RALEIGH – Good news for peach lovers, the season looks good. Growers credit the unusually warm winter and plentiful spring rains for the abundant crop. Peach season typically runs from June to August.
“North Carolina growers produce 70 varieties, each with their own unique flavor,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Be sure to include peaches in your summertime plans.”
When selecting a peach, choose one with creamy to gold undertones and a well-defined crease. Peaches with green undertones should be avoided, as they will never fully ripen. They should be firm, but soft and have a good fragrance. Ripe peaches should be refrigerated in high humidity, while those that still need to ripen a bit can be set out at room temperature while it continues to soften and develop juices and flavor. Before eating a peach, wash and peel it, then remove the pit. A simple way to peel a peach is to dip it in boiling water for 30 seconds and then dip it in cold water. The peel should slide of easily.
During the next few weeks, there will be several events throughout the state to celebrate peach season:
• July 12 Peach Day at the State Farmers Market, Raleigh;
• July 20 Peach Day at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax and
• July 21 Peach Festival in Candor, NC.
The festival, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include peach cooking contests, a 5K run, a parade and plenty of peach samples, desserts and ice cream. The Peach Day events at the farmers markets will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include peach recipe contests, samples and lots of fun.
For more information about the peach festival, visit www.townofcandornc.com. Information about Peach Day at the State Farmers Market can be found at www.statefarmersmarket.org or 919-733-7417, while information about festivities held at Piedmont Triad Farmers Market can be found at www.triadfarmersmarket.com or 336-605-9157.
Source: North Carolina Department Of Agriculture & Consumer Services
