It's Peach time yet again! Actually, peach time is coming a little early this year, because, as most of you know, I am pregnant and due on the 15th, which is when we would normally go. We hope to make a second trip later in the season but will have to see how things go with the new baby and my recovery. Don't count on a second trip if you want peaches - this may be our only peach run this year!

So here's the scoop - we will be going to Alto Pass, Illinois this coming weekend (it's near Carbondale) to get peaches from Rendelman's Orchard (http://www.rendlemanorchards.com/) - they are NOT organic, but we have worked with Rendelman in the past and have always been happy with their quality (honestly the best peaches we have ever had). We are working on locating an organic grower we can work with later in the season, but for now this is what we are able to offer.

You may pre-order peaches by the peck, half-bushel, or bushel - there are 25lbs per half bushel. We are selling these at $32.00 per half bushel (so that's $16.00 per peck or $64.00 per bushel). These peaches are huge and juicy and a peck contains about 10-15 peaches. These prices are pretty comparable to what you might find at the grocery store, but I guarantee you these peaches are not! Nectarines are also available in the same quantities - I am not sure on the price but it will not be far off from the peaches - if anyone is interested I can get the prices and let you know.

We will also be bringing back peaches to sell by the pound at the Elgin Harvest Market. Peaches bought by the pound at the Market will be priced higher than the pre-ordered peaches, so if you plan on going through several pounds it is worth it to pre-order.

Peach order must be received by 8PM this Thursday, July 28. We are picking up this weekend, and peaches will be available for pick up between 7AM and 7PM Tuesday and Wednesday August 2 and 3 at the farm or Thursday August 4 between 10AM and 6PM at the Market. While we do have the ability to keep the peaches cool, they will not keep indefinitely and need to be picked up as soon as possible. Payment is due upon (or before) pick up and can be cash or through Chase Quick Pay. Simply send us an email letting us know how much you would like and we will confirm the details with you.

Let me just emphasize one more time how good these peaches are - they are not harvested early for long shipment like the ones shipped to the grocery store, so they have time to ripen on the tree and are full of flavor. We love eating ours fresh, but also can them for eating all year, freeze them for pies, and make gobs of jellies, jams, and butters - I am always happy to help anyone who needs advice about preserving.

Please Please Please - anyone who got peaches last year - send us an email with your comments about how good they were so we can share this with everyone. Thanks!