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Peaches

Summer just wouldn't be the same without Georgia fresh peaches. With the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition, peaches can be enjoyed in appetizers, desserts and everything in between.

Peaches contain many important nutrients, including vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene which has been linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer, and riboflavin which is good for the eyes. They are also a goodsource of fiber. And, peaches are one of the lowest-calorie fruits, with virtually no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

Fresh Georgia peaches are available only 12 weeks each year, from mid-May to early August. In Georgia, there are two commercial growing regions. The central region of Georgia is the largest with about 70% of the peach trees and 83% of the state's production. The Southern region of Georgia has about 23% of the trees and produces 17% of the state's harvest.

Buyers Guide to Peaches

When selecting peaches, smell the fruit. The peach is a member of the rose family and should have a pleasingly sweet fragrance.
Look for a creamy gold to yellow under color. The red or "blush" of a peach is an indication of variety, not ripeness.
Don't squeeze peaches; they bruise easily.
Place firm peaches on the counter for a day or two and they'll ripen.
Promptly refrigerate ripe peaches, and eat them within a week of purchase.
To peel a peach, dip it into boiling water for 30 seconds, then in cold water. The peel should slide off easily.
To keep sliced peaches from darkening, add lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Best Ways to Enjoy Peaches

Fresh, out of hand as a sweet snack.
Peach halves topped with fresh berries make an easy, yet elegant fruit salad.
For a quick low-fat lunch, mix peach slices with low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese.
Grilling fresh peach halves with blueberries and brown sugar is a delicious dessert for a picnic or barbecue.
Blend peaches into frozen daiquiris, smoothies or shakes to cool down hot summer nights.
Top low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt or a slice of angel food cake with fresh peaches for healthy dessert.
Bake them into summer´s favorite fruity desserts: cobblers, shortcakes and pies.
Add fresh peaches to vanilla ice cream to create one of America´s all-time favorite ice cream flavors.
Add peaches to spinach or pasta salads.
Garnish desserts, main dishes and summer beverages with peach slices.

Fun Facts about Peaches

Peaches were first cultivated in ancient China.
Peaches were introduced in Greece around 322 B.C.
Today, peaches are a real bargain. In first century Rome, a peach cost the equivalent of $4.50; in Victorian England a peach cost the equivalent of $5.00.
Peaches were first grown in Georgia during the colonial period of the 1700s.
After the Civil War, Georgia peach growers developed superior new varieties which boosted the commercial peach industry and made Georgia the "Peach State."