CARA CARA ORANGES

    Otow Orchard Satsuma mandarins are still selling by the bag and by the pound. These are juicy, sweet, flavorful and have a reputation for keeping winter colds away.

     In addition to Navel oranges from Pleasant Hill Farm, we also have Cara Cara oranges.  Pleasant Hill Farm harvested late in the season thus enhancing the flavor and sweetness of these oranges.  Cara cara oranges have an orange-red flesh and are tender, juicy and lower in acid than Navel oranges.

      We are now into the grapefruit tree. Pulling on these yellow globes to see if the tree is ready to release them.  Many of them are ready and pop into my hand. Our grapefruit are white or traditional yellow fleshed and very tasty.

      The lemons are still hanging on tight and are not ready for harvesting. When the tree releases them we will know they are ready. 

      If you are not a citrus fan you will be happy to know that the Kiwi made it through December and January without frost damage.  We are harvesting these now.

      Several grades of hoshigaki  are for sale at the farm stand, as well as those from other local producers ($24 to $31 per pound).  We do not have the usual excess we normally have after the drying season ends.

      Winter vegetables from BarleyOats Farm are coming in slowly due to weather and gopher activity.
Give us a call to find out about availability.
           
      The Ume (Japanese apricots) are ending their blooming stage.  The rest of the orchard is getting ready to burst open with color.  By the end of February the white plum blossoms may be finished and the pink peach and nectarine blossoms may be opening.  Call us for an update if you are coming to view the orchard blossoms. 

      At this time of year the trees are resting but the farmer is preparing for the coming season.  As weather permits we are pruning, preparing sites for planting new trees, and spreading decomposed horse manure. Old vegetable gardens are being taken out, vegetable seeds have arrived from the seed companies, and new beds are being planned.  We will soon be planting tiny seeds that will grow an amazing amount of food for the summer and fall.

     As we approach our slow season, be sure to check for modified hours on this page of our web site.  Each year is different and we cannot predict when it will start.

Official Statement: We have NO pick-your-own activities.

 May to February Hours:

Tu to Sat:   10 am to 6 pm

             Sun:     11 am to 5 pm

    Closed on Mondays

Here's what we have in the farm stand from Otow Orchard:
Hoshigaki, hand dried persimmons
Mandarins:  Satsuma and Clementine
Navel Oranges
Pecans: Shelled
Dried Figs
Calendula Salve and Lip Balm
Honey from Otow Orchard

This is what we have from other producers:
Navel oranges from Pleasant Hill Farm
Cara Cara oranges from Pleasant Hill Farm
Jams from The Good Stuff
Winter vegetables from BarlyOats Farm (When available)
Honey  from Top O' The Hill Apiary
Bee pollen from Top O' The Hill Apiary

WELCOME 2019

          Satsuma mandarins are the star of the season we are in now. At last we have harvested our own mandarin trees. Our crop is late but tasty. These mandarins are known for being easy to peel, juicy and sweet.  Most are seedless but I am not vouching for the chance that some may have gotten pollinated and formed seeds.  Coming soon will be navel oranges then lemons and grapefruit.

     As we celebrate the new year, we wonder what it will bring us.  As farmers we reflect on the previous year's production and always seem to have hope for a better crop in the coming year.  Last year's production of peaches, plums, and persimmons was disappointing. We had a small harvest and so we are looking forward to at least a normal crop.  But who knows what a normal crop means any more.  Along with hope, peace and kindness we hope for an easy water supply, adequate chill hours, a nice crop, good customers, and sunny days.

    The next week will bring us welcoming rain and add to the much needed snow pack.  When it is not raining we are pruning in the orchard. When it is about to rain we work on cleaning up the gardens and orchard.  

     Fuyu persimmons were very popular and their season is complete with the sale of the last one last week.  If you are a Fuyu fan start checking on them in October 2019.  We are still selling Maru persimmons.  These are the brown fleshed persimmons that are only sweet if pollinated.  They are getting softer and sweeter.

      Several grades of hoshigaki  are for sale at the farm stand, as well as those from other local producers ($24 to $31 per pound).  We do not have the usual excess we normally have at the beginning of January. 

     Although many of our trees are into their dormant season, winter vegetables from BarleyOats Farm are continuing to produce.  For best selections come by the farm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You can also make customized orders online by visiting barleyoats.farm

     As we approach our slow season, be sure to check for modified hours on this page of our web site.  Each year is different and we cannot predict when it will start.

Official Statement: We have NO pick-your-own activities.

 May to February Hours:

Tu to Sat:   10 am to 6 pm

             Sun:       11 am to 5 pm

    Closed on Mondays

Here's what we have in the farm stand from Otow Orchard:
Asian pears: Okusankichi
Apple:  Fuji, Granny Smith
Persimmons: Brown fleshed persimmons: Maru
Hoshigaki, hand dried persimmons
Quince: Ancient fruit, high in pectin
Mandarins
Pomegranates: Red pomegranates
Walnuts: shelled
Pecans: in the shell
Dried Figs
Calendula Salve and Lip Balm
Honey from Otow Orchard
Winter squash: Butternut

This is what we have from other producers:
Jams from The Good Stuff
Winter vegetables from BarlyOats Farm (When available)
Honey  from Top O' The Hill Apiary
Bee pollen from Top O' The Hill Apiary
2019 Master Gardener Calendar