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Child in Peach Orchard

While Colorado is not particularly known for its fruit production, Grand Junction is the exception. With hundreds of acres of peach, apricot, apple, cherry and pear orchards, this high-desert destination on the western side of the state is considered the fruit capital of Colorado. The most famous sought after of all the fruits is the Palisade peach. They have a unique blend of tart, sweet, and succulent juices. During peach season, area restaurants create specialty offerings include peach pizza, peach cocktails, peach salad, and of course, peach deserts of all kinds. 

If you want to create your own tasty masterpiece, after visiting one of Grand Junction’s local orchards, here are some of the best Palisade peach recipes, as well as a little bit of history on how these fruit trees made their way to Grand Junction.

 

Palisade Peach Season

Imported Image

Fruit trees were planted in the Grand Junction area in 1881 by a settler named Jon Harlow. By 1890, Harlow’s fruit trees had become a staple, and have blossomed into what is now some of Colorado’s most beautiful orchards.

Peaches in Colorado grow during the summer months and are harvested at the end of June through the beginning of October. Many local grocery and farm stores in Grand Junction sell Palisade peaches directly from the orchards. If you’re visiting other locations in Colorado, most grocery stores will also stock the delicious gems when peach season is in full swing.

 

Colorado Peach Orchards

 

Calvert's Colorado Peaches

Holding Peach in a Peach Orchard

A family-owned orchard in Grand Junction, Calvert’s Colorado Peaches is one of the best spots to find peaches. The owners start picking in August and sell the golden fruits right from their front yard. Be sure to try the Red Globe and Cresthaven varieties – they’re Calvert delicacies.

 

Fruit Basket Orchard

Woman Picking Peach in a Peach Orchard

As one of the few places in Grand Junction where you can pick your own peaches, Fruit Basket Orchard is a must-visit location. The orchard’s motto is “pick, eat, repeat” and visitors are encouraged to get their hands on peaches, cherries, apricots, and raspberries. The orchard provides containers for you to fill to your heart’s content. 

 

Bolton’s Orchards & Farm Market

Girl Picking Peaches in Peach Orchard

Bolton's Orchards grows sun-ripened fruits and vegetables and is one of the only orchards in the Grand Junction area where you’ll find Royal Gala Apples alongside the peach groves. The views from the orchard are breathtaking, so be sure to stop and pose for the perfect selfie.

 

Peach Recipes 

Once you have your peaches, you’re ready to head to the kitchen. Check out a few favorite recipes centered around this sweet Grand Junction staple. 

 

Peach Me How to Dougie 

Peach Drink

From PUNCH

This easy craft beverage will have everyone asking for the recipe using ripe Colorado peaches.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce honey syrup (1:1, honey:water)
  • 1/2 of a ripe peach
  • 1 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 to 2 cups ice

In a blender, combine all of the ingredients. Blend it until it is a smooth consistency and serve in your favorite glass for a refreshing beverage.

Peach-Mustard Pork Chops

Plate of Peach-Mustard Pork Chops

From Food Network

For all the master grillers out there, this sweet and savory peach-inspired recipe is perfect for a summer barbeque. Use Palisade peach jam to step this recipe up. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients: 

  • 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) pork chops
  • Safflower or corn oil, for brushing
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Peach-Mustard BBQ Sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons minced onion
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
    • 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
    • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
    • 3/4 cup Palisade peach jam 
    • 1 tablespoon bourbon
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

BBQ Sauce: 

In a saucepan, melt butter then add garlic and onion until translucent. Add vinegar and boil until almost completely reduced. Whisk in the Palisade peach jam and both mustards. Simmer and whisk until the jam melts. Remove from heat and pour in bourbon and salt.

Porkchops:

Place a drip pan on one-half of the grill under the grates. Heat the side without the drip pan to high heat. Brush pork chops with oil and season with salt and pepper and let rest for 15 minutes. Begin grilling pork chops over the heated side until brown on both sides. Move them to the drip pan side and brush with the Peach-Mustard BBQ sauce. Cook covered while turning and brushing with sauce every 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Then let rest for 10 minutes.

 

Bourbon Peach Smash

Bourbon Peach Smash

From Striped Spatula 

After spending a day exploring the outdoors, there’s nothing better than a cool refreshing cocktail. Snag some bourbon from Peach Street Distillers or Clark & Co’s Distilling and get ready to kick back with a Bourbon Peach Smash. 

Ingredients:

Gently muddle mint leaves, simple syrup, and peaches in a cocktail shaker. Don't over-muddle or the mint will become bitter. Next, add your bourbon and fill the shaker with ice. Shake until the ingredients are combined and well-chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rock glass and top with ginger beer. For an added flair, garnish with a peach slice and fresh mint sprigs. 

 

Explore the foodie itinerary on page 35 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide to plan your farm-to-fork adventure in Grand Junction.