PASCO, Wash. – Stemilt’s Artisan Organic peaches have been touted as a “Best of the Season” item by Anthony’s Restaurants, a popular Northwest seafood chain, earning the delicious summer fruit several appearances on the restaurant’s menu this month.
The peaches, which are grown and packed by the Douglas family of Pasco, WA, are available at all 22 Anthony’s locations in dishes like Fresh Alaska Lingcod with peach-nectarine salsa, Peach Ice Cream with raspberries, warm Peach Slump and vanilla ice cream, and a refreshing Peach Cosmo or Peach Lemonade to sip alongside any one of them. Anthony’s Food Consultant, Sharon Kramis and Executive Chef Pat Donahue created these peach-inspired dishes in order to give patrons a taste of the harvest from family farms like the Douglas’s, located just miles from an Anthony’s Restaurant.
“Anthony’s highlights best of the Northwest seasonal products from local farmers beginning with fresh rhubarb in April. Fresh strawberries and berries are featured throughout the summer, finishing up with Northwest local favorite, fresh peaches! Peaches are the star of the show and are a great complimenting flavor to our fresh in season seafood,” says Executive Chef, Pat Donahue.
Anthony’s prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients all year-round. They even have their own wholesale seafood company in order to ensure consistency and quality with their main ingredient. Featuring locally grown and organic peaches from the Douglas family fits in well with the restaurant’s commitment to giving guests a pure Northwest dining experience.
The Douglas family has been farming since the early 1900’s and have grown peaches since 1980. They made the transition to organic farming back in 2007 and three seasons later, certified their entire crop of peaches and nectarines as organic. According to Jill Douglas, general manager of the family’s fruit packing company, Douglas Fruit, the move to organics has enhanced the flavor profile of peaches and nectarines.
“The use of organic compost for fertilizer has enriched the soil with nutrients, which brings the trees into balance from a horticultural standpoint. We also rely on beneficial insects, like ladybugs, to help control pest populations. Couple that with Pasco’s ideal climate and the result is peaches and nectarines with vibrant colors, high sugar levels, and just enough acidity that results in a flavor-first eating experience,” said Douglas.
The location of the Douglas family’s orchard is another point of differentiation for their peaches and nectarines.
“Stone fruit trees need warm temperatures during the day to develop sugars and cooler temperatures at night to reenergize. Our orchards are located in one of the warmest areas of eastern Washington but also at the confluence of three major rivers (Columbia, Snake, and Yakima) to cool trees down at night. This combination results in a climate that is perfectly suited for overcoming the challenges that come with growing peaches and nectarines organically,” Douglas said.
The Douglas family’s peaches and nectarines are sold by long-time marketing partner, Stemilt Growers, under their Artisan Organics label.
Artisan Organics peaches are in season now through September and will be featured at Anthony’s throughout the month.
About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and the largest supplier of organic tree fruits in the nation. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program.
About Anthony’s Restaurants
Anthony’s Restaurants is a family of twenty two unique restaurants located throughout the Pacific Northwest. The locally owned company traces its history to 1969 when founder, Budd Gould opened his first restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. Today, Anthony’s Restaurants is a privately held company owned by a partnership of Seattle natives, Budd Gould, the Gould family and members of Anthony’s senior management team. The company employs over 1,500 team members of which more than 200 have been with Anthony’s over 10 years and 60 having 20 or more years of service. They have 15 multi-generational families working with us including one three generation family.
Dedicated to giving guests a truly Northwest dining experience, Anthony’s has earned the reputation for the finest fresh seafood, perfectly prepared and expertly served with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value.
Source: Stemilt