Where to buy fresh peaches

2022-06-12 - By Paul Stephen pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen

Long before the Texas Hill Country became famous for its many wineries, peaches were the agricultural gem of this stunning slice of the state. And those golden globes of sweetness are in season now.

There are many spots to stock up on fresh fruit, peach ice cream, peach preserves and countless other peachbased products along the 15-mile stretch of U.S. 290 between Fredericksburg and Stonewall. Many of the orchards and produce markets sell a wide variety of peaches that come in and out of season now through late summer. Right now, clingstone peaches are available, and freestone peaches will begin ripening in the next couple weeks.

If you’ve got a serious peach craving and feel like a scenic road trip, here’s a guide to 10 great spots to find peaches in the Hill Country. All the orchards and markets will be open throughout the growing season, which can end anywhere from mid-August into the second week of September, depending on the varieties planted and weather conditions. To make sure you’ll find what you’re looking for, visit the Facebook pages for these businesses for the latest updates.

Behrends Orchard

This grower offers a wide variety of peaches, as well as berries and vegetables, at its roadside market. Its homemade peach ice cream is also a popular draw, with many customers lining up for a cold cup on hot summer days.

Behrends Orchard, 4579 E. U.S. 290 in Fredericksburg, 830-997-4420, Facebook: Behrends Orchards. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Burg’s Corner

This seasonal produce market specializes in Hill Country peaches but also offers a wide range of other fruit and produce items such as tomatoes, squash, watermelons and onions. More than 100 specialty food products are also available, including peach cider, fruit preserves, canned produce, salsas and honey.

Burg’s Corner, 15194 E. U.S. 290 in Stonewall, 830-644-2604, burgscorner.com, Facebook: @BurgsCorner. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Das Peach Haus

This sprawling compound from the Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods brand offers a complete culinary experience. Oodles of fresh peaches are available at a roadside stand

on the property. Inside the main building, Das Peach Haus sells about 150 varieties of sauces and preserves. It also offers cooking classes, wine tastings and more. Dietz Distillery sits next to Das Peach Haus and sells peachand pear-based spirits.

Das Peach Haus, 1406 S. U.S. 87 in Fredericksburg, 830-9978969, jelly.com, Facebook: @daspeachhaus. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Donald Eckhardt Orchards

This venerable orchard was established in 1936 and currently produces peaches, blackberries, plums and tomatoes. The orchard’s market sells a wide range of other Hill Country-grown fruit and pro

duce, canned goods, and a selection of farm and garden antiques.

Donald Eckhardt Orchards, 2150 S. U.S. 87 in Fredericksburg, 830-992-7113, hillcountry peaches.com, Facebook:

@EckhardtOrchards. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Gold Orchards Inc.

Fresh, ripe peaches, plums and nectarines are available at this orchard’s market stand. It also sells freshly baked peach pies and cobblers from its in-house bakery, as well as soft-serve peach ice cream and preserved peach products.

Gold Orchards Inc., 14329 E. U.S. 290 in Stonewall, 830-6442890, Facebook: Gold Orchards, Inc. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday

Jenschke Orchards

You’ll find more than 30 varieties of peaches that ripen throughout the season at this orchard with more than 3,000 trees. This is the only orchard in the Hill Country that lets customers to pick their own fruit, although that starts later in the season. Visit Jenschke’s website for details. The orchard’s roadside market also sells peach ice cream, jams, jellies and canned peaches.

Jenschke Orchards, 8301 E. U.S. 290 in Fredericksburg, 830-997-8422,

bestfredericksburgpeaches.com, Facebook: @fredericksburg peaches. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday

Lydell’s Store

This seasonal produce market has been in business since 1985. Lydell’s is well stocked with fresh peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, melons and a wide range of preserved items such as sauces, jams and jelly.

Lydell’s Store, 1607 E. Main St. in Fredericksburg, 830-9971982, Facebook: Lydell’s Store.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Studebaker Farms

You’ll find a wide range of fresh peaches at this small family farm, which frequently collaborates with state and national horticulturists to develop the best and most flavorful varieties. Peach jams, sauces, preserves and more are also available.

Studebaker Farms, 9405 E. U.S. 290 in Fredericksburg, 830-990-1109, studebaker farms.com, Facebook: Studebaker Farm. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Vogel Orchard

This orchard was established in 1953 and offers a wide range of produce, including peaches, blackberries, plums and pumpkins. Peach cobbler, peach ice cream, fruit preserves, jellies and more are also available.

Vogel Orchard, 12862 E. U.S. 290 in Fredericksburg, 830-6442404, vogelorchard.wixsite.com, Facebook: Vogel Orchard.