to 3 grapes on a napkin and distribute to each student.
• Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
Kinder_Workbook_Grapes PDF
1st_Workbook_Grapes PDF
2nd_Workbook_Grapes PDF
3rd_Workbook_Grapes PDF
4th_Workbook_Grapes PDF
5th_Workbook_Grapes PDF
6th_Workbook_Grapes PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Grapes PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Grapes (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Grapes (Spanish) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Peppers - Resources
Video: Bell Pepper
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Bell Pepper
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Bell Pepper
Suggested Sample: Each bell pepper will provide about 16 strips. Provide each student with 1 strip.
- Wash the peppers. Cut out the stem.
- Slice each pepper in half from top to bottom. Remove the inside ribs and seeds.
- Cut each pepper half into 8 equal strips.
- Place 1 strip of pepper on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
NOTICE: If you downloaded workbook lessons prior to April 26, 2018, please replace with the current versions due to a bit.ly link that is easily misread and leads to an inappropriate site.
Kinder_Workbook_Peppers PDF
1st_Workbook_Peppers PDF
2nd_Workbook_Peppers PDF
3rd_Workbook_Peppers PDF
4th_Workbook_Peppers PDF
5th_Workbook_Peppers PDF
6th_Workbook_Peppers PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Peppers PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Peppers PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Peppers (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Peppers (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Peppers (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Peppers (Hmong) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Tomatoes - Resources
Video: Tomatoes
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Cherry Tomato
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Cherry Tomato
Suggested Sample: Provide each student with 1 to 2 cherry tomatoes.
- Remove the stem.
- Wash the tomatos.
- Place 1 to 2 cherry tomatoes on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
Kinder_Workbook_Tomato PDF
1st_Workbook_Tomato PDF
2nd_Workbook_Tomato PDF
3rd_Workbook_Tomato PDF
4th_Workbook_Tomato PDF
5th_Workbook_Tomato PDF
6th_Workbook_Tomato PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Tomato PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Tomatoes PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Tomatoes (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Tomatoes (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Tomatoes (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Tomatoes (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Tomatoes (Russian) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Root Vegetables - Resources
Video: Carrots
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Carrots
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Baby Carrots
Suggested Sample: Provide each student with 1 baby carrot.
- Wash the baby carrots.
- Cut off the stem or excess roots.
- Place 1 baby carrot on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Jicama
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Jicama
Suggested Sample: Each jicama will provide about 20 sticks. Provide each student with 3 sticks.
- Wash and scrub each jicama.
- Use a knife or peeler to remove the outer skin. The outer skin can cause stomach aches if eaten.
- Cut each jicama in half.
- Place the flat part of the jicama on the cutting board. Slice the jicama lengthwise into long, thin pieces. Slice each piece again into long thin strips (like matchsticks).
- Place about 3 sticks on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
NOTICE: If you downloaded workbook lessons prior to April 26, 2018, please replace with the current versions due to a bit.ly link that is easily misread and leads to an inappropriate site.
Kinder_Workbook_RootVegetables PDF
1st_Workbook_RootVegetables PDF
2nd_Workbook_RootVegetables PDF
3rd_Workbook_RootVegetables PDF
4th Workbook_Carrot PDF
5th Workbook_Carrot PDF
6th Workbook_Carrot PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Root Vegetables PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Root Vegetables (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Root Vegetables (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Root Vegetables (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Root Vegetables (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Potatoes (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Potatoes (Russian) PDF
Family Newsletter: Sweet Potatoes (Hmong) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF
Winter (December, January, February)

