I had never picked my own peaches before until I spent a year living in Oregon. Picking peaches always seemed like a fantasy date activity: walking through the orchard on a hot summer day holding hands and choosing the perfect fruit.

In reality, peach picking was more fun and dream-like that I had ever fantasized about. The air smelled thick and sweet and the branches hung heavily with peaches, waiting for us to pick them and take a juicy bite of their delicious fruit.

Peach Picking in Aurora, Oregon

Hazelnut Groves

99 percent of the hazelnuts consumed in the US are grown in Oregon and the Willamette Valley is particularly productive. We walked through the hazelnut groves to get to the peach orchards.

Peach Orchards

The peach orchards were organized in long lines along a dirt road. Dust hung in the air but it just added to authenticity of the experience. The peach rows were separated by fruit species: we were given a map.

 

 

 

 

 

The experience was so fun and rewarding, I even went back a second time with my mom before the season ended!

TK Orchards: Aurora, Oregon

We picked our peaches at TK Orchards in Aurora, Oregon. Here’s some information about them:

U-pick and picked peaches and nectarines. Season: July and August. Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, closed Sunday. Very easy picking. Call or check Facebook for updated info and availability. Follow yellow signs. Varieties: Candor, New & Red Haven, Dixie Gem, July Elberta, Suncrest, Canadian Harmony, Star Fire, Veteran, Harko, Goldmine, Flaming Fury.

We made delicious peach-ginger jam with our peaches, which we gave away as holiday gifts that year. =]

Photos: Elizabeth Adan

 

By Elizabeth Adan

Elizabeth Adan is a Freelance Writer, Publicist and Brand Ambassador. Her blog Aquaberry Bliss is a unique food and travel blog dedicated to expanding your world and inspiring your creativity. When Elizabeth isn’t traveling, you’ll find her writing, hiking or gardening. Find Elizabeth on Twitter @stillaporcupine and LinkedIn.