Tuesday, December 28, 2021

HERE COMES 2022 AND HOSHIGAKI UPDATE

          2022 will soon be here. I am looking forward to another good year of seasonal fruit. These days we cannot count on the weather to bring expected seasonal conditions. Weather and other events are challenging and sometimes unexpected. Fruit and vegetables live and grow in the outdoors so they are more sensitive to any changes however minor.

 

           Unusual and even amazing this season is that we are still selling Fuyu persimmons, courtesy of our warmer fall weather. Persimmons often begin to soften when there is cool weather down in the 40 degrees. This did not happen till after Thanksgiving. The Fuyu we are selling are not as crisp as earlier. They are getting sweeter and more peach-like in texture.

           The hoshigaki process is still going on. In a couple weeks the process of making hoshigaki will be finished for the 2021 season. We will likely have extra that could be purchased and ordered. For hoshigaki that will be picked up at the farm stand, it is best if you call if you need more than a pound. If you want hoshigaki shipped to you, use the 2021 mail order form.  Hoshigaki orders are about filled and it looks like we have enough to continue taking orders. Although our family has been making hoshigaki for almost a century, I don't recall any history about persimmons plopping off the sepal as they were drying. We were alarmed to see this happen and stopped accepting new orders until we were assured that there would be product to sell. Sorry to have so many customers on hold. Every year is a new challenge. 

 

        Out in the orchard we finished picking the last of the mandarins. Not in time to save them from rain damage. I have many boxes of mandarins with light brown spots on them created by the rain sitting on the skin. Often the damage is only in the skin and the flesh is undamaged or only the section under the damaged skin is damaged. The rest of the mandarin is good. We often eat these ourselves. Better yet is squeezing them to make juice. It is so tasty, delicious and good for you. These mandarins have a lot of juice packed in them. In the next week or two you will be able to get these mandarins at a heavy discount. 

 

         Lupi Farm is a no spray farm in Granite Bay.  They are bringing us Meyer Lemons.  These lemons are less tart than regular lemons, with floral fragrance and bright taste.   Great for adding to your water or tea. Can also be used in salad dressings and sauces.

 

 

HOURS:

 Tues. through Sat. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

 Sunday 11 am to 5 pm 

 Closed on Mondays

 

 

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

Brown Asian Pears: Okusankichi. These pears are mildly sweet, juicy, and crisp. They are good keepers. 

Apples:  🍎 Fuji  (limited supply)

Quince: Yellow fruit in the pear/apple family. Seldom eaten raw. It can be baked like apples or sauced like apples. High in pectin, they are often used for jelly and Dulce de Membrillo (Quince candy). Naturally sour but full of aroma and flavor, can be added to stews.

Pink Pomegranates: These light skinned, Ambrosia, pomegranates have sweet pink arils.

Red Pomegranates: These pomegranates have dark red arils that are sweet and tangy. A brilliant taste. 

Persimmons:

Hachiya : These persimmons must be very soft to be enjoyed. They are sweet and succulent. They can be eaten out of hand, added to cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. These are used in baking cookies, breads, and puddings. 

Chocolate Persimmons: Maru, and Nagamaru (tsurunoko, chocolate),  are brown fleshed persimmons that can be eaten hard or softening. If they are successfully pollinated in the spring they will turn brown fleshed and sweet. These are getting soft and sweeter.

Fuyu: These popular yellow fleshed persimmons are always sweet. Normally enjoyed when they are hard and firm. This late in the year they are getting softer and sweeter.

Vodka Persimmons: These are brown or orange fleshed persimmons treated with Vodka to insure sweetness. Also getting softer and sweeter.

Hoshigaki: Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface. These were hand massaged and dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks. 

Winter squash:  Black Futsu and Kabocha. (Limited supply.)

Pecans

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard. Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

⚘ Calendula Salve and Lip Balm 

 

Here is what we have from other producers:

Pleasant Hill Farm in Lincoln: Satsuma Mandarins 

Lupi Farm in Granite Bay: No spray Meyer Lemons, known for flavor and fragrance.

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey🍯. Top of the Hill Apiary also has bees wax 🐝. 

Two Feather Farm: πŸ”πŸ₯š Eggs. (Extremely limited supply. As the days lengthen, we will begin to see egg production go up. The height of production is usually March, April and May.)

