Category Archives: What’s New with Aloha

Aloha Farm Store opens June 20 for the 2015 season

What's New with Aloha, ,
organic cherries Palisade CO
Revel in Palisade organic cherries now!

After a MOST unusual spring, it’s harvest time for Palisade tender sweet organic fruit cherries and apricots!
The welcome mat is out! Right now we have local sweet cherries, vegetables, heirloom tomatoes plus local honey. Hot summer days are here and our peach harvest will start in a week or two.

Aloha Organic Farm Store is now open daily 10am – 5pm until mid-September. You’ll find delicious tree-ripened, just-picked, juicy organic fruit all summer long! We start shipping fresh organic peaches in a couple of weeks, check our online store mid-July.

Local honey, organic fruit jams, Kona coffee.
Local honey, organic fruit jams, Kona coffee.

Find Aloha at these locations
•    Palisade Sunday Farmers Market – June 14 – Sept 20; 10a-2p
•    Fruit Stand at Abbey Carpet parking lot – 2586 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction. July 1 – Sept 3, 10a – 2p
•    Lafayette Peach Festival – Aug 15, 9a-4p

Check out Palisade festivals & celebrate our agricultural riches

•    Colorado Lavender Festival – July 10-12
•    Palisade Peach Festival – Aug 13-15

Ship organic peaches in US
Share the peach love! Aloha ships peaches across the U.S. in 9, 12 & 24 peach shippers starting mid-July. Check our online store.

•    Colorado Mountain Winefest – Sept 19-20

Aloha Organic Fruit
Growers of Outstanding Organic Fruit and Palisade Peaches in a Natural Environment
3525 G Road – Palisade, Colorado 81526
Open daily 10-5
Mid-June – mid-September
970-464-2272

Springtime weather creeps into the Grand Valley early

What's New with Aloha

KKCO 11 News
March 27, 2015
By Lindsey Pallares
Record hot weather

PALISADE, Colo. Could we reach record-breaking temperatures tomorrow in the Grand Valley? Forecasters at the National Weather Service say we may be just one or two degrees short even with all the sun headed our way.

The National Weather Service has reported that the record of Saturday’s high temperature was set at 77 degrees back in 1986. There’s a big chance we could tie or set new numbers on Saturday and it’s got farmers and families ready to soak in the springtime sun. Springtime has hit the valley early this year, and it has mothers like Andrea Godwin out and about with their families. “Everybody is outdoors, this park has come alive in the last couple weeks where it’s been really sunny,” say Andrea Godwin.

Following what forecasting experts have called a mild winter is an early onset of warm weather. The temperatures have climbed so significantly, several parts of the Grand Valley may be able to meet some records on Saturday. “This weekend we are expecting a ridge of high pressure that’s going to be moving over our area in the great basin and with that we are going to have some very warm temperatures,” says John Kyle of the National Weather Service.

Although the weather can often times can be unpredictable during spring, farmers say they’re enjoying it while it lasts. “Working in the orchard has been really pretty nice because the weather has been so pleasant, but what it’s done for the trees is that it’s moved everything up a little bit,” says Steven Sherer of Aloha Organic Fruit.

Compared to his average harvesting days, he says the heat has moved his schedule up about ten days. Along with that, Sherer says the window for the dreaded spring freezes is longer than usual. When it comes to getting your fresh peach fix, this early spring often benefits the consumers the most.

Last year’s records show the last overnight freezes towards the later part of April. At this point in the growing process, a spring freeze has the potential to do some serious damage to the peach crop, by killing off the many blooming buds in the Grand Valley.

Tap here to watch video

Local farmers speak on Proposition 105

What's New with Aloha,

KREX News Channel 5
October 28, 2014
By Angel Russell

PALISADE, Colo. – The Colorado Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms, Proposition 105, will be on your statewide ballots this year. If passed, the measure would require that any “prepackaged, processed food or raw agricultural commodity that has been produced using genetic modification” will include the label “Produced with Genetic Engineering.”

Owner The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposition, particularly for what they see could be a potential negative impact on the agricultural economy.

