Welcome, August: Figs, Pears, and Mt Tam Brie

2 days ago

3 min read

A wide landscape of sun-drenched orchard rows during peak August harvest at Twin Peaks Orchards

August is the Sunday of Summer

Where are the peaches?

August is usually the month where summer crops are still abundant. With weeks until the fleeting thought of fall, the hot sun and long days are still lingering. The farmstand will look a little different this August. Most of our customers noticed the O'Henry peaches were ripe by third week of July, when their usual harvest time is third week of August. Many other stone fruit varieties are having a short season as well. With the "false Spring" that we had in late winter, the crops jumped ahead a full month. That has been the pattern all summer long. The peaches had exceptional flavor this summer, we just wanted another month of them! For the next couple of weeks, we will harvest some later variety stone fruit, including peaches. The size of the crop will still be very limited. The best way to get your hands on some of the last varieties will be at the farmstand.

The farmstand will continue to be open regular days/hours all the way through to Satsuma mandarin and Amagaki persimmon season! We really hope you continue to make the trip out; we will have a lot of wonderful produce! By making the decision to buy local, organic and seasonal, especially in the fall and winter months, you are supporting the same farmers that grow your summer favorites; peaches, nectarines, tomatoes and corn. Farming is a job that never stops, we produce healthy food all year long, which costs money, resources, time and a whole lot of faith. If you want heirloom tomatoes during the summer, you have to support the farmer and buy their winter crops as well!

Orchard owner carefully examining the health of lush green peach tree leaves

Good, clean and fair food for all

Our commercial food system is becoming less and less trustworthy. And less safe. Chemicals that are approved for large agriculture businesses are banned in many other countries because of their proven toxicity. Contamination is a risk; most produce goes through many different hands before it gets to the grocery store. It's impossible to build a relationship with these "farms", the grower is so far removed. Eating local food often means eating safer food because it reduces exposure to contaminants, cuts out unnecessary handling steps, offers greater transparency, and is grown under conditions that prioritize safety and sustainability. Nearly all of the produce that you will find at true farmstand will be grown by farmers that reside within your community, you may even know by their first name.

— Camelia Enriquez, local farmer

New Arrivals This Week

Hello, charcuteries boards!

Figgy Farm Penryn

Deep purple fresh figs nestled in a rustic linen cloth

Beautifully delicious figs! We are proud to offer an assortment of naturally grown figs from Figgy Farms Penryn, right here in Placer County. We love bringing more seasonal produce to you! These are an incredibly sweet treat!

Mt Tam Brie

A decadent wheel of Mt Tam triple cream brie cheese on a wooden service board

A farmstand favorite. Rich, buttery textures that pair beautifully with both figs and Asian pears! This cheese is made in Petaluma with organic milk from healthy and happy cows. You can find this award-winning cheese in our refrigerator!

Asian Pears

Incredible crunch, with hints of cinnamon are two characteristics of a Hosui Asian pear. Asian pears are best eaten nice and firm. They are juicy and very flavorful! Their uses are endless, on your cheese board with the Mt Tam and figs, in salads, on pizza, get creative!