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Fig Brandy, Pepper Pomegranate, Chili Blackberry and Quince Marmalade.


 

Monday, December 6, 2021

GIFT IDEAS

       Quickly the gift giving season will be upon us. We have a few things that might please someone on your gift list. We have honey from our orchard as well as honey and beeswax from a neighboring apiary. The jams we carry are made by "The Good Stuff" using fruit from our orchard. The interesting flavors are Best Plum Jam, Chili Apricot, Peach Cardamon, Fig Orange Brandy, Chili Blackberry, Quince Marmalade, and Pepper Pomegranate. For those looking for ways to use persimmoins we have 2 cookbooks available. We have a limited supply of Calendula Salve and Lip Balm. New to our offerings is Luffa Soap. These bars of soap are great for the clean exfoliating feel. They come in several fragrances of essential oils: Lavendar, Eucalyptus, Citrus, and Cucumber Melon. Also on our shelf is the 2022 Master Gardener Calendar and Planting Guide. 

       We are getting a supply of Satsuma mandarins from Pleasant Hill Farm in Lincoln, a conventional farm. Ours take a little longer to mature. They will soon be ready. 


 

      HOSHIGAKI UPDATE: The process seems to be slow this year. We have stopped promising to fill new orders until we know we can fill the existing pre orders. There are still many hoshigaki hanging on the racks that have not been fully processed. We should know in a couple weeks what quality they will be. 

       Persimmons are still dominating the Farm Stand shelves. 

HOURS:

 Tues. through Sat. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

 Sunday 11 am to 5 pm 

 Closed on Mondays 

 

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

Brown Asian Pears: Okusankichi. These pears are mildly sweet, juicy, and crisp. They are good keepers. 

Apples: 🍏 Granny Smith, 🍎 Fuji, and 🍎Pink Lady 

Quince: Yellow fruit in the pear/apple family. Seldom eaten raw. It can be baked like apples or sauced like apples. High in pectin, they are often used for jelly and Dulce de Membrillo (Quince candy). Naturally sour but full of aroma and flavor, can be added to stews.

White Pomegranates: These light skinned pomegranates have sweet pink arils.

Red Pomegranates: These pomegranates have dark red arils that are sweet and tangy. A brilliant taste. 

Persimmons:

Hachiya and Gyombo : These persimmons must be very soft to be enjoyed. They are sweet and succulent. They can be eaten out of hand, added to cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. These are used in baking cookies, breads, and puddings. 

Chocolate Persimmons: Maru, Nagamaru (tsurunoko, chocolate), and Hyakume are brown fleshed persimmons that can be eaten hard or softening. If they are successfully pollinated in the spring they will turn brown fleshed and sweet.

Fuyu: These popular yellow fleshed persimmons are always sweet. Normally enjoyed when they are hard and firm. 

Vodka Persimmons: These are brown or orange fleshed persimmons treated with Vodka to insure sweetness. 

Hoshigaki: Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface. These were hand massaged and dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks. 

Winter squash: Butternut, Black Futsu and Kabocha. 

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard. Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

⚘ Calendula Salve and Lip Balm 

Here is what we have from other producers: 

Sunnyslope Farm: Granny Smith Apples 

Pleasant Hill Farm in Lincoln: Satsuma Mandarins 

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey. Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝. 

Two Feather Farm: πŸ”πŸ₯š Eggs. Egg production is slowing down. 

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Fig Brandy, Pepper Pomegranate, Chili Blackberry and Quince Marmalade.

Royal Oaks Farm: Luffa Soap: Hand made and great for scrubbing and exfoliating your skin. Lavendar, Citrus, Eucalyptus, and Cucumber Melon fragrances.

Saturday, November 20, 2021

NOVEMBER 20, 2021: HOSHIGAKI UPDATE

It is proving to be a very challenging hoshigaki season. The early ones dried well but are small. Many peeled after the heavy rains dropped off their calyx. Lack of personel is another blow. We can no longer promise Otow Orchard Hoshigaki. We are no longer taking new orders. We will try very hard to fill existing orders and requests. As in times past, we may need to ask people to modify their orders. We will know more as the season progresses.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

WIND AND RAIN

Fall weather  is definitely here.  Leaves suddenly changed from green to brilliant orange.  With the predicted wind rain and cool temps the leaves will quickly fall away.  Over the weekend, people enjoyed walking in the orchard.

