Stone fruit season is here at last! Come take your pick from the sweetest, juiciest local cherries, peaches, apricots, and nectarines around—grown and handpicked just down the road by our friends at Gunkel Orchards.
When summer hits its peak in the Pacific Northwest, so do the Maryhill peaches, cherries, Honey nectarines, and Robada apricots from our longtime partners at Gunkel Orchards.
The Gunkel family farm sits on a breathtaking land-split along the Columbia River Gorge in Goldendale, WA. Some say it’s the region’s unique microclimate—sandy soil, steady winds, and long, sunny days—that makes their stone fruit so legendary. Others point to the fact that they let their fruit ripen on the tree. Either way, Gunkel fruit is consistently sweet (so sweet!), juicy, and bursting with just-picked flavor.
Maryhill Cherries
We'll start seeing these sustainably grown, handpicked favorites in mid-June. If you don't eat them all first, they’re outstanding in cherry pie, salads, and summery cocktails. But the season's short, so get them while you can. Don't forget to grab a cherry pitter from our home goods department!
Maryhill Peaches
Grab some napkins because you can't eat a Maryhill peach without juice running down your chin. We expect to see these handpicked beauties rolling in mid-July. Eat them right out of hand, make peach pancakes, or grill them. However you decide to eat them, you're in for a sweet (and juicy!) treat.
Maryhill Honey Nectarines
Super sweet and bursting with honey-like flavor, these handpicked nectarines arrive late July through August—alongside more Gunkel-grown favorites like Honey Light, Honey Blaze, Honey Kist, Honey Royal, and Honeylicious nectarines.
Maryhill Robada Apricots
Available late June through mid-July, these large, richly sweet freestone apricots boast a vibrant blush that makes them glow on the branch—like tiny Japanese lanterns lit from within.
When it comes to farming, the Gunkel family prioritizes sustainability. They use drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation to prevent runoff and conserve water—and rely on farm compost for fertilization, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Thanks to their location along the Columbia River, the area winds reduce the need for pesticides.
They're also committed to their family farming heritage and, when the time comes, plan to pass the farm on to the next generation to ensure the land remains agricultural.
We've been sourcing stone fruit from the Gunkel family for over 16 years and feel honored to call them partners and friends.
Each year, they generously host a group of New Seasons Market staff for two farm tours, sharing their sustainable farming practices—and treating us to a bounty of perfectly ripe fruit.
Now it’s your turn. Come taste the magic of Maryhill stone fruit at your neighborhood New Seasons.
Love for Local
Learn more about our thoughtful sourcing practices and how we support local farmers, ranchers, and producers.
- Tags
- Producers