“It’s not as simple as the proponents say, ‘Oh, just slap a label on your product.’ It’s not that simple,” said Diane Schwenke, Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber states it has the potential of being costly to local producers to comply with the labeling requirements. It also states that the G.M.O. label itself could potentially cause some fear within consumers that they don’t even buy our products and instead buy from another state.

One local farmer in Palisade will be voting yes on the proposition.

“In my reading of the bill, I don’t really see where the cost will go up that much, if at all, for 90% of us, at least in the Valley. I think the cost will go up for somebody like Monsanto or the big ag producers, but I think for us the cost doesn’t go up at all,” said farmer Guy Parker. He also believe it comes down to giving people the right to choose. “I really just want the choice to say, ‘I want to eat this GMO’ or ‘I don’t want to eat it.’ And I think that’s everybody’s right to make that choice.”

Another local Palisade farmer is against it. His business is all organic fruits, so the labeling wouldn’t affect him. So why is he opposed?

“I don’t like the way it’s worded. It leaves too much stuff out, and doesn’t put enough stuff in. I see in their add that they leave out restaurant food and dairy products. All of these things have GMO in them so if you’re going to label it, then it should be labeling all of it. But they only want to label some of it, so its not very well done in my opinion,” said Steven Sherer, of Aloha Organic Fruit.

Colorado state voters will be deciding the fate of Proposition 105. If the law does pass, it will go into effect January 1st.

Tap here to watch the video.

Aloha Organic Fruit in Sunset Magazine

Aloha in Sunset Magazine!

What's New with Aloha, , ,

“Why You’ll Love Palisade, CO – In the red rocks of Western Colorado, hike across a mesa, sip some Cabernet, and savor the world’s juiciest, tastiest peaches.” – says Sunset Magazine

 

And that’s why we love Sunset Magazine, story & photos capture the magic of Palisade. August issue, pages 23-24. Pick up the magazine and get free carrot seeds in the “Peel & Plant” sticker on the cover! Read about Aloha Organic Fruit organic peaches in Sunset Magazine here.

Good news! We have plenty of Palisade peaches grown organically to enjoy or ship to clients, friends & family now. Aloha peaches in Sunset Magazine

  • Large, sweet & juicy peaches.
  • Choose from 24 – 12 – 9 peach shippers (24 peach shipper is most popular by far, it’s the best FedEx 2nd Day value).
  • We ship fresh peaches ONLY by FedEx 2nd Day, to ensure a fresh peach is delivered to your door.
  • During all steps of check out, make sure FedEx 2nd Day is selected, otherwise we will have to cancel your order and refund your money.
  • We ship within 7 working days; usually Mon – Wed to minimize time your peaches are in transit.
  • Order soon, as peach harvest ends early October. Don’t be disappointed.

Click here to order tree-ripe peaches from Aloha

 

 

Find Aloha (but hurry!)

Shabby Chic Boutique
Our farm stand located in parking lot
2586 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction   Weds – Sat, 10am – 2pm
A convenient central Grand Junction location to pick up fresh peaches now.

Sunday Palisade Farmers Market
Downtown Palisade   Sunday 10am – 2pm; until Sept. 22
Lots of fresh produce from many local Palisade growers.

Aloha Farm Store
3525 G Rd, Palisade   Open daily 10am – 5pm until early Oct.
Get our peaches plus naturally grown local produce, heirloom tomatoes, local honey, local organic lavender items, our favorite Hawaiian treats including Kona coffee.

Thank you folks who turned out at the Palisade Peach Festival and the Lafayette Peach Festival!

Palisade peaches

Shipping fresh peaches & pears until October

What's New with Aloha, ,

Palisade peachesAloha is now shipping fresh Palisade peaches & pears – grown organically with aloha! Choose between 24 – 12 – 9 shippers.

 

Note that Aloha ships fresh fruit ONLY by FedEx 2nd Day,  to ensure fresh fruit upon arrival.

During check-out, make sure you select 2nd Day at every step. Otherwise we will have to cancel your order and refund your money. We ship fresh fruit within 7-10 working days, on Monday – Wednesday to get them to you with a minimum amount of time in transit.

Thank you – and enjoy the sweet summer taste of peaches & pears. Direct from our orchard to you.

