Fruit stands are a fixture in California, it’s easy enough to classify them as small, medium and large. The small classification could be anything from a table with an umbrella and chair to a small shack or stand that serves a purpose of displaying the goods off the ground. The large can be classified as the medium one that at some point took the next step and is now a full-fledged building with convenience store qualities and usually a lot of offerings that aren’t actually “local” at all. The medium class, well, that’s just in between the small and the large isn’t it?
As a child I have memories of the fruit stands in southern California, that was when there was still agriculture in Orange County. Tiny little shacks on the side of the road selling fresh strawberries, many varieties of citrus, tomatoes and avocados etc.
Growing up on the central coast of California, the fruit stands take on a double duty, featuring more fresh vegetables, as the area is known as the salad bowl of California. Lettuce (of course), broccoli, artichokes, stalks of Brussels sprouts (I am a fan) commingle with strawberries, ollalieberries, apples and more.
In this article, I will spotlight a particular “fruit stand” that I frequent when visiting family in the Sierra Foothills or headed up to the mountains themselves.
Located just off of Highway 80 just outside the town of Auburn, is Machado Orchards.
I consider Machado’s a medium sized fruit stand, and to me, that’s a good thing.
They are not necessarily visible from the highway unless they are flying some sort of inflated marker off their windmill in front, and the place is not exactly flashy. These are just two things that I like about it. Machado’s has the qualities of a great medium sized California fruit stand, and they have the history to back it up.
Machado’s roots go back to 1926 when the pear and plum orchard was purchased by Joe and Constance Machado. They have grown from there to also having a variety of apples, peaches, and nectarines. In 1980 they opened up a fruit stand on the property in Bowman, Ca.. Appropriately housed in a converted barn type building, you are quickly introduced to an assortment of seasonal offerings. There were bags of fresh okra that greeted you as you walk in, after that, tidy 5# bags of cherries, both Rainier and Bing (I was told came from Lodi). The Rainier, albeit my favorite, were a little pricey at the time, but the Bings were very reasonable, crisp and juicy as could be. There were also fresh peaches and apricots, new white corn. asparagus and much more. Is this enough to draw people from the highway? Maybe, maybe not.
This is why any self-respecting foodie will appreciate the other assets of Machado’s.
As is tradition with many medium sized fruit stands in California’s central valley, there are the displays of pickled and preserved goods. Olives of many varieties, pickled and peppered vegetables, preserves, jams and butters, honeys and sauces.
PHEEWWW!
Machado’s has them everywhere; I mean you could spend a good hour just taking stock of the different home brand labels. These things are perfect for that car camping trip at Donner, or a lunch after a ride on the foothills excellent biking paths. Have I mentioned the refrigerator packed with fresh Apple Juice?
Now for the real reason to go to Machado’s: Are you ready?
Fresh “Real” pies!! That’s right, glorious pie! I am one of those people that would opt out of cake for my birthday, if pie were an option. Machado’s does pie well.
The white board just outside the baking room is well worn, with the variety of pies listed and rubbed off as they sell out during the day. This is the main attraction to the medium sized fruit stand for many a local Placer County resident or visitor.
Of course, one could get off a few exits closer to town and pick up a $7.95 pie at Mrs. Calendars, but Machado’s makes the real deal. Hand rolled crusts, and FRESH LOCAL FRUIT. When we were there, they were preparing the fresh cherry pie, the little fruits are pitted and steamed on site and then piled up in a basin of home made dough ready to be baked to perfection. If you are around during the holidays, consider yourself schooled, you better order in advance!
If you find yourself headed east or west on Highway 80 by the Sierra Foothills, make a point to stop by, and tell them FoodieWest sent you.
Machado Orchards
Bowman Frontage Road & Apple Lane
Bowman, Ca.
530-823-1393
open from early May-December
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