D.E. Boldt & An Old Story That Speaks To Today

In searching for a grower to introduce to you this week, we knew that showcasing David and Dorothy of D.E. Boldt, their gorgeous historical property in Parlier, CA., and the stunning stone fruit this multi-generational grower produces, is aptly timed. The best of their season is currently being plucked from their orchards.

However, what we did not anticipate was the discovery of a blog post from a few years back that perfectly speaks to the humanity that we are all called to express in this very moment. Their account of Dorothy’s grandfather’s aid to a fellow grower in need really strikes a chord.

“Over a handshake, Dorothy’s grandfather, Reinhold Ewy, agreed to see to it that the neighboring Katsura farm would be taken care of.”

Below is an excerpt from their blog that details the family’s support of Gensuke Katsura, a naturalized citizen from Japan, during the summer of 1942 as Western States interred 120,000 people in relocation camps.

“Over a handshake, Dorothy’s grandfather, Reinhold Ewy, agreed to see to it that the neighboring Katsura farm would be taken care of.

When the war was over and the Japanese-American families returned, Mr. Ewy and Mr. Katsura sat down to review the detailed account of the income and expenses Mr. Ewy had kept. Mr. Ewy was shocked, however, when Mr. Katsura said there was an error in his record keeping. Mr. Katsura had noticed that no payment to Mr. Ewy for his services had been recorded. Mr. Ewy simply replied that he would not make a single penny profit from this horrible injustice that the United States had done to his friend and good neighbor.”

The story in its entirety can be found here.

There are not enough words of appreciation for Reinhold Ewy’s integrity amidst such unspeakable crimes perpetrated upon Japanese-American citizens during that dark chapter of our Nation’s history. May his actions guide us all as we navigate the ongoing challenges laid before us.

Fast forward nearly 80 years and Dorothy and David, along with their three sons, Alex, Nicholas and Peter, are the 4th and 5th generations to farm this land. Honing their craft year after year, they have selected the best varieties of organic peaches, nectarines and plums that yield some of the tastiest stone fruit that California has to offer.

Guided by the philosophy that their fruit should be prime for eating within one to two days, from grocery store to consumer’s kitchen, the Boldts keep the fruit on their trees as long as possible to allow it to set and the flavor to develop, before harvesting and rapidly transporting.

This season is proving to be a better year for stone fruit than last, despite some rainier than usual spring months. The fruit has developed slowly on their trees, while a shot of recent 90-degree temps is bringing out the deepest flavor possible.

D.E. Boldt provides stone fruit to OGC from May through August. Their Spring Blaze peaches are at their peak right now and will quickly dwindle, making way for late season nectarine varieties with stands outs like yellow Grand Brights and white Majestic Pearls. New to production this year is their Red Raze nectarine, which they have just finished harvesting. With its bold flavor, and full red shape, this nectarine is sure to impress. Their plums, including the perennial favorite Sitka variety, are also not to be missed.

OGC’s own Brian Keogh has spent years working with the D.E. Boldt ranch and notes, “This idyllic mid-sized farm cultivates some of the best truly tree-ripened stone fruit in the country. The quality of the fruit is only rivaled by the sweetness of their family.”

In addition to fine crafting their growing practices, they are also trying to stay ahead of the curve as both environmental resources and waste management concerns present themselves.

In an effort to lighten the burden on recycling programs that face mounting challenges, starting this season, D.E. Boldt produce will be shipped using clear plastic trays in boxes, as opposed to the black.

David also noted that “water availability is always a concern and we are transitioning additional acreage every year to more efficient micro-sprinklers, while at the same time maintaining our furrow irrigation systems for use when there is abundant surface water available which will preserve groundwater.”

OGC is proud of our 11-year partnership with D.E. Boldt and cherishes both their legacy and the future that this family of growers is cultivating.