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Did You Know? -- Wine CountryDid You Know? – Enstrom’s CandiesWine Tasting 101Colorado Wines: What We’re Making
 
  HARVEST, SEASONS AND BLOOMS By Nancy Yackel
While one-stop shopping at any of the numerous produce stands could fill my needs, the hunter/gatherer in me loves to spend the day wandering back roads, meeting the growers, and sampling their treasures. With a "Fruit & Winery Guide" in hand I start in Palisade. It's hard to miss Herman Produce with its bright coat of peachy pink paint and green trim. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Herman Produce carries a large selection of Colorado gourmet food items. When I get to the spicy salsas, the hard part comes in narrowing down the ones to add to my basket. On the east side of the Colorado River is Ball Fruit. There Bonnie Ball encourages shoppers to taste test before purchase, while Leroy Ball sorts the latest peaches harvest for size and quality. Typical of growers throughout the region, the Balls eagerly share storage tips and preparation suggestions. "Would you like to try a Crest Haven?" asks gregarious Barbara Bikki, who welcomes visitors to her Ranch of Liberty orchard stand. Barbara and her husband Leslie came to Grand Junction during harvest season 1957, escapees from communist Hungary. Leslie picked peaches for 15 cents a bushel. Barbara frequently shares their fascinating story and love for America with visitors. I depart not only with boxes of fruit but a strong sense of patriotism and faith. During a stop at DeBeque Canyon Winery, I meet a couple from Steamboat Springs. They're spending the day cycling the patchwork landscape
Juices pressed from a combination of tart and sweet apples blend to create the distinctive Mountain Gold brand at Talbott's. A visit to their market includes a tour of the cider mill and cool sips on the country porch. Although I can purchase Mountain Gold in my local market, there's something sweeter about buying direct. Lloyd and Betty Tidwell prepare and sell pies and jerky at Rancho Fruita. Betty bakes pies reminiscent of Grandma's and the jerky is quite tasty and made from the eye of a round steak. The day's shopping concludes at Alida's Fruits where I add Olathe sweet corn and Jonathan apples to my stash. Peach salsa, fruit-flavored applesauces, ice cream toppings, jams, jellies and syrups – Alida's Fruits products make great gifts as well as supplies for the pantry. Those with less time find farmers' markets a great way to sample local fare. On Thursday evenings, the Farmers' Market Festival (5-8 p.m.; June 12 – September 18) fills several downtown Grand Junction blocks with just picked produce, local products, and floral fantasies. Artisans, crafters, musicians, and wine and produce vendors gather for the Palisade Sunday Market (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; mid-June to mid-September). Special events add fun and festivities to seasonal calendars. In May, the Fruit Loop Tour finds cyclists riding through vineyards and blooming orchards. Palisade Peach Festival in August highlights the peak of the peach season with a pancake breakfast, parade, recipe contest, music, and of course a peach eating contest. Palisade's Riverbend Park fills to the brim for the Colorado Mountain Winefest. Winetastings, chef demonstrations, bike tour, live jazz, and grape stomp keep celebrants busy. Cross Orchards Historic Site salutes the area's early fruit growers during the annual Apple Jubilee. Cherries, peaches, apples, salsas, jams, and wines – the flavors of the Grand Valley linger long after each visit. |
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