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Beet - Resources
Video: Beets
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Beets
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Betabel
Suggested Sample: Each beet will provide about 10 slices. Provide each student with 1 slice.
- Wash and scrub the beets.
- Cut off the stem and any excess root.
- Use a knife or peeler to remove the outer skin.
- Set the flat part of the beet on the cutting board. Cut the half into about 5 slices. If the center slices are too large, cut them in half.
- Place 1 slice of beet on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
Kinder_Workbook_Beets PDF
1st_Workbook_Beets PDF
2nd_Workbook_Beets PDF
3rd_Workbook_Beets PDF
4th_Workbook_Beets PDF
5th_Workbook_Beets PDF
6th_Workbook_Beets PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Beets PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Beets PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Beets (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Beets (Spanish) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Apples - Resources
Video: Apples
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Apples
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Manzanas
Suggested Sample: Each apple will provide about 8 slices. Provide each student with 1 slice.
- Wash the apples.
- Cut each apple in half starting from the top stem and cutting to the bottom.
- Cut out the core with a knife.
- Lay the flat side of the apple half on the cutting board. Cut the apple half into 4 slices or wedges of equal size.
- Place 1 slice of apple on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
NOTICE: If you downloaded workbook lessons prior to April 26, 2018, please replace with the current versions due to a bit.ly link that is easily misread and leads to an inappropriate site.
Kinder_Workbook_Apples PDF
1st_Workbook_Apples PDF
2nd_Workbook_Apples PDF
3rd_Workbook_Apples PDF
4th Workbook_Apple PDF
5th Workbook_Apple PDF
6th Workbook_Apple PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Apples PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Apples PDF
Family Newsletter
Family Newsletter: Apples (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Apples (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Apples (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Apples (Hmong) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF

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Citrus - Resources
Video: Tangelos
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Oranges
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Naranjas
Suggested Sample: Each orange will provide about 8 slices. Provide each student with 1 slice.
- Wash the outer skins of the oranges.
- Cut off the top and bottom of the orange.
- Place the flat part of the orange on the cutting board and cut the orange in half from top to bottom.
- Cut each half into 4 slices.
- Place 1 slice of orange on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Taste Test Sample Prep Instructions: Tangerines
- See How do I obtain and prepare produce for taste tests?
- See How do I conduct taste tests in the classroom?
Tangerines
Suggested Sample: Each tangerine will provide about 8 slices. Provide each student with 1 slice.
- Wash the outer skin of the tangerines.
- Cut off the top and bottom of the tangerine.
- Place the flat part of the tangerine on the cutting board and cut the tangerine in half from top to bottom.
- Cut each half into 4 slices.
- Place 1 slice of tangerine on a napkin and distribute to each student.
- Instruct the students to wait to taste their sample until they are told to start tasting.
Rate the Taste
Kinder: Rate the Taste PDF
1st Grade: Rate the Taste PDF
2nd-3rd Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
4th-6th Grades: Rate the Taste PDF
Workbook Lessons
NOTICE: If you downloaded workbook lessons prior to April 26, 2018, please replace with the current versions due to a bit.ly link that is easily misread and leads to an inappropriate site.
Kinder_Workbook_Citrus PDF
1st_Workbook_Citrus PDF
2nd_Workbook_Citrus PDF
3rd_Workbook_Citrus PDF
4th Workbook_Orange PDF
5th Workbook_Orange PDF
6th Workbook_Orange PDF
Educator Newsletter
Educator Newsletter: Orange PDF
Educator Newsletter: Mandarins PDF
Energizer
Energizer: Citrus PDF
Family Newsletter: Oranges
Family Newsletter: Oranges (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Oranges (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Oranges (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Mandarins
Family Newsletter: Mandarins (English) PDF
Family Newsletter: Mandarins (Spanish) PDF
Family Newsletter: Mandarins (Chinese) PDF
Family Newsletter: Mandarins (Hmong) PDF
Family Newsletter: Mandarins (Russian) PDF
Recetas
Tasting Trio Teacher Booklet.All HOTM produce PDF
Get the Print Calendar

Download and print the full-color calendar.
Download (PDF)Acknowledgements
The Harvest of the Month seasonal calendar for San Diego County was developed by UC San Diego Center for Community Health with input from Community Health Improvement Partners Food Systems’ San Diego County Crop Availability Report and Escondido Union, San Ysidro, and Vista Unified School District Nutrition Services. The seasonal calendar allows the flexibility to procure fruits and vegetables from different sources, such as local farmers, school gardens or local businesses, to encourage monthly Harvest of the Month classroom taste-tests and lessons. The Harvest of the Month Calendar features six different fruits and vegetables each season. This is the third edition of the San Diego County Harvest of the Month calendar. The previous editions were developed with input from the San Diego region Farm to School Task Force and other Southern California health departments.