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.
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
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