GA Comfort Food Peachy-Keen On National Ranking

Georgia is monikered the Peach State for a reason, and the state's nationally-renowned peach cobbler is a dessert to be coveted.

Recently, two national lifestyle publications have honored the peach cobbler as Georgia's most mouthwatering comfort food. The traditional southern dessert was recognized via the partnership of Reader's Digest and Taste of Home.

"The Peach State sure lives up to its nickname, producing over 130 million pounds of the juicy golden fruit each year. Just imagine all the homey sweet cobblers that could make," they said about the popular dish.

The peach cobbler is no fried green tomato, another craveable southern favorite, but it was brought to the forefront a third time this year when Food Network deemed it as one of Georgia's most iconic foods.

Peaches have remained a staple of Georgia, dating back to the late 1500s, according to Explore Georgia.

The beloved fruit is not only the star of a tasty peach cobbler, but it can also be the main actor in jellies, relishes, salsas, yogurts, smoothies and fruit-flavored beverages. It also lends itself to another cherished dessert, ice cream.

Anyone wanting to get their hands on fresh peaches straight from the farm can visit Dickey Farms in Musella, Lane Southern Orchards and Pearson Farm in Fort Valley, Southern Belle Farm in McDonough or Penelope's Peaches in Newnan. (See a full list of restaurants and businesses known for their peaches or peach-inspired dishes across Georgia.)

Although peaches are supreme in Georgia, the fruit is not the official state food.

That title goes to Brunswick stew and cornbread, according to a WXIA-TV report. Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill this year deeming the former the state stew and the latter the state bread.

See the best comfort food for every state via Reader's Digest.