If you’re road-tripping along I-8 near Yuma, Arizona, there’s one stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss—Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm. This family-owned farm is home to some of the freshest, most flavorful Medjool dates you’ll ever taste, and their date shakes? Let’s just say they’re dangerously delicious. Whether you’re an RV traveler looking for a unique local stop or just a fan of nature’s candy, Martha’s Gardens is a sweet detour worth making. We’ve visited more than once—and every time, we leave wishing we lived closer.
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Why Martha’s Gardens is a Must-Stop in Yuma
If you’re cruising along I-8 near Yuma, Arizona, do yourself a favor and stop at Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm. Whether you’ve never tried a Medjool date or you’re a long-time fan, this place is something special.
We’ve sampled plenty of dates and date shakes during our travels, and this spot tops our list. The dates are fresh, moist, naturally sweet (but not cloying), and packed with flavor. And the date shakes? Oh. My. Goodness. They’re cold, creamy, and taste like something you should feel guilty about… except dates are healthy, right? So drink up!
We’ve tried all the flavors—regular, chocolate, and peanut butter. While each one is decadent in its own way, we keep going back to the classic. The others are just a little too rich for our tastes (though still worth a try if you’re into dessert-level indulgence).
Medjool Date Fun Facts
A visit to Martha’s Gardens is more than a pit stop—it’s a sweet education. Here are some cool facts about Medjool dates:
- Originally from Morocco, these dates were once reserved for royalty.
- They’re about 2½ times larger than common dates but still have a small pit.
- Five Medjool dates contain more potassium than a banana. (Perfect for banana-haters like me!)
- Known as “nature’s candy”, they’re incredibly sweet but naturally so.
- One of the earliest cultivated fruits—they even show up on walls in ancient Egyptian tombs.
Shelf life:
- Room temp: ~1 month
- Fridge: ~6 months
- Freezer: Over a year
- But honestly, good luck not eating them all within a week.
Surprisingly, they’re low on the Glycemic Index, making them a better choice for those watching blood sugar spikes.
The Story Behind Martha’s Gardens
Martha’s Gardens was founded in 1990 by Nels and Martha Rogers, who planted 300 Medjool date palm offshoots. Fast forward to today: they now have over 8,000 palms spanning 100+ acres. Their first harvest came in 1999, and in our humble opinion, they’ve been producing the best Medjool dates in Yuma ever since.
What to Expect When You Visit
- Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Just off I-8, a short drive from Yuma
- What to Try:
- Fresh Medjool dates (of course)
- Date shakes – regular, chocolate, or peanut butter
- A small café offering salads, sandwiches, and hot dogs
Bonus: Take the Farm Tour
They offer a guided farm tour, but you’ll need to book in advance. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work for us during our visit, but it’s on our list for next time. We hear it’s a great way to learn about date farming from tree to table.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just passing through or spending some time exploring Yuma, Arizona, don’t miss out on Martha’s Gardens. The date shakes are some of the best we’ve ever had, and the farm itself is a peaceful, welcoming spot.
Got a favorite place for a date shake? Or have you visited Martha’s Gardens yourself? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your recommendations and stories!
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