The first HDF tasting of 2026

July 1, 2026

Despite a number of technical difficulties, the very first HDF tasting 2026 went very well. We were unable to get the live stream working for this event, so we opted to just record it locally to be uploaded later in the day.

However, it was a sweltering 94 degrees out, and even under the tent, the camera overheated after only 12 minutes. Unfortunately, most of the hybrids, and our commentary, were not captured. To further compound things, only two of our varieties today had ripe examples, as 4th of July weekend was not an option. It was difficult to plan when so many different varieties would be ripe at the same time. All in all, it wasn't so bad.

We had lots of fruit to try, some were rather meh (like Bigfoot this flush), some were pretty surprising (like #27). After collecting everyone's tasting forms, here are the major highlights:

Topping the charts for today's custom hybrids:

1.) Gator Tail\*\*\* (5 star average)
2.) Plum Crazy\*\*\*(4.5 star average)
3.) #27 (4.5 star average)
4.) Florida Man (4.25 star average)
5.) #42 (4.25 star average)
6.) Peachy Keen (4 star average)
7.) #60 (4 star average)

\*\*\* = Ripe example available

Denise also brought two outstanding fruit (Denise's pink lychee & Physical Graffiti) that were quite a treat. And Kim brought a No[ID] from San Carlos that really surprised everyone as well!

And on that note, I would like to show our appreciation of such an incredible tasting panel we had on Sunday!

Thank you: Debby LeBlanc, Kim Woodward Hadad,
Christine Lindsey, Christine Bihler,
Denise Jacobs, & Stephanye Whigham!