      We are so thankful for the wet weather.  The earth  is so thirsty.  As a result of the rain we have many split pomegranates, and Hachiya  persimmons. The Fuyu persimmons are starting to show black lines, and the apples are cracking.  We are on high alert to prevent mold on the hoshigaki. Nonetheless we are thankful for the moisture.  Such is the challenge of farming. 

      With the cooler weather the summer vegetables have disappeared.  We are only harvesting a few winter squash.  Also WoodRose Country Garden has finished for now.

       In the foothills mandarins are coloring and early ones are being harvested.  We are getting a supply of mandarins from Pleasant Hill Farm in Lincoln, a conventional farm.

HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Brown Asian Pears: Shinko,  Okusankichi, and Olympic.  These pears are sweet, juicy, and crisp

European pear: 🍐Comice

Apples:  🍏 Granny Smith, 🍎 Fuji, and 🍎Pink Lady

Quince: Yellow fruit in the pear/apple family.  Seldom eaten raw.  It can be baked like apples or sauced like apples. High in pectin, they are often used for jelly and Dulce de Membrillo (Quince candy).  Naturally sour but full of aroma and flavor, can be added to stews.

White Pomegranates:  These light skinned pomegranates have sweet pink arils.

Red Pomegranates:  These pomegranates have dark red arils that  are sweet and tangy. A brilliant taste.     

A bird enjoyed this one.

Persimmons:

Hachiya and Gyombo :   These persimmons must be very soft to be enjoyed.  They are sweet and succulent.  They can be eaten out of hand, added to cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. These are used in baking  cookies, breads, and puddings. 

Chocolate Persimmons:  Maru, Nagamaru (tsurunoko, chocolate), and Hyakume arebrown fleshed persimmons that can be eaten hard or softening.  If they are successfully pollinated in the spring they will turn brown fleshed and sweet.

Fuyu:  These popular yellow fleshed persimmons are always sweet.  Normally enjoyed when they are hard and firm.

Vodka Persimmons:  These are brown or orange fleshed persimmons treated with Vodka to insure sweetness. 



Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Vegetables:    Limited supply of: Summer squash, chilies, and tomatillos.  Winter squash: Butternut, Black Futsu and Kabocha.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

Sunnyslope Farm:  Granny Smith Apples

Pleasant Hill Farm in Lincoln: Satsuma Mandarins

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝.

Two Feather Farm:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down. 

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Fig Brandy, Pepper Pomegranate, and Quince Marmalade.

Royal Oaks Farm:  Luffa Soap:  Hand made and great for scrubbing and exfoliating your skin. Lavendar, eucalyptus, and cucumber melon fragrances.

 

Sunday, October 10, 2021

TIME TO ORDER HOSHIGAKI


We are starting the 2021 drying process for hoshigaki, hand dried persimmons. People are beginning to reserve hoshigaki. Mail order customers can go to our mail order form and follow directions. Customers wishing to pick up their orders at the farm should either email us at otoworchard@yahoo.com or give us a call at (916) 791-1656 during business hours.

The process begins with peeling the unripe persimmon then hanging it in the sun so it can dry on the outside and begin to ripen on the inside. After a few days they will be ripe enough for the first kneading.  During the kneading we try to break up the pulp inside. For the next few weeks we will occasionally knead them to keep them soft. As the moisture evaporates the white sugars begin to appear on the surface. As they dry we have to monitor them more carefully  so they don't get overly dry and hard.  This seems to happen more often than I would like to admit. 

 Persimmons are just starting  but there are so many other fruits available:  apples, Asian pears, Bartlett pears, quince, jujube,  plums, and white pomegranates. We are still getting some vegetables from our summer gardens.

HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Cassselman: Yellow fleshed, sweet and flavorful.

Asian Pears:  Yellow: Yali.  Brown: Shinko.and Olympic.  These pears are sweet, juicy, and crisp

European pear: 🍐Bartlett

Apples: 🍏Reinette Simerenko , 🍎 Fuji and Granny Smith

Jujube:  Li:  Small brown or yellow fruit with apple like texture.  They are sweet and easy to eat. Some eat them hard and crisp others wait for them to get shriveled and chewy.

