2024 Northern Virginia Peach U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Peach U-Pick Orchards in Northern Virginia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peaches that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have peaches orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Clarke County

• Mackintosh Fruit Farm - apples, asparagus, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, nectarines, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. Phone: 540-955-6225. Email: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, May to October 31 and on Memorial Day, July 4 Thursday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Halloween . Directions: Route 7 West Take right onto Russell Road 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mackintosh Fruit Farm Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Events: Peach Festival, Honey Bee Day, Honey Crisp Day, Apple Butter Day, monthly farm dinners, and cider pressing; Calendar-May-strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens; June - strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, onions, and flowers; July-blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, donut peaches, peaches, corn, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes; August-apples, Asian pears, yellow and white peaches, plums, grapes, and honey; September-apples, pawpaws, honey crisp apples, Asian pears, and potatoes; October -apples, pumpkins, fall squash, sweet potatoes, and cider. All pick your own fruit and vegetables are also available as pre-picked in the market for purchase. Events: We can also host your events including: group meetings, school tours, weddings, and rehearsals. Call for more details. (UPDATED: January 19, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: June 22, 2016)

Fauquier County

• Hartland Orchard - apples, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm
  3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-316-7715. Open: every day from 8 am to 6 pm, strawberries usually start in early May, cherries in mid June. Directions: From Northern Virginia, take I-66 to exit 18. At the end of the exit take a right, and then take an immediate left. Then just follow the signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate phone: 540-364-2316. Typical harvest dates are Cherries Late June; Blueberries July; Peaches August and Apples in August, September, October. It is always a good idea to call before you visit us for daily changes in crop availability., Hartland Farm and Green Truck Farm are three family businesses operated on the Green family farm. Call for tree fruit information at 540.364.2316. For pick your own strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry information, call Green Truck Farm at 540.316.7715. Hartland O
• Stribling Orchard - Apples, nectarines, pears, peaches, pumpkins, beef
  11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-364-3040. Email: info@striblingorchard.com. Open: 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday thru Sunday, depending on the availability of ripe fruit; We are open in July, August, September, and October. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions.
  Stribling Orchard Facebook page. . . Crop availability: Peaches: Early July - Late August; Apples: Mid/Late August - Early November. Click here for a map to our farm. Our peaches are available from mid-July through mid-August and our apples from mid-August through early November. Beginning in September, we offer fresh cider and all sizes and shapes of pumpkins. Come and enjoy a day in the country at our orchard. Relax, bring a picnic, and enjoy our breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come see our historic buildings, visit our many farm animals, and pick some of Virginia's finest fruit. We are the sixth generation of Striblings to farm this land, and we are proud of the fruit our family has grown for over 200 years. But, not only have we been growing fruit, we have also been raising cattle for as long as the farm has existed. For the first time ever, we are selling our grass fed beef directly to the public! Every beef sold is raised from birth by the Stribling family. Our grass fed beef, from the well known Angus breed, spend their days grazing naturally on our pastures in northern Fauquier County. You can see them in the fields adjoining the orchard and in the immediate area.
  Comments from a visitor on September 26, 2010: "Just got back from a great time at! They handed out a map of the orchard with descriptions of the types of apples. You can drive through the orchard and the ground is not very steep for those with trouble walking or small children (we were pulling a toddler in a wagon with no trouble). There were places to picnic in the orchard and plenty of good apples to pick. "
• Valley View Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, peaches, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1550 Leeds Manor Road, Delaplane, VA 20144. Phone: (540) 592-1021. Email: staff@valleyviewva.com. Open: Friday and Saturday, Noon - 6pm Sunday, Noon - 5pm Closed Monday - Thursday. Directions: From Washington, DC: I-66 W to Exit 23 \(Delaplane\). Follow Route 17 north for 7.5 scenic miles. Turn left on Leeds Manor Road \(Route 688\). We are located only 1 mile from Sky Meadows State Park. Follow the signs! From Paris, Virginia: 2.5 scenic miles south on Route 17. Turn right on Leeds Manor Road \(Route 688\). Follow the signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Valley View Farm Facebook page. . From Washington, DC: I-66 W to Exit 23 (Delaplane). Follow Route 17 north for 7.5 scenic miles. Turn left on Leeds Manor Road (Route 688). We are located only 1 mile from Sky Meadows State Park. Follow the signs! From Paris, Virginia: 2.5 scenic miles south on Route 17. Turn right on Leeds Manor Road (Route 688). Follow the signs. We are Certified naturally grown for all crops. The Pick Your Own Orchard at boasts some the finest peaches, apples, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries in northern Virginia. It doesn't get any more "locally grown" or "farm fresh" than this! Located in the very scenic northern end of Fauquier County, we are less than an hour from Washington, D.C.Typical Crops and SeasonsLATE JUNE: Blueberries & CherriesJULY & AUGUST: Peaches & Blackberries SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER: Apples, Pears, & Pumpkins. (UPDATED: February 08, 2021)

