Stemilt Launches its Washington Organic Peach and Nectarine Harvest
WENATCHEE, WA – Big news has come down from Washington State with Stemilt's announcement that it has begun its harvest for its line of organic peaches and nectarines. Harvest season is a week early this year, coming on the heels of a growing season in which Stemilt Marketing Director Roger Pepperl described as 'absolutely ideal' for stonefruit crops.
“This is the sixth season that our entire peach and nectarine crop is grown and certified as organic. Consumer demand for organic fruit is very high, and...The fruit looks and tastes incredible. Vibrant colors, juicy and sweet flavors with a good amount of acid. Our focus on tree-ripened fruit ensures a consistent level of maturity to further enhance the consumer eating experience,” he said.
According to a press release, Stemilt has been growing all-organic peaches and nectarines since 2007. Its first harvest came in 2009 and was met with such success that Stemilt Growers has never looked back.
“The move to organics brought our trees into balance from a horticultural standpoint, and balanced trees deliver fruit with higher sugars and acids resulting in a better eating experience for consumers,” said Jill Douglas, General Manager of Douglas Fruit, the principal growers behind Stemilt's summer peach and nectarine crop. “We also benefit from growing peaches and nectarines in the best locale. The Columbia Basin and Tri Cities area of Washington State has a volcanic-rich soil and is known for having long, warm summer days that build the fruit’s flavor and cool nights to reenergize trees. The perfect combination that is only enhanced by farming the fruit with natural methods.”
According to a press release, these stonefruits will be sold under Stemilt's Artisan Organics label and will be available to retailers from late July to mid-September. In addition to the excellent quality of their product, Stemilt also offers a full line of merchandising materials to aid their retail partners, such as pop-up displays and signage featuring the Douglas family's commitment to organic farming.
Congratulations to another excellent season for Stemilt!
