Debbie and I canned peaches yesterday evening and we both agreed, the peaches have outstanding (read: better than usual) flavor this year. You may be thinking, and you are partially correct, that we say these types of things every year. But the fact remains, the peaches were luscious! Fast forward twenty-four hours: this afternoon while driving through the orchard I was tempted by a Honeycrisp that had all of the characteristics of a ripe apple. I pulled the prize from the tree, took a sizable bite, and experienced one of life's little pleasures. It was heavenly! Now, before you panic and think that you may have missed the Honeycrisp picking dates, the crop will not be ready until the second weekend in September. This particular fruit was pecked on one side by a crow, and anytime a fruit is damaged, ripening is hastened considerably. I will, however, make a prediction regarding the quality of the fruit for this upcoming fall season: expect outstanding quality. Here's a quick formula I use to make the prediction. Hot and sunny summer weather + ample, healthy foliage per fruit = high fruit quality. As you know this summer has been a hot one, and our trees have a very good balance between healthy foliage and fruit crop load. Consequently, you can expect your favorite varieties to meet and perhaps exceed all of your expectations. Check our fall picking schedule, http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/main/index.php?,option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=89, and mark your calender for a getaway to the farm.
