Discover the Bountiful Harvest of Peaches, Apricots, and Figs at Aravada Springs
Nestled in the heart of the desert, Aravada Springs is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a treasure trove of delectable summer fruits. As the warm months roll in, the orchards burst into life with peaches, apricots, and figs, offering a delightful array of flavors and aromas. This blog post will guide you through the seasonal bounty of these fruits and share a couple of delicious recipes to make the most of your harvest.
Peaches and Apricots: A Summer Delight
At Aravada Springs, the peach and apricot seasons are a highlight of the summer. Peaches typically ripen in mid June, offering a sweet and juicy treat perfect for refreshing snacks and desserts. With our many varieties of peaches something is always ready to taste during the summer. Apricots, on the other hand, start to make their appearance in the early part of June and continue throughout the month, providing a slightly tart and wonderfully fragrant fruit that is ideal for jams, baking, and fresh eating.
The Historic Fig Trees of Aravada Springs
One of the most fascinating aspects of Aravada Springs is its historic fig trees. Planted by Great Grandpa Luke Whitney in the early 1900s, these trees are a living testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of our ancestors. Grandpa Whitney transported these fig trees from California by train, and they were then brought to Aravada Springs by horse and wagon. Today, these century-old trees continue to bear delicious figs each summer, typically ripening from mid to late July.
Recipe: Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh figs, sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Evenly spread the crumbled goat cheese over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the sliced figs on top of the goat cheese.
- Drizzle honey over the figs and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic tart look. Brush the edges with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful blend of sweet figs and tangy goat cheese!
Recipe: Classic Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder to form a batter.
- Pour the peach mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the batter evenly over the peach mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
These recipes not only celebrate the fresh flavors of summer fruits but also honor the legacy of the Whitney family’s dedication to cultivating a fruitful oasis in the desert. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of fig tart under the shade of the historic fig trees or savoring a warm serving of peach cobbler after a day of adventure, the taste of Aravada Springs is sure to make your summer truly memorable.
