Count down to harvest!

As you can see, our peaches are just sizing up and beginning to ripen. We expect they will be tree-ripened in 2-3 weeks depending on weather.

These peaches aren't the same peaches you find in the grocery store. Mass marketed peaches must be picked green to make the journey from packing shed to distribution centers then grocery stores. When they finally show up in the produce bins, days have passed — days of variable temperatures and conditions.

Our fruit goes from the tree into boxes and our barn cooler the same morning we pick. The boxes make one trip over the mountains where the eater picks them up. In other words, minimal and careful handling means all the delicious sugars and flavors develop on the tree, under the sun. Yum! I can hardly wait myself!

One word of caution, this spring freezes claimed a lot of peach buds on the western slope. Everyone's harvest is down. We do not have the same quantity of Red Globes, an earlier peach, as we did last year. The good news is that we have plenty of later peaches, the Crest Havens. So if you miss us in August, we'll be bringing more fresh-picked peaches in September.

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 first team of summer help has completed their internship on the farm. Becky, Trevor and Lindsay did a great job in the vineyards, orchards, and garden. We asked them what they learned from their experience, and we got some interesting answers. Becky said she's now more interested in organic farm policy issues. I think that's a good thing for a Yale student! Trevor and Lindsay have decided to start up a permaculture business after they obtain a certificate in that field and return to Florida. We are pleased our farm could help these young people develop their roles in a more sustainable agriculture.

Three Forks Tour, don't forget to sign up!

Sept 10-13 bring your bicycle and appetite, join us on the farm for adventure and fabulous organic meals! More details >>

All the best, Max & Wink.