Quince: Yellow fruit in the pear/apple family.  Seldom eaten raw.  It can be baked like apples or sauced like apples. High in pectin, they are often used for jelly and Dulce de Membrillo (Quince candy).  Naturally sour but full of aroma and flavor, can be added to stews.

White Pomegranates:  These light skinned pomegranates have sweet pink arils.

Persimmons:  Early season persimmons are coming into the farm stand:

Hachiya:  These persimmons must be very soft to be enjoyed.  They are sweet and succulent.  They can be eaten out of hand, added to cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. These are used in baking  cookies, breads, and puddings. 

Chocolate Persimmons:  Maru, Nagamaru (tsurunoko, chocolate), and Coffee Cake.  These brown fleshed persimmons are can be eaten hard or softening.  If they are successfully pollinated in the spring they will get brown fleshed and sweet.

Fuyu:  These popular yellow fleshed persimmons are always sweet.  Normally enjoyed when they are hard and firm.

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Vegetables:    Limited supply of: Summer squash, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, chilies,  Asian eggplants, Italian eggplants, and tomatillos.  Winter squash: Butternut, Red Kuri, Black Futsu and Kabocha.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay:  Anaheim chiles,🌢 jalapenos,  green beans, salad geens, eggplant, snow peas, bell peppers, white onions, basil, 🌿rosemary, oregano, and thyme.

Sunnyslope Farm: Fuji Apples 🍏 and Mutsu Apples (Crispin)

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝.

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down. 

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, and Quince Marmalade.

Monday, September 20, 2021

PERSIMMONS ARE COMING

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As farmers, we had  to be outdoors during the Caldor fire.  We "masked up" for a week.  At this time the smoke has thankfully travelled to other regions.

Now we are moving from summer to fall produce.  Gone are the figs, peaches and cucumbers. They are being replaced by apples, pears, Asian pears, and persimmons.


The vegetable gardens are hanging on with okra, eggplant, squash and chilies.  I took this photo of the squash plant, not for the squash but so you can see the toad that found a cozy place to rest.  The garden toads provide insect control. I am thankful for their presence.


SPECIAL HOURS

Please note that Sept 24 to Sept 28 we have modified hours.

Fri Sept 24    10am to 4pm

Sat Sept 25   10am to 4pm

Sun Sept 26     CLOSED

Mon Sept 27     Closed

Tues Sept 28  10am to 4pm.

Regular hours resume Wed. Sept 29.  Please plan for these hours so you are not disappointed. 😞


       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to contact us for a discussion of the possibilities.



 
HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Elephant Heart:  Red Fleshed plums

Eldorado:  Yellow fleshed plums that are sweet when eaten firm

Cassselman: Yellow fleshed, sweet and flavorful.

Grapes:  Kyoho, Red Purlett, Thompson seedless.

Asian Pears:  Yellow: Yali.  Brown: Yoi and Shinko.These pears are sweet, juicy, and crisp

European pears: D'Anjou, Bartlett

Apples: Red Delicious

Jujube:  Li:  Small brown or yellow fruit with apple like texture.  They are sweet and easy to eat. Some eat them hard and crisp others wait for them to get shriveled and chewy.

Quince: Yellow fruit in the pear/apple family.  Seldom eaten raw.  It can be baked like apples or sauced like apples. High in pectin, they are often used for jelly and Dulce de membrillo (Quince candy).  Naturally sour but full of aroma and flavor.

White Pomegranates:  These light skinned pomegranates have sweet pink ariels.

Persimmons:  Early season persimmons are coming into the farm stand. Perhaps not as full flavored as later harvested fruit. We have soft and hard Hachiya and brown fleshed Maru, Nagamaru, and Coffee Cake persimmons.  Sorry, no Fuyu persimmons yet.

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Vegetables:    Summer squash, long beans, okra, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, chilies,  Asian eggplants, Italian eggplants, tomatillos, and Garlic.  Winter squash: Kabocha and Delicata

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay:  Anaheim chiles, jalapenos, πŸ…, San Marzano paste tomatoes, beans, eggplant, bell peppers, white onions, basil, 🌿rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Leafy greens are starting to show up for salads.

Sunnyslope Farm: Apples:  Fuji and Golden delicious

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝.

