Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
Nothing says “It’s summer!” like biting into a ripe, juicy peach. There’s something special about a peach picked fresh from the tree. The sweetness, the texture, the burst of flavor… it’s a summer experience like no other.
Peach picking is a juicy summer adventure that grandkids and grandparents will cherish. With a little planning and the right orchard, you can create memories, teach valuable lessons and enjoy delicious fresh peaches together. So grab the grandkids, head to the orchard and have a peachy good time!
Pre-planning is a good idea. The orchards can be dusty and sunny! Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes, hats and bring sunscreen. Also, bring along supplies, such as water, snacks and a container to hold your peaches. Some places will charge you a small fee to purchase their bags or baskets.
Teach your grandchildren picking techniques. Show them how to gently pick the peach, looking for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. You can turn harvesting peaches into a game by seeing who can find the largest peach, or the most perfect peach. The most important tip is to enjoy the quality time with your grandkids and make memories along the way.
Peaches are usually in season from mid to late summer. Call ahead, or check the orchard’s website to ensure they have peaches available for picking. Some orchards grow multiple varieties of peaches. Look for ones with kid-friendly varieties that are sweet and easy to eat. Consider orchards with amenities like picnic tables, play areas and restrooms for a more comfortable visit.
Peach picking offers a unique combination of elements that make it ideal for getting fresh air and exercise. Peach orchards are located in rural areas, providing a chance to enjoy being outside and getting a walk amongst the trees. Peach picking at an orchard shows the grandkids where their food comes from and the effort that goes into growing delicious fruit.
Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland is one orchard that will have pick your own peaches in August. Check out other U-Pick farms near you.
Let’s not forget about Catawba Island peaches! They have a history of one of the greatest peach growing regions in the country. Both the climate and soil along the southwest shore of Lake Erie is perfect for peach production. Those grown in the Catawba Island have a reputation for being particularly sweet. There are 300-400 varieties cultivated today. A couple of the orchards these peaches can be found are Schwann Orchards and Bergman’s.
If you don’t want to venture to an orchard for your fresh peaches, you can always pick up some peaches from the Georgia Peach Truck! Our grandkids love to get these peaches and set them out on a table for a few days of further ripening. They can’t wait to eat them plain, or sliced over ice cream / yogurt. The peaches can be pre-ordered or picked up at a location near you during the months of June and July.
The best part of peach picking is enjoying the fresh peaches, either right from the tree or in delicious recipes you can make at home. Enjoy making the recipe below, or find one of your own to make with or for your grandchildren.
Peach Lemon Scones
| These scones are the perfect blend of juicy peaches and zesty lemon! |
| Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup, plus 2 tsp. granulated sugar, divided 1 Tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed 1 cup, plus 1 Tbsp. heavy cream, divided 1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest 1 medium peach, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
Lemon Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/8 tsp. kosher salt Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 450F. Whisk together flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add butter, and cut into flour using a pastry blender or 2 forks until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add 1 cup of the cream, lemon zest, and peach, stirring just until combined. 2. Press dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 7-inch circle; cut into 6 wedges. Place dough wedges on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon cream and sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden and set. Remove scones from baking sheet, and let cool on a wire rack. 3. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle glaze over the cooled scones. |
Photos by Karen Shadrach
