I’ve finally made it! I have wanted to give to the magic of tree fruit for some time now, and it’s a pleasure to be here contributing to spreading the word about California peaches, plums and nectarines. But before I get into my passion, let me introduce myself.

My name is Sara, originally from the Bay Area, but after obtaining my college degree from a fabulous California State University recently, I have made my home right here in the Central Valley! When I’m not working in the tree fruit industry, I’m out on the lake, at the beach, or relaxing at my new home.

My passion for California peaches arose when I was I was very young. My mother would make my great grandmother’s recipe for strawberry peach cobbler, and from the first bite, my heart was with peaches. At that age, I couldn’t appreciate the hard work that went into each peach I enjoyed, but I have come to the realization that a California peach is no ordinary piece of fruit.

So much hard work goes into every California peach.

California Nectarines were introduced to me by my grandmother. She was a pediatrician, and was very adamant about us kids getting enough fruits and vegetables. Nectarines were my favorite fruit. The pit inside fascinated me, and my mouth watered at the site of my grandmother grabbing one from the fruit basket. She could sense me begging with my eyes, and would invite me over to share one with her.

With California plums, they grew on me as I grew up. I enjoyed them almost always fresh, sliced into pieces on my cereal. When I found out they were a good source of Vitamin C, well that was an added bonus! There’s nothing like plums in the summertime.

It wasn’t until nearly two years ago that I saw a whole new side to California peaches, plums and nectarines. When my fiancé and I first started dating, we realized early on that we came from different worlds. I was raised near the big city by a single parent who worked as a teacher. He was raised by his mom and dad who devoted their lives to their family, and growing tree fruit and citrus, an industry that his family had been a part of for more years than he could remember. I noticed at family gatherings, the chatter about the industry and the long hours my fiancé’s family would work. It was common for his Dad to leave and tend to orchards, saying “It’s that season,” as he left.

I never imagined I would work within the tree fruit family as I like to call it, but here I am, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity! I will be joining Iheartpeaches.com as a contributing writer, and I cannot wait to share with you the many wonders of California peaches, plums and nectarines. Get ready; it’s going to be an awesome ride. We’ll be in touch!

Sara