For over eighty years, the bounty of the Lucchetti family farm has been shared at their Lodi farm stand, The Fruit Bowl. We chatted with Ralph Lucchetti and his son Andrew to learn more about why their family business is a beloved part of the local community – and worth the detour for anyone passing through. 

Farming for good old-fashioned flavor

The Luccheti family prides itself on farming for good old-fashioned flavor. Ralph’s parents started the business in 1947, after a house fire forced the family to relocate. The Lucchettis moved to a nearby property with 9 acres of peaches, walnuts and plums. When the first freestone peaches were ripe and ready to harvest, Ralph’s mother set up a table on the side of the road to sell the fresh fruit. She was overwhelmed by the positive response and continued to sell the family’s stone fruit to friends, neighbors and hungry travelers. Over time, that small roadside table evolved into The Fruit Stand. Today, the family’s orchard has expanded to include many different types of stone fruit, as well as a garden where they grow basil, tomatoes and flowers. Ralph elaborates, “We grow about 65 varieties of freestone peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, basically in the same manner they were grown then.”

Picking produce at peak ripeness and selecting varieties for flavor rather than shelf-life are ideals the Lucchetti family is proud to uphold.  They have, however, adopted new practices over the years to improve efficiency and sustainability while maintaining their commitment to quality.

“We were one of the first to switch to microjet sprinklers back in the 80s,” Ralph notes, “also, one of the first in our area to use pheromone traps.”

The freshest produce, harvested daily

Offering the only freshest, sun-ripened produce is always the family’s priority. The family harvests fruit daily, picking only what they need to stock the fruit stand’s shelves. Ralph explains, “We harvest X amount of fruit every morning for that particular day…we guess. And if we should be running low on something, we’ll run out and pick another four or five buckets.” 

The Lucchetti family relies on another old-fashioned farming technique to determine when their stone fruit is ripe – a simple taste test. “We pick it when it’s ripe and sweet – picked the same day from tree to table.” Ralph flashes a mischievous smile and adds, “We like the juice to run down to your elbow when you eat them.”

Heirloom stone fruit + farm-fresh produce

Ralph and Andrew note that much of the produce found at farm stands like The Fruit Bowl simply isn’t available at your local grocer. Because the Lucchetti family’s produce is typically picked and purchased the same day, they don’t have to worry about things like shelf life or whether the produce will bruise during shipping. Ralph explains, “You can only get a lot of these varieties at small farm stands. A number of them are heirloom varieties that you don’t even see anymore because they’re too delicate.” 

When customers ask about how long his stone fruit will keep, Ralph relies on one simple response. He grins and says, “I say, don’t keep them. Eat them – and come back in a couple of days and get some more.”

While much of the produce sold at the fruit stand comes from the Lucchetti’s family farm, they also showcase select fruits, vegetables and nuts from trusted neighboring farms. Andrew notes that this allows visitors a better understanding of the region’s agricultural abundance. “The other fruit that we have is from our neighbors, our friends, local growers in the area,” Andrew explains. “We can provide a unique bounty from the area because it’s a very unique climate in this Stockton area.”

Seasonality: At the heart of your Fruit Bowl shopping list

Part of the beauty of shopping at local farm stands is that the selection of produce is always changing. Ralph admits that some customers do struggle with the concept of seasonality. Relaying a recent conversation with a customer, he laughs, “She asked when we were going to have cantaloupes and plums… and I said, ‘when they get ripe.’” 

According to the family, customer favorites include cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, pies, baked goods, and milkshakes. Calling out a personal favorite, Andrew adds, “If you come to the Fruit Bowl when freestone peaches are in season, I recommend you get those.” Once you’ve filled your basket with fresh fruit, the Lucchetis suggest stopping into the bakery and ice cream shop. Referring back to his early comment, Andrew notes, “At that same time, we’ll have some fresh peach milkshakes available and pies, of course.”

Peak produce season at The Fruit Bowl winds down in September, but customers will still find a selection of locally grown dried fruits, nuts, olives and more. Once fall rolls around, the bake shop becomes the main attraction. Andrew states, “At our bake shop, we have pies and pastries, ice cream and gelato and sandwiches as well.”

Many of the made-from-scratch baked goods and ice cream feature seasonal fresh fruit during the summer months and frozen fresh fruit later in the year. Ralph adds, “We’re open till Christmas Eve because of the bakery, people wanting pies and goodies for the holidays. It’s evolved into a very strong part of our business.”

Join The Fruit Bowl Family

One of the things Ralph and Andrew love best about their job is the relationships they form with their customers. “Well, I love the camaraderie,” Ralph says, “the people that have become friends.” Andrew interjects, “I’d say one of the things that makes it interesting and enjoyable is meeting people every day. The repeat customers you get to know, they’re someone that you look forward to seeing every week because you know they come on a Saturday at this time.” Andrew and Ralph look at each other, both smiling. Then, Andrew wraps up our conversation with a final remark: “What makes The Fruit Bowl so special is that when you come here, you’re part of the family.”

Visit The Fruit Bowl

Are you ready to join The Fruit Bowl Family? Visit their Lodi fruit stand!

8768 E. Waterloo Rd., Stockton, CA 95215

(209) 931-1196

May 1 through December 31st | Open daily: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Article and photography by Hilary Rance.