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down. 

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Quince Marmalade.

Monday, August 30, 2021

FALL RUNNING INTO SUMMER


 

It has been a hot summer. We are not quite to fall but the crops think that it is fall. It seems that the hot weather has pushed everything forward. Our farm stand still has peaches, plums. tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, but we are also featuring apples, Asian pears, grapes and winter squash.

Out in the orchard there is still another variety of peaches to harvest. We are waiting for them to turn from green to orange and red. Also we are starting to see some orange color on some of the persimmons. 

 

MODIFIED HOURS SEPT 24 TO SEPT 29 ONLY.

FRIDAY               SEPT 24         10AM TO 4 PM

SATURDAY         SEPT 25         10 AM TO 4 PM

SUNDAY             SEPT 26            CLOSED

MONDAY            SEPT 27            CLOSED

TUESDAY           SEPT 28         10 AM TO 4 PM

WEDNESDAY     SEPT 29         10AM  TO 4 PM

       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to contact us for a discussion of the possibilities.



 
HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Yellow Freestone πŸ‘ Peaches:  O'Henry,  Rio Oso Gem,

Cling Peaches:   Volunteer

Kelsey plums:  These are plums with green skin but amazingly sweet.

Laroda plums:  Dark skinned plums can be enjoyed firm or when getting soft. Great flavor and juicy.

Elephant Heart:  Red Fleshed plums

Eldorado:  Yellow fleshed plums that are sweet when eaten firm

Cassselman: Fresh, crisp texture, sweet and good flavor.

Empress: Sweet European plum.  Sometimes used for baking.

Grapes:  Kyoho, Red Purlett, Thompson seedless.

Asian Pears:  Yellow: 20th Century (Nijuseki), New Century (Shinseki).  Brown: Hosui, Yoi These pears are sweet, juicy, and crisp

European pears: D'Anjou

Figs:  Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Panache.

Apples:  Gala,  Red Delicious

Jujube:  Sugar Cane(limited supply)

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Vegetables:    Asian cucumbers, Lemon cucumbers, summer squash, long beans, okra, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, chilies, shishito peppers, Asian eggplants, Italian eggplants, tomatillos, and Garlic.  Winter squash: Kabocha and Delicata

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: Melons, πŸ₯— zucchini, Anaheim chiles, jalapenos, πŸ…, San Marzano paste tomatoes, beans, eggplant, bell peppers, white onions, garlic, basil, 🌿rosemary, oregano, and thyme.

Sunnyslope Farm: Yellow freestone peaches:  O'Henry

Lupi Farm: Black Mission Figs

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝.

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down.  The hens think it is getting too warm.  🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, Chili Blackberry, and Quince Marmalade.

Monday, July 26, 2021

HEAT OF THE SUMMER

We are hoping for moderate summer days and cool nights. Rain might impact the peach crop but nonetheless  would be welcome for the thirsty earth.

       We are currently selling white peaches, yellow peaches, cling peaches, nectarines, grapes and several varieties of plums.  Many vegetables are also available.  There are tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, sauce tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, sweet peppers, hot peppers, eggplant, basil, herbs, okra, beans, onions and garlic.


I am updating this blog entry but not changing the pictures.  See the listing below for addition of new products: figs, Asian pears, apples, grapes.





      Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to contact us for a discussion of the possibilities.



 
HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Yellow Freestone πŸ‘ Peaches:  49er, Fay Elberta, Rio Oso Gem,
Gene Elberta,

White Freeestone Peaches: Paradise, Opale. Sweet, juicy, white freestone peaches.

Cling Peaches:   Bowen

Nectarines: Fantasia (limited supply)

Santa Rosa plums:  These plums are known for their amazing flavor and fragrance.  They are sweet tart and as the season goes on they become red fleshed, juicy and sweet.

Burgundy plums: Firm, dark skinned, and red fleshed. Very little tartness  in the skin. They are sweet and tasty.

Frontier plums:  When they show give to pressure they will be sweet, juicy and red fleshed.

Kelsey plums:  These are plums with green skin but amazingly sweet.

Laroda plums:  Dark skinned plums can be enjoyed firm or when getting soft. Great flavor and juicy.

Cassie Plums:  A firm, yellow fleshed plum that sparkles when you bite into it.

