One of the best—no, the best—thing about summer in Texas is spending a few hours at Ham Orchards just outside of Terrell. The Ham family now cultivates over 50 species of peaches in their 100-acre orchard. The peaches ripen progressively so there is always one or two varieties on the store shelves. If you are a peach lover, this spot is your dream. The market is filled with all-things peaches: cookies, cakes, jellies, jams, pies, breads, and soft-serve peach ice cream.
Two years ago, I spent a day on the farm with the Ham family. One of the highlights of my career as a food writer was picking peaches alongside Dale Ham, the patriarch of the family. He pours a lot of love on his crop and, at the risk of sounding cheesy, you can taste in every peach.
Read the story here. Then make plans to head east to Ham Orchard. Go early if you want to come home with pints of peach ice cream, they run out early. And go before August 12 because that is when they close for the season. Peaches freeze well so go for a full box. Here are the directions.
