The desert can yield some surprising fruit, and since the early 1990's, Schnepf Farms has held the 'Peach Season at the Farm' every year. Owner, Mark Schnepf, recalls the area being filled with orchards that stretched all the way to the San Tan Mountains of apricots, plums, and more.
The Peach Season at Schnepf Farms has been a well attended and popular event. Yet the history of the peaches at Schnepf Farms goes all the way back to the 1960's when Mark's dad first began planting and growing peaches. Originally, they shipped the peaches to the East coast, being the earliest available peaches in the country. However, the long trip took its toll on the peaches and ultimately they gave up on the idea. Instead, Mark says they 'flipped the script' and made the peaches available for picking to the local public.
The first peach picking event sold out within two hours. Afterwards, the Schnepfs realized that they needed to organize a more staggered entry. In order to pick your peaches you have to get a timed ticket and register online. The money is refunded upon arrival and you are provided with boxes. Mark says the peaches need to be placed in a single layer to avoid bruising. The peaches themselves are juicy and filled with flavor, and that is because Mark says they only grow the best varieties that do well in the desert. The Queen Creek soil is apparently amazing for growing peaches and the climate in the desert spring is ideal for the fruit. They offer several varieties such as the Florida Prince, Earligrand, Spring Crest, Schnepf, and white peaches too.
In addition to peach-picking, Schnepf Farms embraces everything peach flavored. At their bakery you can purchase peach pie, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. If that hasn't made your mouth water yet they also have a peach bourbon glaze that they add to burgers, peach salsa, jams, and peach flavored drinks at their cafe. Families, couples, and groups can make an entire day out of it, including visiting the farm itself with a petting zoo and train rides too.
Of course, nature will ultimately decide exactly when the peaches are ready for picking and Schnepf Farms will put out an announcement on social media. Generally, the peaches are ready in late April and into May. If you have never gone peach picking at Schnepf Farms before, it is an experience worth trying. Mark says that the orchard is perfumed with the scent of peaches, you select the. best peach, and bring home your treasures to enjoy later. However, the time you spend in the orchard teaches you where your food comes from, to appreciate local produce, and the sense of community it inspires.
Schnepf Farms is celebrating their 85th year and in that time their peach season has become one of their signature events. Farm fresh and local fruit is after all what living in Queen Creek has always been about. So enjoy the Spring weather, create some memories, and enjoy a sweet bite of the perfect peach.
www.schnepffarms.com
'In addition to peach-picking, Schnepf Farms embraces everything peach flavored.'
'The Queen Creek soil is apparently amazing for growing peaches and the climate in the desert spring is ideal for the fruit.'