The Colorado Peach Blog

Have you every wondered why Palisade peaches start showing up on some Colorado supermarket shelves a month before they’re available at local farmers markets or roadside stands?

The reason might shock you.

The fact is, Colorado peach farmers don’t start harvesting the popular freestone “Palisade peaches” until late July most years.

So why do some local supermarkets advertise “Colorado Palisade peaches” in early June?

It’s because those supermarkets are lying to you.

If that sounds shocking, it should. But unfortunately, it’s true.

The fact is, there technically aren’t any practical laws, or any regulatory agencies that enforce “state of origin” labeling or advertising of fresh produce in Colorado.

That means there’s nothing to stop a supermarket chain -or even a small mom and pop grocer- from labeling peaches grown in Georgia, South Carolina, or even California as “Colorado Palisade peaches”.

Unfortunately, it frequently does happen. If you’ve ever seen “Colorado Palisade peaches” on a local supermarket shelf, or in local supermarket advertising during the month of June, those were almost certainly Georgia peaches.

Georgia -with it’s warmer climate- starts harvesting peaches in early June most years, almost two full months before Colorado freestone peach harvest begins.

And while Georgia grows a pretty darn good peach, they’re still nothing like a real, authentic Colorado-grown Palisade peach.

How to know if Palisade peaches are real

How can consumers know they’re getting real authentic Colorado-grown peaches?

• Know your season. Colorado freestone Palisade peaches are in season from late July until late September. If you see “Palisade peaches” in June, they’re simply not Palisade peaches. If you see “Palisade peaches” in stores before mid-July, be aware they’re probably early “clingstone” varieties, only grown by a few select Colorado orchards. Early “cling” varieties such as PF1 and PF5 are typically harvested in early July, and are somewhat different from the later, more popular freestones varieties like Cresthaven and Blazing Star.
• Know your farmer. Look at the label on the box, and use your phone to search for the orchard online. Most Colorado orchard have a website, social media, or online presence of some sort. Some of the “old-timers” may not have a website, but they can usually still be found listed online.
• Buy direct from the grower at one of Colorado’s “producers-only” farmers markets, or from a roadside stand that works with local growers. If you’re out of state, order online direct from a Colorado orchard that ships Palisade peaches nationwide.

Colorado Palisade peaches are truly in a league of their own. This rare treat is only available for a few short weeks most summers.

Make sure you’re getting the real deal by knowing your season, knowing your farmer, and buying from a reputable retailer -one that doesn’t advertise Palisade peaches in June.

It looks like we’re in for another excellent freestone peach season here in Western Colorado come late July -or maybe even come mid-July, thanks to all the warm weather we’ve been having out here.

What is your favorite Palisade peach memory? Share in the comments below.

Edit: Updated 6/29/2024 to include information about Colorado’s early “clingstone” peach varieties.