Frederick County

• Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market and Bakery - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, beans, blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), strawberries, tomatoes, Fresh eggs, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602. Phone: 540-662-1391. Email: hmckay@markermillerorchards.com. Open: Please call ahead for availability starting June 1st. Directions: Take Interstate 66 West to Interstate 81 North. Continue to Exit 310. Turn left onto Route 37 North and continue 2 miles to the WinchesterOpequon exit. Turn left onto Route 622 \(Cedar Creek Grade\) and the market will be 3.5 miles on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market and Bakery Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 540-662-1980. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Take Interstate 66 West to Interstate 81 North. Continue to Exit 310. Turn left onto Route 37 North and continue 2 miles to the Winchester/Opequon exit. Turn left onto Route 622 (Cedar Creek Grade) and the market will be 3.5 miles on the left. Pick Your Own July: peaches, red raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes. August: peaches, red raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, Ginger Gold apples and Gala apples. September & October: 12 varieties of apples, pumpkins, and winter squash. *If you are interested in pick-your-own please visit our check-out area inside the market or our pick-your-own building to purchase containers and get directions. *For picking berries, tomatoes, peaches, and apples we have containers that you purchase prior to picking. We will then provide you with a map and instructions. ; Please refer to our website for fruit availability dates or call for more information. All season - jams, jellies, salad dressings, fresh apple cakes, and our famous Apple Cider Donuts.We use integrated pest management practices.

