Picking Available Tuesday - Sunday
There’s nothing quite like a fresh peach right off the tree, and our seventh-and eighth-generation farmers take that to heart every year when nurturing our trees so that they produce the sweetest, juiciest peaches around. Grab a few peaches off a tree to snack on as you explore the fields on a relaxing summer day. Or, get a bushel of these versatile fruits to bring home and make your own delicious pies, cobblers, jams, ice cream, or sweet adult beverages. We expect peach picking to open early July - stay tuned.
How to Pick & Store Peaches
When selecting peaches, choose the ones that are slightly firm and plump that yield somewhat to pressure. Blushes are an indicator of the variety of peach, but not its ripening status. Tree-ripened peaches typically need additional ripening after they’re picked in order to increase their softness and juiciness. Just place your peaches in a paper bag and set a room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Don’t refrigerate unripe peaches because refrigeration inhibits ripening and causes the fruit to become dry, mealy, and flavorless. Once peaches are ripe, however, they can be refrigerated from 5 to 7 days.
🍑 2025 Peach Ripening Schedule at Eckert’s Belleville Farm
Curious when your favorite peach varieties will be ready to pick? Here’s our estimated peach ripening schedule for 2025 at Eckert’s Belleville Farm—just a short drive from St. Louis!
| Variety | Estimated Ripening Date |
|---|---|
| Desiree | June 9 |
| Glengloe | June 16 |
| Sentry | June 20 |
| Red Haven | July 4 |
| Bounty | July 15 |
| Loring | July 25 |
| Cresthaven | August 8 |
| Autumn Star | August 15 |
These dates are approximations and can shift based on weather patterns and crop conditions. For the most up-to-date picking information, please visit our Crop Update page.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date day, or just craving that first juicy bite of summer—this schedule will help you plan your visit for peak flavor!
Sustainable Growing Methods
Sustainability in agriculture means meeting the food needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
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