The Taste of Sunshine
Peaches, Nectarines & Plums…
by Bonnie Swank

Could our taste buds be any happier as we head into August? Biting into a juicy peach, sweet nectarine or a sumptuous plum is like a celebration in your mouth. But the party can go downhill fast if you don’t arm yourself with a little knowledge before you go shopping. All these fruits need to be picked ripe for the best flavor. Peaches and nectarines should be enjoyed when soft and juicy. Plums should be firm with a little spring. Peaches, nectarines and plums should be left to finish ripening on the counter at room temperature. This is also the perfect temperature for eating your fruit. Store your fruit in the refrigerator only after they have reached their desired level of ripeness. Remember to handle your fruit with care as one small bruise will cause your fruit to go bad in that spot.
Where is the best place to buy your fruit? The farmers markets are always a good place to start, but for a real treat I would suggest a visit to Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill. Andy is king when it comes to growing stone fruit. He grows more varieties of stone fruit than I can list and they are all delicious.
Andy’s Orchard is located at 1615 Half Road in Morgan Hill (408) 782-7600 www.andysorchard.com.
Learn more about the farms and farm stands located in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties by obtaining a copy of COUNTRY CROSSROADS, a farm trails map distributed through your local Farm Bureau and participating farms. You can also send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Santa Clara County Farm Bureau, 605 Tennant Ave, Suite H, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, San Benito County Farm Bureau, 530 San Benito Street Ste 201, Hollister, CA 95023, or Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, 141 Monte Vista Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076. You may also drop into any of these locations to pick up a copy.

~ Bonnie and her husband Dick Swank are owners of Swank Farms in Hollister. To learn more visit SwankFarms.com or contact them at: 831-637-4704