Peach Picking in Kansas City
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 earlier in the summer… 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.
BONUS TIP: Blackberries ripen in mid-July too! Discover the best Berry Picking in KC, our top pick for berries, The Berry Patch, is ready with blackberries in mid-July! Peach Picking Season: mid-late July thru August or September (varies with each orchard). Peach Picking Tips:
- Call the farm for a picking report before you head out. Many of the farms are small and have limited fruit availability. Note that 2011's harsh weather harmed many crops, so some of our favorite orchards have limited-no availability this summer. Schweizer Orchards in St. Joseph has the largest crop on this list and their fruit is ready for your family to enjoy!
- 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. Call 816.330.3448 for information, 10455 Highway N Platte City, MO, www.alldredgeorchards.com
Beck's Farm
Beck's Farm is home to the "two-napkin" peach. The orchard has over 5,000 peach trees baring 43 varieties of u-pick peaches. Discover the fun and a variety of choices for fresh healthy produce. 316.282.2325, 7620 S. Anderson Road Newton, KS, www.becksfarm.com
Gieringers Orchard
Located in Johnson County, this family owned farm has peaches, raspberries, and sweet corn. They several varieties of free stone peaches. 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
Our TOP PICK for peach picking is Schweizer Orchards where peaches & blackberries are ready for a delicious summer pairing as of mid-July 2011! 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! Bonus: Read our guide to Family Fun in St. Joseph, Missouri, for more ideas while you're there! 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! (Note from the Wagon Wheel (July 7, 2011): Unfortunately the storms this year have knocked off all the peaches - except for the Doris peach (our latest and toughest variety). The apple crop still looks great for fall!) 913.893.6050, 15380 Edgerton Rd, Gardner, KS, www.wagonwheelorchard.com
Or, Buy Fresh Peaches at Sibley Orchards
Tree ripened peaches are for sale at the Sibley Orchards fruitstand after mid-July. They don't offer u-pick, but they are locally grown peaches and a delicious treat after a Day Trip in Sibley! 816.650.5535, 3717 Buckner Tarsney Rd. Sibley, MO.
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.