Pruning organic peach trees

The trees have been dormant, but we’ve been busy…

What's New with Aloha, , , ,

Aloha Organic Fruit’s goal to offer you a wider selection of delicious Palisade fruit grown organically is coming to “fruition”

 

Land ready for planting cherries
Cleared land ready for planting peaches & nectarines
  • We leased 6 acres. We’ll plant white and red cherries to augment the existing peach orchard.
  • We’re planting 4 new varieties of peaches where old peach trees were pulled out, so we’ll have more ripe peaches throughout a longer season.
  • New installation of heaters will help protect our orchards during spring frosts.
Pruning organically grown peach trees
Slow work – the art of pruning 4000 peach trees

 

What happens fall – winter – spring?

Peach trees need care year ’round to thrive. In fall after harvest, we spread compost throughout the orchard. Pruning trees begins in December. Snowmelt waters in the nutrients and gives the trees what they need to form buds. To control bugs we confuse them by hanging pheremone mating disruptors in the trees. By April, rows of heaters are standing ready to protect the vulnerable trees during spring frosts.

Growing organic peaches in Palisade Colorado
To control bugs, using mating distruptors is more work, but growing organic is what we want to do

 

April… the scary month

Growing peaches organically is challenging, then factor in weather. This winter is the coldest on record since 1988. April is known for volatile temperatures, and when it is windy, heaters and wind machines aren’t very effective. Peach blossoms are ready to pop – keep your fingers crossed for a good crop!

 

Upcoming Palisade events

Palisade International Honeybee Festival – April 12-13

Spring thaw mud on the farm
Yech! Dealing with spring thaw mud on the farm

Friday: Blue Pig Gallery hosts bee-themed show, demos, mead (honey wine) tasting.
Saturday: A hive of activity for entire family downtown on the Town Plaza: Bee dancers, Spelling Bee, food & vendor booths, demos, speakers. Meadery tours, free Bee Bus.

Honeybee Fest info

 

Aloha Farm Store opens mid-June

Aloha Organic Fruit

heaters in the orchard protect tender peach blossoms
Heaters protect tender peach blossoms from frost

Growers of Outstanding Organic Palisade Peaches in a Natural Environment

3525 G Road – Palisade, CO 81526

Open daily 10-5

Mid-June – early October

alohaorganicfruit.com
970-464-2272

Palisade Peaches from Aloha Organic Fruit

September signals harvest of our final peaches

What's New with Aloha

Now is the time to savor Aloha’s final organic Palisade peach variety of the season. Here’s where to find our O’Henrys* for the next several weeks only

Palisade Peaches Aloha Organic Fruit Colorado

  • Farmers markets – Palisade and Fruita;
  • Our farm store – open daily 10 to 5 until early October;
  • Natural Grocers Grand Junction – 2464 Hwy 6 & 50 Grand Mesa Center (look for Aloha peach lei logo on the boxes).

Giving a Taste of Summer is always welcome

While holiday gift-giving seems far off, why not stock up now on tasty food gifts like Aloha garden salsa, local honey, 13 delicious jams, our Hawaiian favorites – Kona Coffee and macadamia clusters; plus local organic lavender bath & body products.

Upcoming events in Palisade

  • Colorado Mountain Winefest – Sept. 13-16. Saturday: Festival in Riverbend Park – unlimited sips from 50 Colorado wineries, chef demos, interactive seminars, music n more. Colorado’s original held in the heart of wine country. 10:30a-5p. Sunday: Tour of Wineries around Palisade. Free entry. 10a-5p
  • Farmers Markets – run through September
    Saturday: Fruita Civic Center lawn. 8:30a-12:30p. Last one Sept. 22.
    Sunday: Palisade downtown 10a-2p. Last one Sept. 30.

Thank you for your interest and appreciation this season!

*Read about O’Henrys here

Aloha Farm Store opens June 16

What's New with Aloha

Aloha Organic Fruit store

THE SEASON OF EATING FRESH & LOCAL BEGINS!

Aloha! We’re opening tomorrow Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm daily for the season.

