Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Palisade peaches are peaches grown on Colorado’s Western Slope in the Palisade region, Colorado’s most well-known fruit-growing region. The area’s warm days, cool nights, dry climate, and fertile soils help produce peaches with exceptional sweetness, color, and flavor.

“Palisade peaches” refers to peaches grown on Colorado’s Western Slope, not one single peach variety. Throughout the season, several varieties ripen at different times, each selected for flavor, texture, and timing.

Palisade peach season typically runs from early July to mid-to-late September, depending on the weather and the season. Freestone varieties are generally available from late July through mid-to-late September.

Palisade peaches are prized for their rich flavor, juiciness, and sweetness. Colorado’s high-elevation growing conditions create ideal peach-growing weather, helping produce fruit that stands out for both taste and texture.

Many grocery store peaches are picked early to withstand long shipping times. Leaving peaches on the tree longer dramatically increases sugar content and improves the overall flavor profile, which is one reason Colorado peaches are so highly sought after.

All of our peaches are grown in Colorado and sourced from Colorado fruit country.

No. Peaches are a natural product, so size, color, shape, and firmness can vary from box to box and even within the same box. Small cosmetic differences are normal and do not affect eating quality.

Fruit timing depends heavily on weather. A warm spring can move bloom and harvest earlier, while cold weather can delay the season. That is normal in agriculture, and seasonal timing can shift from year to year.

Yes. We ship to the lower 48 contiguous states.

We typically begin taking peach orders between April and June, depending on the season’s weather and our growers’ harvest forecast.

Peaches are a seasonal crop, and harvest timing depends on the weather and how the fruit develops. We do our best to provide timing estimates, but agriculture does not run on a perfectly fixed schedule, so exact shipping dates may vary based on actual harvest dates to ensure maximum freshness.

Orders typically ship when fruit is ready and conditions are appropriate for packing and transit. If you place a pre-order, your shipment timing may depend on harvest progress and order volume.

We only ship using services that are estimated to arrive within two days, or one day if an express option is selected. Actual transit time is based on the carrier’s estimated delivery time to your location.

We aim to ship peaches so they arrive at ideal ripeness. Sometimes they may need a few days at room temperature to finish ripening before they are ready to enjoy.

That is normal. Most shipped peaches benefit from a short period on the counter to finish ripening.

A small amount of rubbing or minor cosmetic marking can happen in transit with fresh fruit. If your order arrives with significant damage, contact us promptly with your order details and photos so we can help.

They can. Peaches are delicate and perishable, and extreme heat, cold, or carrier delays can affect how they arrive. That is one reason we monitor timing closely and ship only during appropriate windows.

Yes, always, and it is recommended since we have limited shipping capacity each year. Pre-ordering typically opens between April and June depending on weather and projected harvest timing.

A ripe peach will usually have a sweet fragrance and give slightly when gently pressed near the blossom end, which is the end opposite the stem.

Leave them at room temperature for a day or two, depending on how firm they are. Check them daily. They are ready when they begin to soften and a strong sweet peach aroma develops around the stem.

If your peaches are still firm, it is usually best to leave them at room temperature until they reach the ripeness you prefer. Unripe peaches should not be refrigerated, as refrigeration can affect both flavor and texture. Once ripe, refrigeration can help slow further softening and extend their usable life.

That depends on how ripe they are when they arrive and how they are stored. Generally, ripe peaches can keep under proper refrigeration for 5 to 7 days, and sometimes longer because of their high sugar content. Unripe peaches should not be refrigerated, as that can affect flavor and texture.

Store peaches at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, in a single layer if possible. Avoid stacking them in a way that puts too much weight on the fruit. Do not refrigerate peaches before they are ripe, since that can affect flavor and texture.

Yes. A paper bag can help speed ripening. Check them frequently so they do not overripen. Once ripe, move them to the refrigerator if needed to help hold them longer.

A ripe peach should give slightly when pressed near the blossom end, which is the side opposite the stem. It should also have a strong, sweet peach aroma coming from around the stem area.

This is often called a sugar bruise and is common in soft, melting-flesh peaches with high sugar content. A few divots or soft spots are normal and to be expected, but blackened areas or excessively damaged spots may indicate bruising.

Yes. Some people enjoy peaches when they are still a bit firm, especially if they like a firmer texture. Keep in mind that firmer peaches may not be as sweet or flavorful yet, since peaches continue developing sweetness and flavor as they ripen.

Yes. Peaches can be sliced and frozen, or frozen whole. If frozen whole, the skins often come right off when run under warm water later.

Yes. Peaches are excellent for fresh eating, baking, jam, preserves, cobblers, crisps, and other seasonal recipes.

We use cardboard boxes with foam inserts designed to help protect the fruit during shipping.

Peaches are delicate and bruise easily. Protective packaging helps reduce movement during shipping and improves the chances that fruit arrives in good condition.

Yes. Our cardboard boxes can generally be recycled anywhere corrugated cardboard is accepted.

In some locations, yes. Foam inserts may be recyclable in areas that accept polyurethane or similar foam materials. Recycling rules vary by location, so check with your local recycling provider for guidance.

Yes. Boxes and foam inserts can often be reused for moving, storing valuable items, organizing fragile household goods, or protecting seasonal decorations and keepsakes.

Our boxes can be reused for:

• moving fragile or valuable items
• organizing storage areas
• packing household goods
• storing seasonal items
• protecting breakable items in the garage, attic, or shed

Yes. Many organizations may be able to use sturdy boxes for practical purposes, especially groups that help people relocate quickly or organize donated goods. Examples can include women’s shelters, community aid organizations, churches, mutual aid groups, and local nonprofits that help families transition into housing.

No. Due to food safety regulations, we are not able to reuse empty boxes returned to us.

Check your local recycling guidelines. Recycling rules vary by location, and not all materials are accepted everywhere.

Yes. We are continuing to research more eco-friendly and natural packaging options that still provide a reasonable level of protection for delicate fruit during shipping.