We LOVE peaches in our house! Delicious Peach Cobbler (see below for our favorite recipe courtesy of Silver Dollar City), fresh peaches, peaches on ice cream, peaches with the blueberries we picked in July… to quote Rachael Ray, “Yummo!”
Before the kids head back to school and the air turns crisp for autumn, take the family to one of these great orchards for some peach picking and family time. Scope out the orchard, each one is great for Apple Picking in September. Watch the September issue of Kansas City Parent Magazine and www.kcparent.com for your complete Apple Picking Guide this fall!
Peach Picking Season: late July at some orchards, August 1 - September at most.
Peach Picking Tips:
• Call the farm for a picking report before you leave. Many of the farms are small and have limited fruit availability.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bring bottled water and snacks for the kids.
• Don’t forget your camera… fruit picking makes great photos for the scrapbook.
• Check out “Going Places” for fun places to visit near the orchard of your choice!
• How to Pick Peaches - According to Wagon Wheel Orchard, “The proper way to pick tree fruit is to twist gently and lift up - do not pull down on the fruit or you will damage the fruit and the tree.”
Kansas City area Peach Orchards
Alldredge Orchards
Tucked in the foothills of the Missouri River you’ll find the picturesque Alldredge Orchards. The century-old barn welcomes guests with delicious fresh fruit and rolling hills. Children enjoy riding pedal go-karts and feeding the chickens and ducks that roam the farm and welcome visitors.
816.330.3448, 10455 Highway N Platte City, MO, www.alldredgeorchards.com
Gieringers Orchard
Located in Johnson County, this family owned farm has peaches, raspberries, and sweet corn. Unlike the other orchards on this list, they do not have apples in the fall.
913.893.9626, 39675 W. 183rd St, Edgerton, KS, www.gieringersorchard.com
Schweizer Orchards
Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mo is one of the largest u-pick orchards in the area. Schweitzer Orchards are so popular that visitors come not only from Missouri and Kansas, but also from Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas on annual trips for picking!
816. 232.3999, S Hwy 169 & FF St. Joseph, MO, www.schweizerorchards.com
Wagon Wheel Orchard
The Wagon Wheel Orchard is one of the newer u-pick farms in the area, but they have fun for the whole family! From hayrack rides to live animals, this is an outing everyone will enjoy. The Wagon Wheel is open to visitors for picking on weekends, but be sure you call ahead for the picking report!
913.893.6050, 15380 Edgerton Rd, Gardner, KS, www.wagonwheelorchard.com
Our Favorite Peach Cobbler Recipe!
Silver Dollar City Peach Cobbler Ingredients:
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 c. milk
- 3/4 c. flour
- smidge of salt
- 1 stick butter, melted in an 8x8 baking dish
- 2 c. sliced peaches, or your favorite fruit
- 3/4 c. sugar
Instructions: (NOTE: Pay close attention to the DO NOT STIR instructions - it's important.)
Mix the cup of sugar, baking powder, milk, flour, and salt together. After you melt the stick of butter into the baking dish pour the batter mixture over the top. Do not stir!!! Now mix the sugar with the fruit and drop it through the batter mixture; Again, do not stir! Bake for an hour at 300 degrees. If you double the recipe, it may take a bit longer. This recipe may boil over a bit, so place pan on a baking sheet with parchment paper (Kristina's note- mine did not boil over in a deep dish Pyrex pan, my teacher's DID boil over in a metal baking pan). The cake portion should be golden brown. Serve with cool whip, ice cream, or half and half. The 8x8 size (single recipe) should serve 6 people.