Dapple Dandy Pluot: Molted pink skin with sweet juicy flesh.

Flavorqueen Pluot:  Yellow flesh and sweet. (limited supply)

Grapes:  Kyoho, Red Purlett, Thompson seedless.

Asian Pears:  Yellow: 20th Century (Nijuseki), New Century (Shinseki).  Brown: Hosui .  These pears are sweet, juicy, and crisp.

Figs:  Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Penache.

Apples:  Gala, Gravenstein (limited supply).

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Vegetables:    Asian cucumbers, Lemon cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers,  summer squash, long beans, okra, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, chilies, shishito peppers, Asian eggplants

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: πŸ₯— zucchini, Anaheim chiles, jalapenos, tomatoes πŸ…, San Marzano paste tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, bell peppers, white onions, basil, 🌿rosemary, oregano, and thyme.

Sunnyslope Farm: Yellow freestone peaches: Elbertas

Sunnyslope Farm:  Gala Apples

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  Bulk Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down.  The hens think it is getting too warm.  🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, Chili Blackberry, and Quince Marmalade.



Thursday, July 8, 2021

JULY PRODUCE

       Hot summer days are hurrying the season along.  Peach varieties seem to be ripening more quickly than in the past. Don't delay or you may miss out this year. Vine ripened Tomatoes  are starting to pour into our farm stand.  These tomatoes are sweet, juicy, flavorful and have a sturdy texture.

       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to contact us for a discussion of the possibilities.



 
HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

πŸ‘ Peaches:  Flavorcrest, Red Haven, Regina, PF 11, June Pride. These are yellow freestone peaches. 

White Peaches: Sugar Lady, Nectar, Silver Logan.  Sweet, juicy, white freestone peaches.

Santa Rosa plums:  These plums are known for their amazing flavor and fragrance.  They are sweet tart and as the season goes on they become red fleshed, juicy and sweet.

Burgundy plums: Firm, dark skinned, and red fleshed. Very little tartness  in the skin. They are sweet and tasty.

Frontier plums:  When they show give to pressure they will be sweet, juicy and red fleshed.

Satsuma plums:  As they ripen they become red fleshed and sweet.  As they soften the interior takes on the appearance of jelly.

Pluots:  Dapple Dandy

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Eureka Lemons: deep yellow skin and tart juicy flesh.  πŸ‹ Best  lemons to bring out the brightness desired in  lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Valencia Oranges:  Juicing oranges, also good for just peeling and eating.

Vegetables:    Asian cucumbers, Lemon cucumbers, summer squash, long beans, okra, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes,

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: πŸ₯— zucchini, crookneck squash, Anaheim chiles, jalapenos, tomatoes πŸ…, San Marzano paste tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, white onions, basil, 🌿rosemary, Greek oregano, and thyme, cantalope,and garlic.  She will be adding more to her offerings this summer.

Sunnyslope Farm: Yellow freestone peaches:  Flavorcrest and June Pride.

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Comb honey  can be used in tea, coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, fruit salads and on toast or bagels.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝, and Honey.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  This Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down.  The hens think it is getting too warm.  🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum, Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Chili Blackberry.

Monday, June 21, 2021

GET READY FOR PEACHES

Our early peach varieties are finished.  There is a little break in our peach harvest.  By the end of June we will be harvesting middle season peaches: Flavorcrest, Red Haven, and Regina.  We hope to have white peaches after the fourth of July.

      Meanwhile Santa Rosa plums are starting to ripen.  With them come a delicious fragrance in our fruit stand on harvest days. Santa Rosas have tartness in their skin that is overwhelmed by its flavor, fragrance and sweetness. There is a reason this one of the most popular heirloom varieties.  These red plums start off with amber flesh, and as they mature the skin turns dark purple and the flesh becomes redder, all the while developing more juicy flavor and sweetness.

     Now and then we will have the breba crop of figs.  This is a small early crop of figs.  Both the black mission and brown turkey varieties are coming into the farm stand.  If you miss out on these early figs, they will be back at the end of July for their second crop of the summer.

      This is a good year for apricots on our orchard.  There is both Royal Blenheim and Patterson apricots. Both are good for eating, baking and making jam.

A future tractor driver.
       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to call us for a discussion of the possibilities.

Peaches are great!


