Figs & Apples

We picked some of the first apples in the orchard and have some for sale at the fruit stand now. It seems that the recent week of hundred degree weather has ripened some apples earlier than usual.  The second crop of figs is now coming in, too. 

If you'd like to order Kelsey plums or Asian pears for dehydrating, please call ahead and let us know.  Kelsey plums and Asian pears make great fruits for dehydrating, because they dry sweet but not sticky and are healthy snacks. 

Here's what's at the fruit stand now:

• Apples--Northern Spy, Gala
• Peaches--O'Henry, Alberta, Faye Alberta, '49er (all yellow varieties)
• Plums--Casselman, Kelsey, Elephant Heart, El Dorado, Late Duarte
• Pluots--Dapple Dandy
• Asian Pear--Hosui, 20th Century, New Century
• European Pear--Bartlett
• Figs--Black Mission and Brown Turkey
• Tomatoes--various sizes of red tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, paste tomatoes
• Vegetables--Summer squash and zucchini, cucumber, eggplant, Chinese long beans, Swiss chard, large red & white onions
• Herbs--Basil, oregano, mint (cut if you ask)
• Honey--from bees at our orchard
• Beeswax candles--handmade 100% beeswax from the orchard
• The Art of Real Food Cookbook--by Joanne Neft and Laura Kenney

Fay, Nashi, & Kelsey

"Peaches are ripe, use a box"--choosing peaches at the Fruit Stand. Kelsey plums are in the front.

Some of the first two early varieties of Asian pear (nashi)  were picked this week and are now at the fruit stand.    Both are small, round and juicy though one is yellow and the other is brown.  Asian pears are sometimes called "apple pears" because they're crisp like an apple rather than soft like European pears. The orchard has many varieties of Asian pears that ripen from now through December. 

Fay Elberta peaches have been picked, too.  Fay Elbertas are juicy, sweet and flavorful yellow peaches that feel smooth and melty in your mouth.  They're good for eating fresh or for canning or jam. 

Another new addition to the fruit stand is Kelsey Plums.  Kelseys are large green plums that are firm, sweet and tart.  They become softer and sweeter as they change from green to yellow to pinkish, although you can eat them at any of their stages of color.

Sierra Foothills Producers Cooperative

The Sierra Foothills Producers Cooperative will make their August delivery at our orchard on Friday, Aug. 17th.  Orders must be received online by Friday, Aug 10th.  Through the Producers Cooperative you can order locally  and naturally raised beef, lamb, chicken,  and other local products such as eggs, cheese, honey, olive oil, jam, sauces and  produce. The name has recently been changed from the "Meat Buyers Club" since so many other local products are available too. If the Otow Orchard delivery isn't a convenient place or time, there are also deliveries in Auburn, Penryn, Truckee and Kings Beach.