Ripe and fresh!

We picked out first peaches this morning. We'll pick again tomorrow morning and head to Colorado Springs early Wednesday, Crested Butte on Sunday.

Our CSA members can also expect a jar of Ginger Peach Jam or Peach Chutney, as a bonus for signing up this year.

Our peach crop was greatly reduced by the spring freezes, but at least we have a crop, which not everyone in our neck of the woods can say. Plus we have a later variety that will be ready to pick in a week or two so we believe we'll have enough to satisfy everyone's peach cravings.

When you bring your peaches home, store them at room temperature and first eat the ones that "give" the most when you push on their shoulder — that's the part around the stem. The shoulder is the strongest part of the peach so we park them on their shoulder as well.

If you must store them for longer, as we sometimes do between picking and market, store them at almost freezing temperature. A peach in the fridge becomes a tasteless mealy mess.

About the apples — our Galas are looking GREAT. And so are the Goldens. We plan to pick the first week of September with the help of Colorado College students who will camp on our farm. This freshman orientation service trip is a highlight of the harvest season for us. Many of the kids have never picked an apple or peach, or spent time on a working farm. It's fun for all!

More farm news — Our Young Farmer Stephanie will accompanyWink to the market this week. Stephanie is a recent graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in Environmental Studies and has visited the farm several times with her dad, Dave Gardner, who is currently completing the documentary film, Growthbusters. We are pleased to have her help through the busy harvest season, and you will enjoy meeting her!

All the best, Max & Wink.