 

HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

πŸ‘ Peaches:  Flavorcrest, Red Haven, Regina. These are yellow freestone peaches.

Apricots:  Royal Blenheim apricots are an heirloom variety known for their great sweet tart flavor.  Patterson apricots have a delicate sweet flavor and hold their color and shape when cooking.  

Santa Rosa plums:  These plums are known for their amazing flavor and fragrance.  They are sweet tart and as the season goes on they become red fleshed, juicy and sweet

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Loquat:  These small orange fruit are sweet with peach-like texture.

Eureka Lemons: deep yellow skin and tart juicy flesh.  πŸ‹ Best  lemons to bring out the brightness desired in  lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Valencia Oranges:  Juicing oranges, also good for just peeling and eating.

Vegetables:    Asian cucumbers, Summer squash.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: πŸ₯— zucchini, crookneck squash, cabbage, Anaheim chiles, tomatoes πŸ…, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, potatoes, white onions, basil, 🌿rosemary, Greek oregano, and thyme.  She will be adding more to her offerings this summer.

Sunnyslope Farm: Yellow freestone Flavorcrest peaches

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Comb honey  can be used in tea, coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, fruit salads and on toast or bagels.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝, and Honey.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  This Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down.  The hens think it is getting too warm.  🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Chili Blackberry.

 


 

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

EARLY SEASON PEACHES

       Early season peaches are starting.  We have a small offering of Springcrest, Junecrest and Maycrest peaches.  Sunnyslope Farm is bringing us Bon Jour.  These are all yellow freestone varieties.  They are all smaller in size and a little stubborn to release from the pit.  Their sweetness and flavor are mild.  But hey, its a real peach.  Great peaches will soon be here, don't miss out.

       The vegetable department is happy to welcome WoodRose Country Garden.  These products are locally grown in Granite Bay using organic practices.  Currently she is supplying us with cabbage, squash, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, potatoes, white onions, chilies, basil, rosemary, Greek oregano, and thyme.  She will be adding more to her offerings this summer.

       Mulberries are slowing down and are usually only available by pre ordering. 

       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hot weather makes shipping Hoshigaki through mail order a bit risky.  For mail order, it's best to call us for a discussion of the possibilities.

       REMINDER:  We will be closed on Saturday June 12 for a wedding reception. Please plan around this date.  We will be open Friday and Sunday with our normal hours.

HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

πŸ‘ early season peaches:  Springcrest, Maycrest, Junecrest

Royal Blenheim apricots:  small but mighty in flavor. (limited supply)

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Loquat:  These small orange fruit are sweet with peach-like texture.

Eureka Lemons: deep yellow skin and tart juicy flesh.  πŸ‹ Best  lemons to bring out the brightness desired in  lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Valencia Oranges:  Juicing oranges, also good for just peeling and eating.

Pakistani Mulberries: Long, dark, juicy and sweet. Often only available through preorders.

Red Beaut plums:  red skin with yellow flesh.

Flavorrosa pluots: dark skin with red flesh.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: πŸ₯— zucchini, crookneck squash, cabbage, Anaheim chiles, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, potatoes, white onions, basil, rosemary, Greek oregano, and thyme.  She will be adding more to her offerings this summer.

Sunnyslope Farm: Yellow freestone Bon Jour peaches

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Comb honey  can be used in tea, coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, fruit salads and on toast or bagels.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝, and Honey.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  This Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is slowing down.  The hens think it is getting too warm.  🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum (Santa Rosa), Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Chili Blackberry.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

REGULAR HOURS

      A few fruit are starting to get some color.  Our farm stand is starting to expand its display.  And it is time to move back to our regular hours. 

Tuesday through Saturday        10am to 6pm

                            Sunday           11am to 5pm

                            CLOSED  ON  MONDAYS

      Please take note: we will be closed on Saturday June 12 for a wedding reception.    Please plan around this date. 



      Robada apricots and Spring Rose white peaches are just giving us a tease. At this point we are picking them firm to avoid bird damage.  We suggest people leave them on the counter for a day or three before eating.

      Mulberries are slowing down and are usually only available by pre ordering.  

      WoodRose Country Garden keeps surprising us. We are now getting snow peas, Anaheim chilies, zucchini, spring onions, cabbage, basil, and amazing Greek oregano.