Loudoun County

• Brossman Family Farm - Strawberries, Peaches, nectarines, pumpkins
  14740 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20176. Phone: 703-777-1127. Email: brossmanfarmstand@gmail.com. Open: See hours at right and updates on oour website. Click here for a map and directions.
  Brossman Family Farm Facebook page. . . Formerly called Brossman's Orchard. For peaches and nectarines, check back around July 4th. We opened on Saturday May 6 with early season fruit and produce: strawberries, asparagus, spinach, spring onions, potatoes, rhubarb, tomatoes and fresh cut lettuce; breads, honey; vegetable plants, hanging tomato baskets, potting soil and fertilizer. Come on out and visit! Mostly a farm market, they do allow some pick-your-own crops from time to time, but apparently do not advertise it. (UPDATED: December 05, 2019, JBS)
• Crooked Run Orchard - blackberries, peaches, sour cherries, pears, plums, gooseberries, raspberries, herbs, apples, tomatoes, peppers
  37883 E. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Phone: 540-338-6642. Open: Stand - 8 am to dark, daily. Directions: REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We\'re the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 \(E. Main Street\). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. Turn left at second driveway for PYO . Click here for a map and directions. . REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We are the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 (E. Main Street). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. Turn left at second driveway for PYO crops. PYO - weekends only - 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday and 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday. Hayrides for school groups by appointment only during September and October. The small fruits and vegetables are grown without, or with a minimum of, chemicals. We use mineral fertilizers on all crops. Apples and pumpkins available in quantity amounts. We have farm animals, a nature trail, and picnic tables. Please, no dogs. Call before visiting the farm about pick-your-own information. Fresh picked asparagus - April 20-June 20; red raspberries and sour cherries - June 20-July 20; gooseberries - July; thornless blackberries and peaches - July-August; summer apples - Tydeman Red and Paula Red - August; fall apples - Red and Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Law Rome, Gala, Jonagold, Braeburn, York - September 15- December 31 or until supply runs out. Seasonal vegetables - tomatoes, salad mixes, sweet corn, squash, green beans, pumpkins and gourds. Christmas wreaths - Scotch and white pine and cedar mix. PYO - strawberries - Memorial Day-June 10; blackberries and peaches - July & August; sour cherries - late June-early July; apples and pears - September 15-October 15. Picking dates vary from year to year. Please call ahead for picking information. (UPDATED: June 03, 2020, JBS)
• Great Country Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, grapes, other berries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, mining for gems, mini-golf, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135. Phone: 540 554 2073. Email: social@greatcountryfarms.com. Open: Monday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm, March 19th - May 20th; Monday - Sunday, 9am to 6pm, May 21st - October 30th. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Great Country Farms Facebook page. . . We use integrated pest management practices. Strawberries: May Blackberries: July Peaches: August Apples: September Pumpkins: Pumpkins Please visit our web page for other U-Pick items and confirmed dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. From strawberries and asparagus in the spring to corn and tomatoes all summer then pumpkins and gourds in the fall, offers a farm experience your whole family will enjoy. Help your children understand how food is grown and how fresh and full of flavor it can be. It is amazing how children will eat produce if they have picked it themselves! Pick your own fruit and veggie farm featuring Non-GMO produce grown using regenerative farming practices, an award-winning CSA program, and seasonal festivals! is a 400 acre working farm with pick your own produce, a Farm Market, CSA, and so much more! UPDATE for 2022: Potatoes ~ AugustDon't miss The Big Dig Potato Harvest. This is the once a year chance to dig potatoes and taste the smoothness and rich flavor of a fresh potato compared to typical store bought options that have been in storage for months. We grow Kenebec White, Pontiac Reds, Yukon Golds and a few Fingerlings.
  Comments from a visitor on November 03, 2010: "We have been CSA members at this farm for 3 years. We are moving and are very sad we won't be able to visit and get our produce from here in the future. We have driven one hour each way once a week because we love it so much. There is so much to do that you can make each visit a day trip and most of the time the u-pick options are great. Like any farm, there are times when weather conditions affect the crops negatively and b/c of that you don't always get as much produce as you may have expected, but for the most part we have always been happy with the CSA and u-pick. My boys (now 7 and 4.5) and I have learned a lot through the farmers and picking our own veggies and fruit. The "playarea" has several slides, rope swings, HUGE "bouncy", corn bin, roller racers, mini gulf course, and more. They seem to add more each year. One negative, since it's gotten so popular the "special" weekends are normally really packed. We enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt there in 2009, but this last year 2010 it was publisized and was way to busy to be enjoyable. "
  Comments from a visitor on May 17, 2009: "We LOVED it! My mother-in-law did as well:)"UPDATE October 2, 2007: a visitor reports they had to replant their apple orchards in 2006 and will not have apples available for a few years (2009?).

Rappahannock County

• High Places Orchards - Cherries, raspberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples.
  121 Winesap Lane, Flint Hill-Huntly, VA . Phone: 540-635-5537. Open: Sunday from 12:30 till dark, Saturday from 10 to dark, call for other days; best to call in advance to see what is available. Click here for a map and directions. . From Front Royal, follow Route 522 eight miles south, turn left on Route 662 east and go a half-mile, then turn left on Winesap Lane and follow it to the orchards. Monday through Saturday dawn to dusk, Sundays noon to dusk through early November; call for hours. (UPDATED: September 22, 2013, by phone)
• Jenkins' Orchards - Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, honey from hives on the farm
  355 Yancey Road, Woodville, VA 22749. Phone: 540 987-8192. Open: Daily from 9am to 6pm, Mid July- Mid December. Directions: Click here for a map and directions&URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mapquest.com#c7db2ec54bfcb110c30600a6\>Directions: Click here for a map and directions". Click here for a map and directions. Jenkins' Orchards We have fresh packed honey, plums, red haven peaches, white peaches, nectarines, white nectarines, corn, cantaloupe, watermelons, peppers, onions, cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, apricots, squash, and more!!! Stop by and pick up some beautiful flowers to help support Sperryville fire department. And don't forget about the lamb,pork and ground beef. We are a family owned orchard since 1954. Our season begins in mid June till Mid December. We are growers of peaches, plums, apple and pears.
• Mont Medi LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, nectarines, peaches, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  513 F T Valley Road, Sperryville, VA 22740. Phone: (703) 447-3220. Email: info@ftvalleyfarm.com. Open: Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 6pm. Directions: 8 miles south of Sperryville on Rte 231 \(F T Valley Road\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Mont Medi LLC Facebook page. . . 8 miles south of Sperryville on Rte 231 (F T Valley Road). July thru 3rd week of November. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Apples, Peaches and Nectarine. (ADDED: September 21, 2021)
• Muskrat Haven - - Strawberries, blueberries, thornless blackberries, red raspberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, vegetables.
  20 Cedarbreak Ln, Amissville, VA 20106. Phone: 540-937-5892. Open: 9 am to 5 pm, daily, beginning May 15-October 31; Pick-your-own strawberries from late May until mid-June; blueberries, mid-June to late July; black raspberries, mid-June for two weeks; red raspberries, late June to first frost; blackberries, mid-July to mid-August; pumpkins from the last of September to October 31. Click here for a map and directions. Muskrat Haven Alpternate phone: 540-937-5891. On Route 211, four miles west of Amissville, VA. We also have a farm market on Route 211, where we have fresh-picked sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes and other veggies. We also have a large variety of Muskrat Haven jams, jellies and Virginia grown mountain honey and much more. (UPDATED: July 19, 2013,JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on October 02, 2009: "Visited in September 2009 on a fluke -- because we saw a PYO raspberries sign on the road. This was my first PYO experience since New Hampshire strawberries 30+ years ago, so I am not 'up' on how things PYO should be now-adays. Nice folks, nice set-up, good berries, will be going back."

