I hope you had a wonderful 4^th of July. For those of you not near us in the California Valley, it has warmed up significantly, and that’s great for California PPN (peach, plum and nectarine) orchards! A little over a week ago, I was taken on my first field tour. A field tour consists of visiting different growers and learning about their orchards and fruit, and meeting the people who work directly with our California PPN. The first orchard we arrived upon was in the middle of picking and packing California nectarines. Oh boy was I excited! As we greeted the pickers, I noticed a flat bed trailer with buckets of nectarines piled in them. Those would be the nectarines they were going to pack, and would ultimately be distributed to the world. I’m not exaggerating by the way- 25% of all California PPN  grown is exported to other countries. We’re not the only ones that love California PPN!

I learned that there is a specific way to taste a nectarine and test it for flavor and ripeness. Although to be honest, I was going to eat the whole thing regardless. By cutting a ‘v’ shape towards the pit, a perfect slice emerges from the nectarine. I was instructed to bite into it like a watermelon- just the center flesh, no skin in the first bite. This allows you to get an exclusive taste of the flesh to determine its flavor and ripeness. I realized I have a lot to learn because I love everything about nectarines. It all tastes ‘good’ to me! But as we discussed the nectarine we had just sampled, I quickly learned the acidic content and texture is an important part of determining the nectarine’s ripeness, and varies between the different varieties.

As we finished touring the orchard, we made our way through the packing area and into the grower’s office. He was kind enough to let us explore his orchards, and we wanted to be sure and thank him. As we conversed in the air conditioning, I quickly learned that he was a third generation farmer. He’s a smaller volume grower and packer, but he’s passionate about what he does, and takes great pride in producing quality fruit. I began to feel pride working in the tree fruit industry. It’s a family, and each grower’s goal is to sell their fruit, but they respect each other and the bond they share. Although I may not be a grower, I am a part of the same team he is. Our goal across the industry is to grow and distribute the best California peaches, plums and nectarines world-wide.

When I arrived home that evening, I was welcomed with a bowl of fresh nectarines on the kitchen counter. What a coincidence! My fiancé had gone to his grandparent’s house and they graciously gave him some nectarines that they grew for me to enjoy. However, before I indulged, I picked up the nectarines one at a time. I looked at him and said, “Do you know what this mark is from? Do you know what this coloring means? These are definitely tree ripe! Oh, and this one is a good one!” He stared at me, and chuckled, “Oh, so now you’re an expert on nectarines since you went on your first field tour?” I simply replied, “of course!” I say that sarcastically of course. I am on a journey to learn as much as I can about California grown PPN. This is only the beginning.

I can’t wait to learn more!

~Sara

Tags: agrotourism, farm tours, fresh nectarines, nectarine orchard, what is a nectarine?