       A few people are busy processing and preparing our ume, Japanese sour plums. Although our ume sold out, I am continuing to sell ume produced on a local conventional farm.

       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hoshigaki is also available thru mail order.  Use the 2020 mail order form to get ordering information.


HOURS:

Tues. through Sat.      10:00  am to 6:00 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


        Please take note: we will be closed on Saturday June 12 for a wedding reception.    Please plan around this date.  

 

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

Spring Rose :  πŸ‘ early season white peach 

Robada:  early season apricot

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Loquat:  These small orange fruit are sweet with peach-like texture.

Eureka Lemons: deep yellow skin and tart juicy flesh.  πŸ‹ Best  lemons to bring out the brightness desired in  lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Valencia Oranges:  Juicing oranges, also good for just peeling and eating.

Pakistani Mulberries: Long, dark, juicy and sweet.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: πŸ₯— basil, Greek oregano, zucchini, cabbage, snow peas, Anaheim chiles, and spring onions.

Sunnyslope Farm:  Ume, Japanese sour plums.

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Comb honey  can be used in tea, coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, fruit salads and on toast or bagels.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝, and Honey.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  This Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is up.  The hens are well rested and are happy with warmer weather and longer days. 🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum (Santa Rosa), Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Chili Blackberry.

 


 

Friday, May 14, 2021

MULBERRIES

       The mulberry trees are quite happy this year.  They are producing a nice crop at the moment. Our Pakistani mulberries are a long, dark, sweet and juicy fruit that grow on a trees.  These berries are so delicate that they are difficult to market through a middle man, for the best berries you have to come to the source.  I recommend people call ahead to reserve mulberries for the day they will be picking them up.




       We are starting to harvest ume, Japanese sour plums. Please call (916) 791-1656 or email:  otoworchard@yahoo.com to order or for questions.  See the entry below for April 7, 2021 for more detail and mail order instructions.

Salted Ume drying in the shade.

       Hoshigaki, dried persimmons, are available in the farm stand.  On warm days you may need to ask for them.  We have to keep them in a cool place so they don't melt.  Hoshigaki is also available thru mail order.  Use the 2020 mail order form to get ordering information.

      WoodRose Country Garden is bringing us lettuce, cabbage, snow peas and spring onions.

      Most trees are showing a good crop.  Loquat, peach, plum, and apricot are on the horizon.  But not yet. Please be patient.

      We are hosting a family wedding reception on Saturday June 12, 2021.  The Farm Stand WILL BE CLOSED.  Please plan around that date so the family can more fully participate in this event.

      Our hours have continued to be abbreviated.  As we begin to offer more product we will increase our hours.

SLOW SEASON HOURS:

Tues, Wed, and Thurs      11:30  am to 1:30 pm
 
Friday and Saturday        10 am to 6 pm           
 
          Sunday         11 am to 5 pm

Closed on Mondays


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

Hoshigaki:  Tender and moist dried persimmons with naturally formed dusting of fruit sugars on the surface.  These were hand massaged and  dried slowly for 4 to 8 weeks.

Eureka Lemons: deep yellow skin and tart juicy flesh.  πŸ‹ Best  lemons to bring out the brightness desired in  lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Valencia Oranges:  Juicing oranges, also good for just peeling and eating.

Pakistani Mulberries: Long, dark, juicy and sweet.

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard.

Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

Calendula Lip Balm


Here is what we have from other producers:

WoodRose Country Garden in Granite Bay: Fresh πŸ₯— Romaine Lettuce, Red Romaine, Red Leaf Lettuce, basil, Greek oregano, cabbage, snow peas, and spring onions.

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay:  Comb honey  can be used in tea, coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, fruit salads and on toast or bagels.  Top of the Hill Apiary also has Bees wax 🐝, and Honey.

Nastase Honey Farm in Lincoln:  This Honey 🍯 is unfiltered and raw. 

Two Feather Farm in Granite Bay:  πŸ”πŸ₯š  Eggs.  Egg production is up.  The hens are well rested and are happy with warmer weather and longer days. 🌞

Jams πŸ‘ from the Good Stuff. We currently have Plum (Santa Rosa), Peach Cardamon, Chili Apricot, Pepper Pomegranate, Fig Orange Brandy, and Chili Blackberry.

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