Sumida Farm

I'm going to preface this review by sharing that I'm not a huge fan of watercress. At least, I wasn't. After visiting Sumida Farm and tasting different watercress dishes, I can see myself picking up some watercress from the grocery store.For so many years, I've passed the beautiful green area along Kamehameha Highway in front of Pearlridge and next to Starbucks and thought what a breath of fresh air, compared to everything else in the area along Kam Highway.I was very fortunate to be a part of an exclusive tour of Sumida Farm. They do not do this regularly and it is not open to the general public. We got to meet Mr. David Sumida, the 3rd generation owner of the family-owned business graced us with his presence and gave a brief history lesson about their farm. His parents moved from Japan and began growing watercress. Fast forward to today, many developers have offered millions of dollars for the land in hopes of developing it into something else. Bravo to the Sumida Family for standing their ground and hanging onto the precious, watercress-bearing land that has fed Hawaii for years.We got to walk along the watercress field and even dip our feet in the cool water. Being there was so serene, and being down in the field, I almost forgot that we were surrounded by Kam Highway and Pearlridge Center.We were treated to a special lunch by a chef who whipped up recipes that contained watercress and let me tell you, some of the dishes didn't even taste like it contained watercress even if it was one of the main ingredients. The lunch gave us many new ideas on how to incorporate watercress into our meals. I have a whole new appreciation for this vegetable and for the beautiful farm along Kam Highway.

Sumida Farm is not just good at their job, they're outstanding in their field...of watercress! Today I had the pleasure of taking a tour on their watercress farm! Did you know that we used to have dozens of watercress farms on island? Now there's just 2 farms left on Oahu. I've learnt that it takes about 6-8 weeks, till the watercress grows back. They call it "seasonal crops" with longer summers, and less cool nights in the summer. You're looking at a 30-40% production from July-January (depending on the weather). With a dozen of pure springs where the water flows, is what watercress needs to survive, along with sun, and not too much humidity. Here, you'll also find lots of fish, crayfish, and birds in this environment. You'll also notice the sprinkler system, which is a pest deterrent system, pulling from the spring water (fully sustainable). It was a totally beautiful (and hot) day today! Thank you Sumida Farms for the warm hospitality!

Sumida Farm has been called "the most unexpected farm in all of Hawaii," literally miles from other agricultural land and in the heart of the urban corridor. The farm is a tiny green oasis between massive Pearlridge Mall and busy Kamehameha Highway. This family farm has existed since 1928 and remains in existence today through sheer determination and hard work.Sumida Farm is part of Kalauao Ahipua'a ("Kalauao" means "abundant clouds" in Hawaiian http://kalauao.betterperson.net/about_website.html). Many years ago, the Aiea area was divided into seven ahupua'a (land subdivisions). The area nearest Pearl Harbor was marshland and contained many desirable resources, such as natural springs for kalo and fishponds; the harbor had shellfish.The battle of Kuki'iahu, a conflict between the chief of Kaua'i, Ka'eo, and the chief of O'ahu, Kalanikupule, was over this land. In late 1794, a great battle occurred on the site that is today Sumida Farm. It was then that Ka'eo and his forces were ambushed by Kalanikupule with the help of the British Navy.Aiea changed drastically by the 1900's, when much of the land was converted to sugar plantations. The marshlands that were once kalo lo'i were diminished to the small area where Sumida Farm now sits. Areas surrounding Kalauao springs are now covered over with concrete buildings and roadways.Sumida Farm is currently the largest watercress farm both in size and productivity in Hawaii, producing fully half of the state's crop. Current owner David Sumida indicated that the farm produces five tons of watercress per week yet cannot meet demand. David speaks of his farm with pride, stating that they have received international recognition for the quality of their produce.Sumida Farm not only supplies Hawai'i with delicious, nutritious watercress, it also represents a connection to our rich Hawaiian history during a time when people would live close to the land. The farm honors this heritage with its sustainable practices, innovation, and efficiency. The farm demonstrates the value of preserving agricultural land within the city and inspires us to better stewardship of our land. To learn more about Sumida Farm, watch "Roots in Water," a PBS video production at http://video.pbs.org/video/1487905974/.Yelp 365 Challenge #130/365

Sumida Farm has been doing what they do for as long as they've been doing it, cuz that's just how they do. Their product is delicious, and always fresh, but their real accomplishment is keeping their little spring-fed patch of green, well, actually green this whole time. In fact, until searching for their address to do this review, I had no idea that the watercress farm's stalwart objection to being uprooted was the reason for the monorail that connects the two separate phases of Pearlridge Center. What a win for the little guy!Here's a cool video with even more reasons why Sumida Farm rules so hard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzAE1kTAVM

Sumida Farm is magical... The natural spring waters that feed the farm tastes so sweet... The waters are so clear... You can feel the energy in the water...the mana... I especially like that this is a very humble family business...no pretentious commercialism here! The Sumidas are so fortunate.....and I hope their farm keeps going from generation to generation!!!

I only buy Sumida brand watercress. Always taste sweet. Other brands tend to be bitter