It’s High Summer and The Peach Makes Its Debut!

The next superstar in the summer fruit lineup is the peach.  From late July through August peach season is upon us here locally.  The aroma and sweetness of a freshly picked peach is unmistakably summertime.  Growers at the Lansdale Farmers Market have a variety of delicious mouthwatering varieties available for you, including the donut peach.  A “flattened” variety that is extra juicy and great for camp lunches.

Peaches were originally cultivated in China over 4,000 years ago.  They came to our Gulf Coast in the 16^th century, and many of us are familiar the famous Georgia peach.  What makes peaches grown locally so special is that they can be harvested at the peak of ripeness.  Peaches imported from greater distances must be picked before they are fully ripe so they are firm enough to survive travel, but they can never quite achieve that tender sweetness of a locally ripened fruit. Peaches contain high amounts of Vitamins A, C, and Niacin, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and dietary fiber.

When choosing your fruit, look for peaches that are aromatic and soft, but not mushy or bruised.  Peaches that are not perfectly ripe can be left out on the counter, and can be stored in the refrigerator up to three days after they are fully ripe. 

While that first bite into a plump summer peach is one of the greatest joys of summer, there are many ways to enjoy peaches!  Cut peaches in half, remove the pit, and coat peaches with melted butter; and grill over a low flame for 8-10 minutes for a super sweet desert.  Slice peaches and serve with vanilla ice cream and pound cake.  Peaches make great jelly and also can well.  Combined with mangoes and pineapples, they make a great tropical smoothie.

A number of the Lansdale Farmers’ Market vendors offer a variety of peaches and peach products, including Peach Wine from Cardinal Hollow Winery.