Nothing like fruit right off the tree…

by Poplar, July 20, 2009 | Permalink

Today I had the pleasure of going to Jones Orchard in Millington, TN. If you aren’t familiar, it’s a beautiful family owned orchard that specializes in peaches. Over 25 varieties, to be exact, including the original strains that the Jones family planted during World War II. 

Henry Jones met us in the trees behind his house, which were full of the most succulent, plump peaches I’ve ever seen. He couldn’t have been a nicer guy. You could tell he took pride in what his family developed, and moreover, it’s seemingly impossible to be anything but happy in such a beautiful setting. Henry explained the story of their orchard. “My grandfather started a small orchard, just as a hobby, in 1940. My Father took it over and made it a full time job”. It’s amazing to see what has developed since then. An orchard that supplies our area with amazing fruit, and creates sustainable jobs for the local community.

He could see us staring at the beautiful peaches with a look in our eyes that I’m sure resembled a kid staring in a candy shop window. Without hesitation, he told us to enjoy- “There’s nothing like fruit right off the tree”. That was an understatement- it was the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.

We’re so happy to have Jones Orchard peaches in our produce department. If you can make the drive to Millington to pick some peaches, I recommend it. It makes for a lovely day. But if you’re craving the delicious, juicy peaches in town, stop by the store and grab them while they are in season. They’re simply amazing.

How about a simple, delicious recipe for your cookout this weekend?

Grilled Peaches

4 large ripe peaches (local, of course!)

4 TBS 365 Everyday Value unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup firmly packed 365 Everyday Value Light brown sugar

¼ C white rum

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

To Garnish: sliced marcona almonds, vanilla ice cream or Crème Fraiche

Rinse peaches and blot dry. Cut in half. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until sugar is dissolved. Preheat grill to high heat. Grill peaches about 3-4 minutes each side, basting with rum butter glaze. Garnish with desired topping and savor the flavor!!

Taste of Tennessee

by Poplar, July 15, 2009 | Permalink

Come join us this Saturday fo a Taste of Tennessee !

We’re happy to host local and regional artisans, who will share their food and more importantly, their stories with you! 

Taste of Tennessee is a great way to bring the family together this weekend and serves as powerful reminder of the importance of supporting our local vendors here in the Mid-South.  By supporting local vendors and their products, we as consumers are putting money back into the community, something particularly valuable during these difficult economic times. And buying local products can save some money for you too! Seasonal items are in abundance, and we aren’t paying heavy transportation costs, and all of those savings get passed on to you. As if all of that isn’t incentive enough, buying local also helps save the environment. Less transport, less fuel, less emissions. It’s simply the way to go. 

So who can you come support? Delta Pecans, a great orchard out of Tutwiler, MS. that offers delicious, all natural gourmet pecans. Mountain Jimis bringing his amazing ice cream, and Grow Agrawill show off their wheatgrass. Journey to Bliss raw foods will be in attendance, as well as Tennessee T-Cakes! You’ll be able to taste local honey, coffee, cheesecake, baklava, produce and sauces. You can also taste beef and cheese from our southern region! Collect our local trading cards, and you could win a reusable tote filled with $100 worth of local and regional products!

At 12pm, Chef Giacomo of Cafe Toscana is giving a free cooking class featuring local items! Melissa Peterson, Editor of Edible Memphis will be here to talk food, and The Memphis Farmers Market will be showing off their awesome new cookbook!

At 1:30pm, check out our Whole Foods Market cookbook during a free cooking class in the community room. Everyone will leave with a great recipe and tasty sample, but one lucky attendee will leave with the book too!

Lastly, How about something to beat the heat? We’ll be hosting an ice cream social from 2pm-4pm. The sundaes will be made with ALL LOCAL INGREDIENTS! How cool is that? And all proceeds will benefit SlowFood Memphis, an organization dedicated to maintaining the integrity of homegrown, home cooked, delicious foods.

See you there!

For more information of if you have questions, email Liza Burke Liza.burke@wholefoods.com.