Ripe peaches are a high point of summer, and Colorado’s own sweet, juicy Palisade peaches are popping up in roadside stands and farmers’ markets.
Palisade peaches are grown in orchards near Grand Junction, CO, including those near the town of Palisade, named for the dramatic cliffs nearby. The area’s longer growing season and relatively mild climate is perfect for peaches: hot days and cool nights create concentrated flavor and chin-dripping juice.
The season begins in late July, peaks throughout August, and ends in early September.
No need to travel to enjoy the deliciousness of Palisade peaches—you’ll find them at roadside stands, farmers’ markets, and some supermarkets. Just look for the sign that says “Palisade Peaches.”
Peachy Treats
Peach pie and cobbler are classics, but the fresh flavor of a ripe Palisade peach is delicious without cooking at all. Eat them right from your hand, slice them over ice cream or yogurt, or serve on the side with grilled chicken or salmon.
Add peaches to summer salads, with a light oil-and-vinegar dressing. Try spinach, peaches, and candied pecans; or peach slices, prosciutto, and a crumble of feta on a bed of greens; or peaches and ripe tomatoes, no greens, with red onion and slivers of basil.
For a quick, easy dessert, combine bite-size chunks of ripe peaches with blueberries, spoon into individual bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of brown sugar, and add a sprig of mint for contrasting color.
Peaches for Dictionaries
Order a 20-pound box of Palisade peaches for $40 from the Fort Collins Rotary Clubs, and a third-grader will get a dictionary! The fundraiser benefits the Poudre Valley School District. Order by August 16, 2017; pickup is at Hughes Stadium, August 26, 7-11 a.m. Call 970-460-6481 or go to rotarypeachsale.com to order.
Peach Festivals
Peach pies, peach beer, peach margaritas, fresh Palisade peaches, a 5K run, and entertainment—you’ll find it all at the seventh annual Peach Festival, presented by the Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on August 19, 2017, at Civic Center Park, 225 LaPorte Avenue, in downtown Fort Collins. Details at www.fortcollinspeachfestival.com.
Or visit the source: The annual Palisade Peach Festival in Palisade, CO, August 17-20, 2017, offers a peach-eating contest, kids’ activities, chef demos, music, vendors, and plenty of genuine Palisade peaches to enjoy. Details at www.palisadepeachfest.com.
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