Shenandoah County

• Paugh's Orchard - peaches, strawberries, apples, corn maze
  5591 Senedo Road, Quicksburg, VA . Phone: 540-740-8028. Email: paughsorchard@yahoo.com. Open: daily 9 am to 6 pm, Call for current crops. Directions: 7.5 miles north of Timberville on Route 42. Apple varities include Red & Golden Delicious, Empire, Stayman, York, and Fuji. Pumpkins, jams, jellies, and mums also available for sale. Don\'t forget to have fun winding your way through their Corn Maze too. School groups welcome! They also sell a small variety of flowers and plants. We offer several varieties of apples and peaches as well as strawberries, blackberries, fresh garden vegetables, pumpkins and gourds, jams, jellies, honey and much more. Our fruits, vegetables, potted plants, ect. are available seasonally. We offer pick your own available only with permission for most fruits. . Click here for a map and directions. . 7.5 miles north of Timberville on Route 42. Apple varities include Red & Golden Delicious, Empire, Stayman, York, and Fuji. Pumpkins, jams, jellies, and mums also available for sale. Don't forget to have fun winding your way through their Corn Maze too. School groups welcome! They also sell a small variety of flowers and plants. We offer several varieties of apples and peaches as well as strawberries, blackberries, fresh garden vegetables, pumpkins and gourds, jams, jellies, honey and much more. Our fruits, vegetables, potted plants, ect. are available seasonally. We offer pick your own available only with permission for most fruits.
  Comments from a visitor on July 10, 2009: "The peaches are fabulous. The farm stand is very clean and neat. They also sell lots of jams, jellies, etc. which are produced about 40 miles away. The people are great--very friendly and laid back country farmers.

 

Corrections

Peach Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Peaches typically peak during late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local peaches, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of peaches for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Peaches are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for peaches, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Peaches more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
5. You might want to ask whether the peaches are! There are two major types of peaches: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone peaches and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most peach varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions peaches will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Peach jam or canned peaches - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
    - peach jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned peaches from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze peaches instead!
   - make your own home canned peach pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy peach pie recipe
   or peach-blueberry pie  or how about
   - peach salsa?
   - Peach chutney
   - Spiced peaches
   - peach butter
   - Peach honey
   - pickled peaches
   - peach syrup
   - peach juice
6. Here are some great and easy peach desert recipes, like easy peach cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe peaches have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33�F to 40�F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the peaches are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Peaches are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Peaches will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a peach is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your peaches very firm, pick your peaches with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Peaches at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Peaches won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Peaches

A peach is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a peach gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the peach firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the peach into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Peachs: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the peach. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the peaches if the peaches were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the peach. There's nothing wrong with these peaches. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free peaches, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium peaches = 1 cup sliced peaches.
• About 4 medium peaches = 1 cup pureed peach.
• About 3 medium peaches = 1 pound of peaches

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh peaches yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh peaches typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced peaches or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned peaches.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh peaches are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 peaches makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 peaches make about 2 cups puree. 1 peach equals about 1 cup puree.

Peaches-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

 

Peach pit tips

It's best to remove peach pits before you cook the peaches. Cherry, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers