Colorado peaches vs. Palisade peaches? (Cortez, Rocky Ford: coop, how much, buy)

[BarryK123]

Been to King Soopers and Whole Foods in the last couple of weeks looking for Palisade peaches. Both stores had something labeled Colorado peaches. In past years, there were actual Palisade peaches. Did they change the nomenclature or are these peaches from elsewhere? If so, why don't they carry Palisade peaches any longer?

[otowi]

They might be Palisade peaches. King Soopers has a marketing thing where they market things that come from Colorado. It could be they're doing that on peaches from Palisade. Might ask them.

[pikabike]

Palisade peaches are still available. I passed a roadside stand selling them in the Four Corners area.

[COcheesehead]

Palisade is still the mother of peaches in Colorado, but there are also orchards not in Palisade that may not be able to market them as “Palisade”, just like wines not made in Chianti or Champagne need to be marketed as Sangiovese or Sparkling.

[TCHP]

Exactly, it is branding and depending on how aggressive the coop is about their brand will determine how much it is plagerized. Much like Rocky Ford cantaloupe can only come from that region, but the fruit is grown in numerous other areas.

[DougStark]

I admire Colorado's small, fledgling peach production. I like the idea of locally produced produce. But keep in mind: Colorado's total peach production is tiny in comparison to California's total peach production.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by DougStark

I admire Colorado's small, fledgling peach production. I like the idea of locally produced produce. But keep in mind: Colorado's total peach production is tiny in comparison to California's total peach production.

Personally, I find local produce much better tasting. When I lived in PA, I grew a good amount of my own fruits and vegetables. Much of what is produced in California is bred for attractiveness and sturdiness for shipping, not taste. In addition, most of it is picked before it's ripe, so it;s not damaged in shipment.
Strawberries are a perfect example. The berries from CA looks big, red, and pretty, but are tasteless. If you've never tried freshly picked strawberries (I know you'd have to travel far for them), you should try it some time.

Same is true of "reverse season" produce from Chile/Argentina/Peru and Australia/NZ. It is shipped a looong way, and not overnight via Fedex, so is virtually tasteless.

I suspect the vast majority of Colorado';s peach crop is sold within the state or nearby and not shipped across the country. So what's your point?

[COcheesehead]

Originally Posted by DougStark

I admire Colorado's small, fledgling peach production. I like the idea of locally produced produce. But keep in mind: Colorado's total peach production is tiny in comparison to California's total peach production.

LOL, fledgling? Peaches have been grown in Palisade since the 1880’s.

[pikabike]

I recently tasted McElmo Canyon (Cortez) peaches for the first time. WOW! They were small in size and huge in flavor. I don’t pine for any other peaches. The local apples are incredible, too.

[StealthRabbit]

Remember... there are many varieties of Peaches (even within Palisade growing region.

Tree ripened are usually the best (pick when they start to fall).
i.e. U-pick or buy (at the orchard) is often the most flavorful option!
Bit tough to market ripe peaches commercially (handling / packaging).

There are ways to ripen commercial peaches (placing under a newspaper or in paper bag to trap gases of those peaches that are starting to ripen).

Different varieties for different purposes. https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/s...lisade-peaches
(for 'old school', I prefer RedHaven - when available ripe) Elberta is another favorite

Peach Varieties – Davis Family Farms

To select the perfect Palisade peach look first around the stem. If the skin is green near the stem the peach was picked green. Use these for recipes where a firmer peach is needed, such as grilling. If the skin around the stem is yellow or red then the peach is ripe. If it yields easily to pressure then it is very ripe and will bruise easily

The season was abnormally late this yr and the early varieties were not as sweet (lack of thermal days and sun)