PEACHY KEEN 2014

 Yep, it's that time of year...so we took an hour and headed across the valley to the western hills and Old Stage Farm for yummy early peaches. All you have to do, it seems, is put out a sign like this and folks know that peach orchard next to your house belongs to you.

 A 2-car garage converted to a nice fruit stand, complete with a big walk-in refrigerator to keep the picked peaches from ripening too fast in the hot weather. This year's "Peach Girl" comes with colorful tatoos and a big smile. Peaches here cost about $1.15 per pound. Those trays on the table are 10 lb offerings for $13.00. 

 You also need a sign to keep clods from running over your perennial beds.

Ahhh! A 20 pound box of Red Havens for $23.00. Reds are great for freezing and baking because they don't turn to mush. They are firmer and not quite as sweet as the later peaches like Albertas and Sunkissed varieties. That's okay...I always have to get some early ones because I just can't wait any longer. Speaking of waiting, next will be the Gravenstein apples for making great A-sauce and then at long last in August...the succulent late peaches which practically peel themselves. It's what makes August heat bearable!