Hugh B.
Yelp
For those who dream of stone fruit, Andy's Orchard is about as close to Xanadu as you'll find in the Bay Area or surroundings. That I'm writing in late January about the most delicious peaches, plumbs, apricots, and nectarines I've ever tasted is testament to the quality of the fruit grown by Andy's. I just can't quite get it out of my mind for the winter.
Andy's does a mail order and retail business throughout the year, dealing in dried fruit in various formats, including sugar plumbs, dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate covered fruit. The sugar plumbs in particular are not to be missed, even for those who are not normally plumb fans. All of this is available online, as the Morgan Hill store is generally closed in the off season, with the exception of the holidays.
Heirloom fruits are the specialties of Andy's, and they grow numerous varieties of cherries, plumbs, pluots, apricots, peaches, and nectarines. The Holy Grail of fruit from Andy's is their Green Gage Plumbs, generally available around the end of August and early September, which have a small but growing cult following. The store itself is small and well organized, with around 20 different varieties of fruit available in mid summer, and less early and late in the season. Most are at peak ripeness, tender and sweet, often with a twinge of gaminess that is unforgettable. Yes, I said gamey, and while that may sound a bit strange, that's only because you might not yet have been knocked over the head by the most delicious peach you ever ate in your life.
There's no question getting to Andy's Orchard requires some effort, as its Morgan Hill location is convenient only to Gilroy residents or those who are already traveling on 101 south of San Jose. But if the prospect of tasting fruit that will surprise and delight you holds some appeal, Andy's Orchard is a destination worth taking the time and effort to visit.