Come to Palisade for Bluegrass this weekend and take home fresh local organic apricots – 2 different kinds, Bing and Rainier cherries; plus local naturally grown Beefsteak tomatoes. LOCAL HONEY, jams and our new Garden Salsas.

Palisade Sunday Farmers Market starts this weekend 10 am – 2 pm. See you there!

 

Upcoming events in Palisade
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival, June 15 – 17, Riverbend Park
Line up: The Carolina Chocolate Drops, 18 South, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, Oakhurst, and more. Tickets at door.

Colorado Lavender Festival, July 6 – 8
Fri: Motorcoach tour of lavender farms, grower talks (Tix).
Sat: Festival in Palisade Memorial Park (free).
4 Seminars @ $10 ea; 2 carft workshops @ $12 materials

 

 

 

Sun: Self-guided tours of farms, wineries, retailers. LOTS of activities, food, presentations. (free admission).
Visit the Palisade Chamber website for more event info


Aloha-Garden_Salsas

 

 

 

 

Warm Days Means Early Harvest

What's New with Aloha
baby peaches in may
Baby Palisade peaches in May at Aloha Organic Fruit

 

Aloha farm store opens in 2 weeks with the arrival of local organic apricots and cherries. Stay tuned!

As winter gives way to spring and summer, we have been fully occupied with caring for fruit trees. Starting in January, we prune the trees in a Y shape to allow sunlight into the center, so fruit will ripen. In April frost is always a concern. The temperature dropped to 25 degrees for 2 hours one night. We ran the wind machines which increase the temperature in the orchard by 5 degrees.

A cold snap can be devastating, or it can be Mother Nature’s way to help thin fruit, like it was this time. To get the size of peach desired, we eliminate some of the competition by removing fruit by hand, leaving a 4 to 6 inch space between the remaining tiny marble-sized peaches.

We planted 320 Cresthaven baby trees. It will take the trees three seasons before you see their peaches in our store. Youwill see our new PF15A (Paul Friday 15A) peaches in early August. They are in their “third leaf” and we will harvest these nice big red peaches for the first time.

Who can remember a windier May? Water is on everyone’s mind. Snow pack was low, rainfall is at a third of normal, the ground is dry, and winds sap moisture from the plants. So we irrigate more… and it’s a drought year.

People comment on our tidy orchard, as we keep it well-mowed. While the vegetation provides top soil and moisture retention, keeping it short removes pest habitat.

By May, the orchard has already been sprayed 5 times with organic products like calcium and kelp nutrients to feed the trees and dormant oil to protect them. We made it through the spring in great shape and expect a good crop this year.

Bicyclers – stop by for some Aloha! Ride the Fruit & Wine Byway. We’re at mile marker 17

 

First Graders agritour
A group of eager first graders from Fruita learned how peaches grow at Aloha recently. Bring your group or visitors for an Agri-tour this summer.

 

Take an Agri-tour at Palisade’s Aloha Organic Fruit

See how organic farming differs from conventional farming and how we produce top quality, healthy and sweet peaches. Call to schedule a tour Mon-Fri, from 10-5, 970-361-5913.Take an Agri-tour soon and you’ll see peaches already the size of fuzzy golf balls!

 

Upcoming events in Palisade

  • Garden Tour – June 2 & 3, 9 am – 3 pm
    “Palisade’s Garden Treasures” – Western Botanical Gardens’ 21st Annual Garden Tour features private and commercial gardens in Palisade.
  • Palisade Bike Festival, June 9
    Fruit & Wine Bike Tours – 3 scenic tours on paved roads
    Grand Mesa Grind Mountain Bike Race
    Lunch and awards afterwards at Palisade Brewing Co.
  • 3rd Annual Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival, June 15 – 17, Riverbend Park
    The Carolina Chocolate Drops, 18 South, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, Oakhurst, etc. Featuring notable bluegrass and roots musicians, on-site camping, band scramble jam sessions, workshops, food, activities for kids.
  • Colorado Lavender Festival, July 6 – 8
    Fri: Motorcoach tour of lavender farms, grower talks.
    Sat: Festival in Palisade Memorial Park (free).

    Sun: Self-guided tours of farms, wineries, retailers (free)

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