FRUIT TREES IN BLOOM

 We often think of March 20th as the first day of spring.  Flowers everywhere and green grass.  Here at Otow Orchard, spring is already happening.  The blossoms of plums and pluots are falling on  the ground and light green leaflets are taking their place.  The pink blossoms of peaches and nectarines are blooming now.  They paint the trees with a swath of delicate pastel blooms.  I was delighted to see miniature Galaxy doughnut peaches and Blenheim apricots on the trees.

Now that we are getting fewer rain days, we have resumed pruning the rain sensitive trees:  peach, plum, nectarine and pluot.  We are clearing places to plant new trees. Digging holes and bringing compost to the holes.  Next we have to decide what to plant where. Currently we have a few bear root trees available:  peach, plum and apple.

The vegetables are getting a good start.  The hot house is  protecting tender tomato, pepper, eggplant, broccolini and lettuce plants. Several rows of vegetables are coming up in the garden. I see arugula, komatsuna, radishes, turnips, beets, and sugar snap peas. We are hoping some of these will be ready for sale in April. 

SLOW SEASON HOURS 

February to mid May:

Tues, Wed, and Thurs:  11:30 am to 1:30 pm

 Fri and Sat:  10 am to 6 pm

 Sunday                   CLOSED

 Monday                 CLOSED

 

You may request an appointment if you need a different time We will try to accommodate. Call my mobile phone and LEAVE A MESSAGE.  (916) 300-0720.

Here is what we have at the Farm Stand from Otow Orchard.

Hoshigaki :  These are whole dried persimmons.  They are hand massaged while they dry over a period of four to eight weeks.  Some are firm, others are soft and moist.  All are coated with naturally formed white persimmon sugar.  No sugar added and no preservatives used. We strive to make the best hoshigaki without any shortcuts.  This takes time and attention during the drying season.  We are currently selling hoshigaki at the farm stand. For on farm orders of more than 1 pound it is best to email or call us to make a pre order.  For mail orders please use our 2025  mail order form.    

Hoshigaki strips:  Thin slices of hoshigaki for snacking.

Persimmon Pulp: Frozen pulp is available for baking or adding to oatmeal, smoothies, desserts or cereal. Some of our customers look forward to eating it like a popsicle!

 

CITRUS

Navel Oranges:   Sweet and juicy with traditional orange flavor.  

Yellow Grapefruit:  Our yellow grapefruit are small but mighty in flavor. Sweet and juicy.

 

Kiwi:  Green fleshed Kiwi from our vines.  The fuzzy fruit. Now getting soft and sweet with a tangy background.

Local Honey  Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard. Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard is also available.

⚘ Calendula  Salve and Lip Balm:  Wonderfully thick salve for healing dry skin, bug bites and scrapes.   

Here is what we have from other producers:

Lupi Farm in Granite Bay, No spray.

Meyer Lemons:   These sought after lemons are less acidic than regular lemons. They have a thin peel often used for its fragrant zest.  Meyer are rounder than regular lemons with a dark yellow skin.

La Bella Vito Farm in Loomis might bring us fresh🥚 eggs from pastured 🐔🐔chickens.   Currently no supply. 

The California Persimmon:  A book published by the ANR covering history and background of persimmons. Contains many new and traditional persimmon recipes.