Peach Tree Adoption Program
WELCOME to those interested in adopting one of our peach trees!
The 2011 Elberta Peach Tree Adoption Application is now online >
We farm a wonderful old heirloom peach called Elberta (certified organic). Elberta is one of those old fashioned, creamy, buttery smooth peaches with a bright yellow flesh and a golden skin when ripe. Some of you will remember the magical name – Elberta – memories of a family tree in the back yard or eating one a long time ago. These stories still echo in our orchards, flavors that shout out “family” and “memory”. So how can you get a taste of these gems? By adopting a tree! And, if the weather and nature cooperates, each tree should have between 400-500 pounds of these peach gems!
Personalized Produce
- One of our goals is to personalize our produce. It’s not about production and the exchange of peaches for money; we believe in the soul of food, the art of farming, and the stories that link our family and produce with you. We take this personally – and want consumers, peach lovers, food enthusiasts to share our passion. And here’s an opportunity for you to come harvest your own peaches and share the farmer’s dilemmas, challenges and rewards.
- By adopting a tree, these Elbertas will be yours for a year of gestation. We, at the Masumoto farm, will take care of the early work of pruning, irrigating and pest control. We utilize only organic practices, adopting the best natural practices (by the way, the entire farm is certified organic).
- However, the most critical time will be your responsibility: HARVEST TIME.
Adopt A Lifestyle, Harvest Like A Farmer
- Your tree will be waiting for you – and you will be kept abreast of how your peaches are doing. Like most natural arrivals, delivery date (harvest) cannot be predetermined nor scheduled. In the past Elberta harvest delivery dates have ranged from the last Saturday in July to the second Saturday in August. This is very much like giving birth naturally (we don’t schedule Cesarean peaches on our farm)! You and your team will come to the Masumoto farm and hand harvest your own peaches.
- For two consecutive Saturdays your team will come to the farm, select and pick ripe, over ripe and ripening fruit from your tree. Then the peaches are your babies to enjoy, care for, and use however you desire. We suggest you adopt a tree with others – extended family, neighbors, friends or coworkers. A group or an organization can adopt a tree and send a small work crew to come harvest! We will provide ladders and picking boxes – you’ll need to provide the personal touch.
A Note About Harvest
- We are tentatively planning two consecutive SATURDAYS for delivery dates – in late July and/or early August. We cannot predict the exact dates in advance, and will only be able to provide a few weeks notice (this is about working with nature).
- Harvesting will start early in the morning and must finish by late morning (it can be terribly hot in Fresno – 100 degree days are common) – and you and your team will be responsible for all the work.
- You will harvest on two Saturdays because of the nature of the fruit: not all of them will ripen at the same time. When you come pick on the first Saturday, some fruit will be very ripe (ready to eat on the spot), some ready to eat in a few days after picking, and the rest will wait for the next harvest day. So prepare for a variety of fruit – peaches you’ll eat or give away that day or bake and prepare a few days later…welcome to the life of a farmer.
- By the way, you can always split the harvest days with others on your team – some taking the first Saturday and others the second. But please do not abandon your babies! Your team will be responsible for harvesting your babies on BOTH Saturdays.
About Our Family Farm:
- The Masumoto Family Farm is located a few miles southeast of Fresno, California. By car it takes about 3-4 hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles – so make your harvest day plans accordingly.
- We will be open for harvest ONLY on the specified days. This is a working farm!
- The Masumoto Family has lived on and farmed this land for three generations. The farm has been certified organic for 20 years. Learn more about the farm.
How It Works:
- Complete and submit the adoption application during the application period. The sooner you apply, the better. Remember, we take this very personally, that’s how we farm, how we work, so please only apply if you are committed.
- The Masumoto family personally reviews all applications and works hard to match loving adoption applicants with each Elberta tree; however, we can only accept a limited number.
- If accepted, you will be notified sometime in March and given detailed information about payment and adoption logistics. The adoption fee is $500 per tree.
- YOU WILL BE DOING THE HARVESTING and will keep all your organic peaches (approximately 400-500 pounds or more per tree).
- We will keep you informed via e-mail about your peaches from bloom to projected “delivery dates;” but be aware, the date may NOT be finalized until a few weeks prior to arrival. It’s like the delivery of a baby – and a natural birth, no?
- It is your responsibility to read all e-mail notifications and share the information with your team.
GIVE PEACH A CHANCE!
Masumoto Family Farm
Mas, Marcy, Nikiko and Korio
