I’ve been a peach groupie my whole life. Each year, I make at least one trip east to Ham Orchards. This roadside market surrounded by 100 acres of peach-producing trees is a one-stop shop for all-things peaches: cookies, cakes, jellies, jams, pies, breads, and soft-serve peach ice cream. And peaches. There are over 50 species of peaches growing in that orchard. They ripen progressively and stretch the buying season from mid-May until August 15.
Last year I toured the farm with Dale Ham. I got to know his family and sat down with them several times to record their story. Ham was a firefighter in Richardson and raised peaches as a hobby. Now the whole family runs a successful peach orchard and market. They’ve purchased another 100 acres and plant to add pecan trees and vegetables to their inventory. Last year was their best crop. This year looks even better.
Give the story a read and make plans for a table-to-farm trip. Ham Orchards is just east of Terrell, and they will open on May 15. Check their Facebook page for updates and tell them we sent you.
