You Pick

Biting into a ripe, juicy peach is a sure sign of summer and Picking your own tree ripened peach just adds to the fun. At Laguna Gold, we have 11 varieties of freestone peaches ripening from Mid-June through September.  Here are some important picking and handling tips for when you bring them home.

General

  • When you check-in we will ask that you sign an insurance waiver (one per party).
  • Once you complete the waiver, you will receive basket(s) that you use to pick the peaches. These make it easier to pick the fruit and carry it back to the weigh station.
  • Don’t over fill the basket, as this leads to bruising.
  • A full basket will contain about 10lbs of fruit. Make sure that you just pick what you want. Peaches are almost impossible to put back on the tree.
  • No sandals. In spite of our best efforts, we do have some poison oak and rocks in the orchard and sharp branches that can damage sensitive toes.
  • No dogs (other than service dogs). We love them as much as you do but are hard to control around all the activity of a working orchard. And please please please don’t leave your dog in your car.
  • Park in the designated areas
  • There are no bathroom facilities available.

Peach Picking Tips

  • Look at the color: When a peach is ready to be picked, it won’t have any green on the skin. The skin will have changed to yellow or orange, or in some cases (depending on the variety) will have a very bright red-orangecolor. If there is still some green skin, it isn’t ready to be picked yet!
  • Gently touch the peach: If the peach is firm, it is not ready to be picked. Wait until there is some “give” but don’t squeeze too hard – it will result in bruising!
  • Smell the peaches: If there is no smell, it’s not ready to be enjoyed. A ripe peach will give off a sweet aroma!
  • Pull gently: A ripe peach will separate from the tree easily. If it’s difficult to pick, leave it on the tree to ripen longer.
  • Larger peaches and those at the tops of the trees ripen first.

Peach Handling Tips

  • Do not leave peaches in a plastic bag, in the sun, or inside of a hot car – they will not ripen evenly.
  • Only put them in the refrigerator if you want to slow the ripening process. They should keep there for 5 days.
  • To continue the ripening process at home, put them on newspaper in a single layer not touching each other and check to see when they start to soften by feeling them gently. When the fruit is soft, it is ripe and juicy and ready to enjoy!

Peach Club

Mailing list. If you would like to get notified of what varieties are in season or other orchard information, please provide your e-mail address. We will keep you up to date on our activities and what is happening in the orchard.Do not leave peaches in a plastic bag, in the sun, or inside of a hot car – they will not ripen evenly.